Back when we were kids, Gilbert O’Sullivan was big. In 1972 he sold more records than Elton John and Rod Stewart and was heading for the big time. He created an odd ‘character’, featuring old-fashioned clothing, short hair and a pub piano.
He had huge hits including ‘Alone again, naturally’, ‘Nothing rhymed’ and ‘Get down’ during the 1970s but then he disappeared. Whilst Lindsey was enjoying his ballads as well as his more upbeat numbers, I was less keen, regarding him as un-cool. Coolness is very important for teenage boys.
A drawn-out dispute with his record label meant that he disappeared for a few years and when he returned the world had moved on: 80s music was all synthesisers and sharp suits. But Gilbert has continued producing new records the whole time, but to much smaller audiences.
And secretly, over the past few years, I have grown to like his music while at the same time he has become less uncool. Having abandonned the urchin character he now performs just as himself: a 70-something Irishman with a great voice, lots of hair and even more energy.
And so it was that we found ourselves in Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall, preparing to enjoy a couple of hours of songs old and new. The format was simple - just Gilbert on vocals and keyboard with Bill Shanley on a range of guitars.
The voice is as strong as ever and pitch perfect. This was real singing and playing with no room - and no need - for auto-tune.
We absolutely loved it.