Story & photos by Dr. Michael Lim the Travelling GourmetTM
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The inspiring Travelling Gourmet goes to the “Two Durians” for the…
MOSAIC Film Festival sponsored by Hendrick’s Gin, brought in virtuoso performer and musician who writes all his own music & lyrics, the one and only Gilbert O’Sullivan.
Tonight on 11 March, 2013 at the Esplanade Concert Hall, he brought the house down and there was a standing ovation with jubilant cries of “Bravo” at his encore of “Alone again naturally” and “Get down!”. The enthusiastic audience of die-hard fans clapped till their hands hurt at his amazing performance of his own unique brand of music which comprises rock & roll, ballads, folk & countrymusic and even New Orleans ‘Cajun’ music. I loved his tribute to the innocent victims of 911 who in their final moments told their loved ones the simple yet poignant message “I love you”. I have always been a huge fan since my student days in England where he performed wearing the Geordie flat cap in front of a piano. At tonight’s performance, he came with 2 guitarists, a keyboard player, a Saxaphonist who also plays he flute and two curvaceous, voluptuous back up singers cum dancers. One in particular called Nina caught my eye for her provocatively sensuous moves…
When he sang “You’re a bad dog baby but I still want you around, around, I still want you around!”, he climbed onto the Roland keyboard he played and balanced precariously on it. I was worried he might fall down and do himself an injury, but thankfully he did not. The audience went wild with delight! It was his first time in Singapore and he even composed a song for Singapore.
His romantic classic “Happiness is me and you” brought tears of joy to my eyes. This virtuoso musician does not need fancy sets and special effects like Madonna or scores of dancers in skimpy outfits prancing about. His talent speaks for itself.
Gilbert O’ Sullivan was born in 1946 in Ireland but moved to Swindon in England in 1958 and was even an amateur boxer in his youth. In the 70s and 80s he topped the UK and US pop charts with songs of wit, love, romance and a world wise sardonic humour. In 1972, “Alone again naturally” topped the USA charts for 6 weeks and garnered 3 Grammy nominations! In the 21st Century, Gilbert is enjoying a career revival with his well received performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 2009.
Gilbert O’Sullivan, as one of your many fans, I salute you! You are a knock out!
Play on man!
{:-) Post Script: Before the performance I went to Loola’s for a pre-theatre set meal but that is another story…
The Travelling Gourmet 