Friday, October 26, 2018

Just Gilbert, Gilbert O’Sullivan Live, Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, 23 October 2018.

Gilbert O'Sullivan celebrated 50 years in entertainment with a sell out extensive tour over the past 2 Years taking in most of the UK, Australia, various European Cities and of course his native Ireland, with his final show of the tour performing with the RTE concert orchestra in a sell out show at Dublin’s Bord Gais Energy Theatre in December 2017. The compilation ‘Essential Gilbert’ album released to coincide with the tour, featuring the classic hits from the 70s and 80s along with a selection of more recent album tracks, was a significant UK chart hit helping the now legendary singer songwriter to regain his rightful place in the pantheon of great composers of modern popular song. To coincide with the recent release of a brand new studio album entitled ’Gilbert O’Sullivan’ produced by Ethan Johns, Gilbert announced a further series of live performances, this time solo ’Just Gilbert’ shows in smaller more intimate venues across the UK, Japan, Denmark, the Netherlands and Ireland. The selection of the fast rising Pavilion Theatre in Dublin’s Dun Laoghaire was an inspired choice of venue with the sell out crowd enjoying a rare pared back but still brilliant Gilbert performance. Accompanied this time by a single musician, guitarist and long time Gilbert band member, Bill Shanley, Gilbert performed many of his classic hits, sharing the stories behind the songs with a delighted Pavilion audience. The signature big hits ‘Nothing Rhymed‘, ‘We Will‘, ‘Alone Again Naturally' and many others were beautifully delivered along with tracks from the new album such as ‘At The End Of The Day’, ‘I'll Never Love Again’ and the evocative and catchy ‘Dansette Dreams and 45's’, the latter emerging as a new fan favourite. This was a rare opportunity to witness a true artist without the backup of a brilliant band showing precisely why he has such an enduring appeal and loyal fan base across the world. His talent as a composer of great pop songs combined with his shy, reticent yet deeply entertaining live performer persona, ensures Gilbert O’Sullivan’s place in pop music history. The fact that he is still performing live to sell out crowds and continuing to write and record new music is evidence of just how special this man really is.