Neil Sedaka, Symphony Hall, Birmingham - review
Billed as possibly his last tour around the UK, American singer songwriter Neil Sedaka bought his ‘I Do It For Applause’ tour to a packed Birmingham Symphony Hall last night.
After having an impressive sixty year career that has seen him go from being one of the first teen sensations in the 50’s, a successful songwriter for himself and other artists in the 60’s and a superstar in the 70’s, Sedaka performed with just himself and a piano to highlight his talents as both a performer and songwriter.
Opening the show was a fabulous Irish songwriter Jack Lukeman, who makes his return to the city for a headline show at mac Birmingham on November 3rd.
Taking to the stage and sitting at his grand piano, Sedaka took the crowd on a two hour journey of tracks and stories from across his career including ‘Laugher in the Rain’, ‘Oh Carol’, ‘Solitaire’ and ‘Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen’.
Aided by the fantastic acoustics of the Symphony Hall, Sedaka’s voice and piano playing was as clear as on record with his voice barely ageing a day. It’s also a credit to his lengthy career that the age range within the audience spanned from grandparents to grandchildren.
Sedaka told tales of not being recognised in China despite the tour guide singing one of his songs as well as writing love songs to Carole King, which all bought understanding and a new-found appreciation to his songs.
Returning to the stage for a multitude of encores, it was clear that Sedaka now lives for and takes joy in the performance. A true song writing legend, if he wasn’t to return to the city again then this can certainly be considered a triumphant way to bow out. But I have a feeling he just won’t be able to stay away.
