60 years since Lulu hit the UK charts with Shout and, having turned 75 last year, it's time for the star to step back a little — but not before enjoying one final tour and a huge party. Michael Prince sampled the energy and all the big hits..
Support at the Royal Concert Hall tonight came from Kris James, with his name emblazoned in neon lights just to make sure everyone knew. It was not his first time here, having previously supported Will Young. He produces danceable pop, sang about dating, and did a wonderful, clear version of Cher's Believe. With a wave to a friend in the balcony he was clearly enjoying himself, readying everyone for the main event...
Throughout the weeks before this concert, I kept doubting why I was going, but reminded myself with the phrase "It's Lulu, why not?"
This was probably the biggest concert I've reviewed and the most well known, so I was a little nervous. I needn't have worried. Finding my seat I was aware I was slightly younger than most of the audience...
But it was quite exciting waiting for Lulu. Entering stage in a cream hoodie and sunglasses to her first hit Shout, the audience loved it, and she followed straight into Heatwave. What followed with the concert titled 'Champagne for Lulu' was a rollercoaster of her life and hits.
She thanked Paul McCartney and John Lennon for launching her career when they mentioned her as their recommendation of the week: Shout went to number 1 the week after. Can you imagine the music industry being like that now? Many of Lulu's hits have been collaborations or covers (as Shout was) and she recounted having a hit with The Boat that I Row, which was written for her by Neil Diamond.
Lulu lives for the music — and why not?
Lulu settled in to the show, at times emotional, at other times funny and enthusiastic. She was exactly as you'd expect her, still a powerhouse and rocket; she seemed to love telling us all about her life. It wasn't so much a concert as an audience with Lulu, where she delighted in sharing her stories. After 60 years, I guess she's got used to it and her skills in acting and presenting shone through.
Lulu loves to talk, in fact she said her dad used to ask if she would ever shut up. "I will never shut up," she said, reminding us that although this is her final tour, she is not going to stop singing and won't be going away. She told us she's been incredibly lucky, although she has worked hard throughout her career. Lulu lives for the music — and why not?
She had been surprised in 1969 that she won Eurovision with the song she liked the least out of the ones she played on her TV show and asked the audience for their favourites. Boom Bang-a-Bang was the audience favourite and went on to be the Eurovision winner and a big hit, too. She recalled that in her 40s she started writing with her brother, songs about homecoming from Glasgow, a move away from the light pop hits of earlier years. She dedicated To Sir, with Love to Sidney Poitier, with whom she also starred in the film of the same name. A beautiful song. And with that she lost an eyelash and the interval began whilst she sorted herself out and changed jackets.
For the second half of the show, she returned refreshed and wearing a silver sequinned jacket. She told stories about Bowie writing a hit song for her, which she sang with him: The Man who Sold the World, a song where he had told her the record labels and music industry didn't understand her, and of course he was right. Lulu also had a hit with Take That, which she sang tonight. It was amazing to hear such well-known songs that sound so different when streaming them; hearing them live, they achieved a whole different level.
Lulu is not one to stand on ceremony and she is direct in her views, but funny as well, as she recounted Elton John regularly phoning her.
Encouraging everyone to stand for the last few songs, not easy in a seated auditorium, the crowd responded with gusto. "You are the best, so much fun" she said. "It's not easy to be on the road when you are...76/ Time to move on and do things differently... bitter sweet. I have so much gratitude for all of your support."
A final encore of Shout and that was it... or was it? Luckily, as I was heading for my tram I was invited in to meet Lulu. Sitting with a legend and treasure for a photo and a chat about David Bowie.
What an evening!
Lulu performed at the Royal Concert Hall on 6th November 2024, with support from Kris James.
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