This review was originally written for The Public Reviews
42 years after he shot to fame with his hit single The Show Must Go On, British singer-songwriter and 70s music legend Leo Sayer returns to the UK for a rare and much anticipated tour in support of his latest album Restless Years.
With 16 hit albums and 26 hit singles to his name, Leo Sayer is one of the most successful acts the UK has ever produced. Best known for his army of hits including One Man Band (1974), Long Tall Glasses (1974), Moonlighting (1975) You Make Me Feel Like Dancing (1977) and When I Need You (1977), Sayer’s singing career has spanned four decades and still remains hugely popular worldwide.
The Restless Years tour sees Sayer perform some of this new material alongside his hits in a 25 date UK tour backed by his full band. The 90 minute set opens with a medley of hits starting with Train followed by More Than I Can Say, The Show Must Go On, Moonlighting and One Man Band. Sayer may be in his late sixties but the singer still capable of hitting his high range, showcasing his unique musical phrasing on new his tracks as well as his old favourites.
Midway through the set, Sayer performs a few songs from his new album Restless Years, including the opening track Beautiful Year and the comical yet catchy How Did We Get So Old. In between numbers, Sayer’s great rapport with the audience keeps everyone entertained, with the singer telling stories of his life and career, such as the time he fell off stage or when he spoke to Elvis on the phone the day before he died.
Unsurprisingly, the biggest reception is for his biggest hits, the Grammy award winning You Make Me Feel Like Dancing and the romantic ballad When I Need You. The atmosphere is also high for disco tracks Long Tall Glasses, Thunder in my Heart and How Much Love, with most of the audience on their feet for the encore of I Can’t Stop Loving You.
Sayer’s heyday may have been in the 70s but the powerhouse performer proves he’s still capable of captivating an audience even after 40 years. An entertaining performance by the music legend.
Reviewed on 10 September
Reviewer: Donna Kelly
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
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