Stepin out with my baby!

Last night I fulfiled a long held ambition to go and see Tony Bennett perform live. The venue was the Royal Albert Hall in London. It was the second of two concerts he gave in celebration of his 80th birthday. The hall was packed and he was greeted with a standing ovation when he came on stage. It was a simple affair, just himself and a three piece band. I was captivated from the start. He sang all his famous songs and some not so famous. Even at 80 years old he can still hold his own just singing heart out. I think the best bit for me was when he sang Fly Me to the Moon without a microphone. His voice just filled the hall, Amazing! In some of his numbers he even still manages to do a dance.

I was struck by the words in some of the songs and how they reflect a bygone era when values and peoples attitudes were different. Its not that long ago but how things have changed. I didnt know how Keith would get on with the music. I think on reflection he was as moved as me.

Tony Bennett remarked that they dont build venues like the Royal Albert Hall anymore. Indeed they dont and there arent that many people left like him who can fill such places and manage to perform and captivate audiences. Even more remarkable if you are 80 years old.