GILBERT O’Sullivan was born in Waterford and moved to Swindon, England with his family aged 7. After forming and joining local bands as a drummer/vocalist, he started writing his own songs, heavily influenced by The Beatles as writers and Bob Dylan as a performer.
Gilbert became the superstar who topped the UK and US single charts in the 1970s with songs of endearing tunefulness, unabashed sentiment and existentialist musings. Today, the singer-songwriter continues to be regarded with tremendous affection and his songs remain well-loved around the world.
His new album ‘Driven’ was released in July via BMG produced by Andy Wright (Simply Red, Massive Attack, Simple Minds).
The lead single ‘Take Love’ features guest vocalist Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall.
Commenting on the collaboration, KT Tunstall said: “I was thrilled when Gilbert asked me to join him for this track. He is an incredibly talented artist and all-around lovely guy – working with him has been an absolute joy.” Adding,” ‘Take Love’ is a real burst of sunshine, and we hope everyone enjoys it as much as we enjoyed making it!”
Gilbert released his first single on the MAM label, Nothing Rhymed, became a UK Top Ten hit in 1970. It was 1972’s Alone Again (Naturally) that sealed his fame, topping the USA charts for six weeks and garnering three Grammy nominations. Soon after, Gilbert O’Sullivan got his first three British number one hits with Clair, Get Down and LPBack to Front. Gilbert was named “Songwriter of the Year” at the 18th Ivor Novello Awards, clocked another UK Top 10 hit with ‘Why Oh Why Oh Why’ and in 1974 won a third Ivor Novello award.
More albums followed including the critically acclaimed Off Centre released by CBS in 1990 producing the international hit What’s In A Kiss as well as In the Key of G.
The 2000s saw Gilbert enjoying a career revival with The Berry Vest of Gilbert O’Sullivan returning him to the UK Top 20 in 2004, Gilbertville (2011) enjoying success in the UK and Japan where in 1994 he had a number 1 with the song Tomorrow, Today, and well-received performances at the 2008 Glastonbury Festival and London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2009. In 2012 his compilation entered the UK album charts at Number 12 Gilbert O’Sullivan: The Very Best Of – A Singer & His Songs (2012).
Gilbert O’Sullivan is as creative now as he has ever been across an outstanding career, the past few years have seen Gilbert O’Sullivan showcase many sides of his musical personality. Be it live shows with his band, full orchestral performances in the UK and Ireland or exploring Latin music on 2015’s Latin Ala G! album, the iconic songwriter has continued to look to the future while his famous back catalogue has, as ever, won him the respect and adoration of fellow musicians and audiences all over the world.
Gilbert O’Sullivan plays on Friday September 2 at Lime Tree Theatre.
