It has been many years since I saw Barbara Dickson. 48 years to be exact. At the time she had just hit the charts with her first big success “Answer Me” and was the opening act for Eric Clapton at a multi-act concert at the Crystal Palace Bowl, London. The time before that she was the singer in a musical based around The Beatles, written by Willy Russell, John Paul George Ringo and Bert. Barbara performed many Beatles’ songs in that musical. That was around 1974 and I saw the musical at Sunderland Empire. I checked my blog for an entry on the musical and was surprised to find that I had not written about it. A schoolboy error which I must rectify one day soon.
Barbara has appeared around the region many times over the years and I have always meant to go and see her but for some reason, I never did. As this was her farewell tour I figured I should go along and see what the lady was like in concert on this last opportunity. The Glasshouse announced the show: “Theatric. Passionate. A triumphant finale. Legendary Scottish singer, songwriter, musician and actress Barbara Dickson has announced her Farewell Tour with her full band. In her own words ‘I played my first headline tour with full band in 1977. Now, in 2024, I’ve decided to make this one my last. A memorable occasion and a suitable celebration is required. Come and join us to make this tour the most special of all.’ Throughout her career Barbara has achieved countless accolades including two Olivier Awards for her role in Blood Brothers and Spend Spend Spend plus she was awarded an OBE from Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II in 2002.”
I had in my mind that Barbara would be a blend of pop, folk and musical theatre. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This lady has had a fantastic career which started in the folk clubs of her native Scotland and progressed through chart single hits into musical theatre. She told us that the first time she played in the region was at a concert at Newcastle Guildhall in 1971 alongside the legendary Sandy Denny. Now there is a great concert I missed out on. Her performance was in two parts with a short interval. She started at 7:30 PM sharp and the concert finished just after 9:30 PM.
The songs she performed were a mixture of her hits and some which harked right back to her folk club roots and were very traditional. A great performance with a wonderful mixture of tunes. Barbara was accompanied by an excellent band of musicians, including a guy who played a beautiful Scottish pipe. No photography was allowed. During the interval I purchased a couple of programmes and a tea towel! I also invested in a double Jack Daniels which always adds to the sense of occasion.
I am so glad that I took this last opportunity to see Barbara Dickson. I really enjoyed the mix of songs which included the aforementioned “Answer Me”, other hits and well-known tunes “January, February”, “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” and traditional folk songs such as “The Witch of Westmerlands”. She also performed a number of covers including a great version of Dylan’s “The Times They Are a–changin’” and several Beatles songs. She explained that the Beatles figured strongly in her concerts because she had sung their songs throughout her career starting with the aforementioned musical John Paul George Ringo and Bert and an album of Beatles songs which she recorded in the 1990s. Excellent renditions of “If I Needed Someone”, “Tomorrow Never Knows” during the first set and “Across the Universe” in the second set. Perfect.
Many thanks to Jan for photographing the merchandise and Chris for helping me manoeuvre the site.
Setlist: Set 1: Moonlight and Gold; Easy Terms; Reynardine; Willy’s Drown’d In Yarrow; Answer Me; Google for Goodnight, I’m Going Home; The Laird O’ The Dainty Dounby; If I Needed Someone; Tomorrow Never Knows.
Set 2: Lammas Moon; Faithless Love; The Witch Of Westmerlands; My Own Adventure; The Times They Are A-Changin’; Another Suitcase in Another Hall; January, February; Across The Universe.
Encore: MacCrimmon’s Lament; Caravans.
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by TerriersFan on February 18, 2024 at 5:00 pm
I have always enjoyed listening to her stuff.
I have a ‘Best of…’ LP, the ‘Chess’ double, and she is also on another Musicals compilation album that I own.
You’re lucky to have seen her, Peter.
I’m glad that you enjoyed the gig.
Roger 🤘👍
Posted by vintagerock on February 18, 2024 at 5:24 pm
Thanks Roger she was absolutely great. I was surprised at the mixture of songs. Maybe I should buy the best of LP! Happy days Peter
Posted by tone17d0b3f8881d on February 18, 2024 at 5:01 pm
I saw John, Paul, George, Ringo & Bert at Sunderland Empire too, must have been in the early 70s when I was a student nurse. I enjoyed it very much, didn’t realise Barbara sang in it.
There was a very nice Indian restaurant nearby the theatre where we would enjoy a curry before or after shows, I
would be interested to read your memories of the Empire & play.
Posted by vintagerock on February 18, 2024 at 5:22 pm
Hi I also used to go to the same Indian restaurant up the small walkway opposite the Empire. I shall write a blog about the musical soon. I can’t remember much however 🙂 Peter