Ralph at 80

This is the legendary singer/songwriter, Ralph McTell, on stage at the Royal Festival Hall tonight for his 80th birthday celebration concert. It was a solo show, no other musicians, no support act, and the packed audience was treated to selected songs from his huge back catalogue to take us through the events and influences that have waymarked his life. His voice is as warm and rich as ever and his guitar playing was intricate and seemingly effortless. He saved the one "hit" of his career- Streets of London- to second last of the set. That song is as relevant now as it was when he first recorded  it in 1969. Sadly the same sentiment applies to a number of his songs but, as he said, even though you may despair at the madness of the world that should not stop artists from giving expression to humanity in their work. A great evening - a thoughful and restorative way to start a year that may test us, and the values we hold dear, to the limit.