Glen Campbell at Newcastle City Hall - review by Terry Kelly

Glen Campbell
City Hall,
Newcastle

SINGING legend Glen Campbell gave a brilliant farewell performance before an adoring Tyneside audience.

Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease earlier this year, the enduring 75-year-old country and pop star has decided to make his 2011 tour his last.

But while he was greeted with a standing ovation as soon as he walked on to the stage of the City Hall, the son of poor share-cropping parents from Arkansas ensured the concert was no mere sentimental exercise.

Without any signs of nervousness or confusion, he delivered a peerless performance, with all his prodigious singing and playing powers intact.

There were several 'goose-bump' moments, including Galveston, Where's the Playground Susie and a truly haunting version of Jimmy Webb's The Moon's a Harsh Mistress, Campbell washed by a single spotlight.

Songwriter Webb has played a big part in Campbell's career and his timeless Wichita Lineman was similarly greeted with rapturous applause.

Backed by the highly talented Instant People, which includes two of Campbell's sons and a daughter, the man from Arkansas also showcased songs from his new Ghost On the Canvas album, including A Better Place, which closed the show on an emotional, lump-in-the-throat high.

Glen Campbell left the stage for the last time in the North East to a deserved long standing ovation and loud applause ringing in his ears.

Terry Kelly