Jimmy Nail made a triumphant return to the Glasshouse in Gateshead on Sunday evening, performing the second of his five sold-out shows at the venue. The Auf Wiedersehen, Pet star is touring the UK for the first time in 25 years, bringing his songs and stories from seven decades in show business to intimate venues across the country.
The 72-year-old initially planned just one show at the Glasshouse, but demand for tickets was so high that he sold out the venue five times. Chronicle Live attended the second of those shows on Sunday evening.
Stories and star-studded anecdotes
Nail opened with a formidable story, revealing that legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg inspired him to take his show to the people. This was the first of many household names he would mention throughout the evening, including Queen's Roger Taylor, The Beatles' George Harrison, Paul Simon, Madonna, and fellow Geordie icon Sting.
The evening was full of wit and humour, delivered with admirable humility. Nail commanded the 1,650-capacity venue for two hours with just a chair, a microphone, a pianist, and his anecdotes, captivating the audience from the first minute.
Songs and local pride
Nail worked through his catalogue of songs, blending music from his TV shows, films, and musicals with hits like Crocodile Shoes, Cowboy Dreams, and Love Don't Live Here Anymore. He got the crowd involved with his number one single Ain't No Doubt, splitting the room into female and male parts, with some over-exuberant shouts of 'she's lying' drawing laughs.
His delight at being back in the region was evident throughout. He referenced his beloved Newcastle United by reminding the audience they could go fourth in the Premier League table with a win over Coventry City on Monday evening, before taking a sip from a black-and-white mug.
A powerful finale
Nail finished with his hit record Big River, a powerful rendition that visibly moved him and brought tears to many in the room. It was a fitting end to a show that took the audience on a journey through time, but Nail's star shines bright in the here and now.
