Pop legend Lulu delivered an explosive, energy-filled one-off charity concert at the iconic Royal Albert Hall on Monday night, proving she still has what it takes after six decades in the music industry. The event, in support of Lulu's Mental Health Trust, featured a host of special guests and celebrated every era of her remarkable career.
A Night to Remember
Introduced by Graham Norton, Lulu took the stage with support from promising pop newcomer Gcielle. The crowd was treated to an irresistible walk down memory lane, with hits spanning from her first teen success 'Shout' to her Eurovision triumph and her iconic 1974 cover of 'The Man Who Sold the World,' produced by the late David Bowie. Bowie famously told Lulu she had a 'f*** of voice' and deserved a hit.
Other highlights included 'To Sir With Love,' which she recorded for the film starring Sidney Poitier and became the top-selling single of 1967 in America, and the Bond theme 'The Man With the Golden Gun' from the 1974 film.
New Album and Surprise Guests
Lulu also performed songs from her newly announced 16th studio album, 'Let The Girl Sing Out,' her first in over a decade, set for release on September 4 via The Orchard. The follow-up to 2015's 'Making Life Rhyme' shows she is far from finished.
Despite being 77, Lulu bounced around the stage with youthful energy, and her vocals remain powerful. She credits her strict tour regimen, including not speaking before noon, for preserving her voice.
The concert featured several duets: Delta Goodrem joined her for 'Boom Bang a Bang' and 'Eclipse'; Boy George performed 'Karma Chameleon'; her sister Edwina appeared; and Gary Barlow sang 'A Million Love Songs.' The biggest surprise came when Robbie Williams, Gary's former Take That bandmate, joined Lulu for 'Angels,' marking their first joint performance in a decade.
Grand Finale
The finale brought the house down as Lulu performed 'Relight My Fire' with both Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow, the first time the trio had sung the 1994 number one hit live together in 15 years. The entire venue was on its feet, transfixed.
From the tenements of Glasgow to Hollywood and the Royal Albert Hall, Lulu's journey has been extraordinary. If this triumphant concert is any indication, the flame-haired star is not done yet.
