The UK had just joined the European Economic Community (soon to become the EU) when Leo Sayer burst onto the pop scene dressed in a Pierrot costume and makeup singing The Show Must Go On in 1973.

The Show Must Go On was the first of seven consecutive top ten hits for Sayer, propelling him to stardom and his own BBC Saturday evening light entertainment show. By then he had ditched the fancy dress and instead sported an impressive Kevin Keegan style perm.

The peak of his career came in 1977 when Sayer had two consecutive number one hits in the USA with You Make Me Feel Like Dancing and When I Need You. When I Need You was also his first UK #1 after several near misses.

After a decade of success Sayers career stalled and he experienced a number of financial and legal problems including a court battle with his former manager, Adam Faith.

Now 70 and living in Australia, Leo Sayer is back in Britain for a short tour with this Robin 2 concert forming part of the Birmingham, Solihull & Sandwell Jazz Festival.

Now in its 34th year, the festival gets better every year and has developed into one of the undoubted highlights of the West Midlands cultural calendar. Many of the gigs are free (not Sayer’s, however) and provide a fantastic opportunity to sample a range of live music across the region. If you missed it this year don’t forget to look out for the 2019 event.

Before Sayer took to the stage the entertainment was kicked off by support act Dan Whitehouse, a Wolverhampton born singer/songwriter who’s beautiful, classic sounding songs have been described as ‘Black Country Soul’.

Leo Sayer was greeted enthusiastically by a large Robin 2 crowd and went straight for the jugular with Thunder in my Heart.

It was good to discover that age has not diminished his distinctive voice and that his hair, although not quite as impressively frizzy, has also survived the years. In fact, it has to be said, the man doesn’t look anywhere near 70!

Very ably supported by an impressively tight four piece band, Sayer launched into a sequence of hit after hit. One Man Band, The Show Must Go On, Moonlighting, Raining in my Heart, When I Need You, and many others followed each other in quick succession. I’d forgotten what a great back catalogue of hits this man has.

Almost as entertaining as Sayer’s singing was his interaction with his adoring fans. The likeable, easy going, bubbly personality that made him a natural for hosting his own TV show came across strongly as the audience showed him lots of love. The crowd was also in fine voice, singing along, word perfect, to each and every song.

The Robin is the perfect venue for a gig like this, especially when the audience is so enthusiastic and fired up to enjoy themselves. The atmosphere was sensational.

All too soon the show came to an end with a terrific encore of Just a Boy and I Can’t Stop Loving You. The chants of ‘Leo’ accompanied his departure from the stage to provide a memorable end to a wonderfully entertaining and enjoyable concert. We can’t stop loving you, Leo.

By GKH