On Saturday afternoon, I grabbed my cameras, jumped in my car and headed to Cadogan Hall, just off Sloane Square, London. I had to get there early to meet my wonderful friend and absolute legend, Madeline Bell. I arrived at 2 pm and luckily found a parking spot right outside. This show was a celebration of Madeline's 80th birthday. This show was a big deal! It had clearly taken a lot to pull it all together. The mastermind behind the scenes was Matthew Jones, her conductor. He created this and did all of the arrangements and heavy lifting to make this happen. To quote Madeline, “Matthew did EVERYTHING”.

I was met at the stage door and shown to the main hall. I then crept quietly up to the balcony, I put my camera bag down and turned round to see Madeline rehearsing, and what I could hear was quite remarkable. Madeline’s voice is obviously spectacular. When you add Conductor Matthew Jones, the English Chamber Orchestra, a star-studded band, and Matthew’s amazing choir, I knew we were in for a special night. I also knew that the superb Ian Shaw was also guesting on a few songs with Madeline.

After the rehearsals had finished, we drifted backstage to the dressing rooms. At one point, I went in to say hello to Paul Gambaccini in his dressing room. We chatted for about an hour about so many interesting things. One of the things Paul was talking about was the fact that Madeline is from Newark, New Jersey, which most of us knew. Paul talked about what a special place it was for talent. So many great singers and performers came from there, and he named lots of them. Paul is from New York. The Bronx, to be precise, and he said that it had a similar talent pool as Newark. They have very different music but equally enormous names. I sat there thinking, well, I was born on Lower Clapton Road in the East End of London, and there is currently only one other person I know who is from there. That person is my mate, Tony Klinger, the film producer. He was born in the Salvation Army Hospital opposite my house, where I was born. But I can't sing a note and speak for Tony; maybe he can? We are more creative behind the lens than Newark, NJ and The Bronx musicians.

Whenever I post anything about Madeline, I want to tell everyone all about her life and what she has achieved. Quite a few of you would be shocked and amazed if you knew what she has done. Those of us who know Madeline also know that she loves to talk, as do I. So, when we get together, I always want to video it. I actually find it incredible how many great artists she has sung with and the songs she has sung on. As well as her phenomenal band, Blue Mink! She has been a very big part of music history for many decades and in some cases, sadly, and excuse the pun, an ‘UNSUNG HERO’ and not given the credit where credit is due. So, for anyone who doesn't know her history, start with a quick look at her Wikipedia page for a tiny view of her world.

The show began with the great Paul Gambaccini introducing Madeline and company. In between some of the songs, Paul sat with Madeline and interviewed her, which was fascinating. Paul has a wonderful interviewing technique, and Madeline is brilliant and hilarious too. The show ran for a few hours with a short intermission. I ran into David Stark & Lesley-Ann Jones during that break, which was lovely. The show was sold out, and it was so lovely hearing Madeline, with that choir surrounded by such talented musicians, all being controlled and directed by Conductor Matthew Jones.

I saw PP Arnold, Dave Clarke, and Bobby Crush in the audience, as was my friend Martin Chambers from The Pretenders. He and I had dinner with our mutual buddies, Glen Matlock, Chris Musto & Jim Lowe, the night before. So, after Madeline’s fabulous performance, I introduced Martin to Madeline. Sadly, I didn’t go to the after-party as it was getting late, and I know I have been overdoing it a bit lately, and I need to rest. I didn’t get home until 1:30 am anyway. It was an incredible show. Madeline performed some of her great hits and other beautiful songs too. A couple she was accompanied by the uber-talented Ian Shaw, including a couple from her time in Blue Mink, Melting Pot, The Banner Man and many other songs. I know that Madeline doesn’t do many shows in the UK. But she told us she will play at Crazy Coqs in London in a month or two. If I were you, I would rush to get tickets, as I would think they would sell out in five mins.

Here are a few photos from that night.

#MadelineBell #BlueMink #RollingStones #JohnLennon #EltonJohn #dustyspringfield #pinkfloyd #steviewonder #JoeCocker #jimihendrix