Two years ago when he headlined the Midlands Festival in Meath, Campbell dutifully delivered a greatest hits set, concentrating on the country crossover songs of Jimmy Webb. Pushing 70, he came across as a fading legend, whose best work was behind him.
Tonight the picture has changed dramatically – thanks to Meet Glen Campbell, a critically-acclaimed new album of contemporary covers and a band that includes a shit-hot young guitarist with a Marilyn Manson haircut. While there was still time for the obvious hits in the two-hour plus show, crowd-pleasers like ‘Galveston’ and ‘By The Time I Get To Phoenix’ were disposed of early on in the set. The new material blended seamlessly with his signature sound; he made songs as diverse as Foo Fighters’ ‘Times Like These’ and Travis’ ‘Sing’ all his own, while a stunning version of U2’s ‘All I Want Is You’ saw his voice reach emotional highs.
Campbell’s mastery of the electric guitar was in evidence on an extended solo on ‘Wichita Lineman’ and the 12-string jangle of ‘Southern Nights’, while he duetted lovingly with daughter Debbie on a pair of Everly Brothers hits, ‘All I Have To Do Is Dream’ and ‘Let It Be Me’. The over-played ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ was met with the predictable sing-along but far better was the follow-up hit, ‘Country Boy (You’ve Got Your Feet in LA)’.
For the final encore he stunned the audience into silence on a version of the Velvet Underground’s ‘Jesus’, proving conclusively that it’s never too late for an artistic renaissance!