Paul Young in Ventspils, or: Nostalgia for the Past

When I stumbled upon the promotional article by chance, I was pleasantly surprised that a musician of such world standing would be performing right here in Latvia, and that tickets were available for a mere Ls 3. Of course, they were purchased without delay, and despite an overcast sky and concerns about unwanted rain (the concert was planned under open skies), on Saturday evening we headed to Reņķis Garden in Ventspils.

After half an hour of shuffling in the queue at one of the entrances, we finally got in - but couldn't find seats, as everything was already full or "reserved" with a bag placed on the neighbouring chair. Nothing for it: following the example of the listeners who remained standing, we too moved closer to the stage and waited for the 1980s star to appear.

First to take their places was the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, which provided a truly accomplished accompaniment throughout the concert - both to Paul Young's very popular songs such as Wherever I Lay My Hat, Come Back & Stay, Every Time You Go Away, Senza Una Donna, and to lesser-known ones in this part of the world. Then came the soloist himself, with three vocalists and accompanying musicians.

The British musician, despite his years (Paul Young was born in 1956), was just as charismatic and relaxed in engaging with the audience - but his voice had lost a good deal of the resonance of its younger years. Hats off, though, that he sang live without using a backing track (as some do, treating audiences like fools). The audience genuinely appreciated this, it seems - the applause rang out, and people swayed along to the music's rhythm. The ovations were above all for the nostalgic memories of that velvety vocal tone from the 1970s and 1980s recordings.

The result: mixed feelings. I don't at all regret having attended this concert and being able to listen and watch live. The uplifted atmosphere of the crowd carried one along, and the concert's two hours flew by unnoticed. Yet the sound gave one pause to think how merciless the years are - not only to our appearance, but also to our vocal cords. Perhaps truly great artists also bear a great responsibility towards their own art and should leave the stage when the time comes?

A glimpse of the concert: