An Evening with John Barry (2006)

AN EVENING WITH JOHN BARRY
Music by John Barry
Main program conducted by Paul Bateman
GOLDFINGER and WE HAVE ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD conducted by John Barry
Music performed by the English Chamber Orchestra and The Ten Tenors
September 28, 2006
Royal Albert Hall
London, England

PART 1: SOME BACKGROUND

When John Barry’s concert to promote his latest album ETERNAL ECHOES was cancelled in 2001, I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I would never be able to see my hero live in concert.

Fast forward to 2006 when it was suddenly announced that Barry would be having a concert with The Ten Tenors at the Royal Albert Hall (RAH) to promote their latest album, HERE’S TO THE HEROES.

As soon as tickets went on sale, I made a direct long-distance call (remember those?) from Japan to the RAH box office in hopes of booking the best seat possible.

The Gods were definitely smiling on me that day when I was told that I’d gotten a seat dead-center in the front row. Needless to say, I was absolutely ecstatic!!

PART 2: PRE-CONCERT – MEETING JOHN BARRY

On the day of the concert itself, I thought I would mope around the stage door in hopes of meeting Barry. As I got there very close to the concert starting time, I was pretty sure my chances were slim of running into him, but low and behold, Barry suddenly rolled up in a black Mercedes with his wife in tow.

Barry patiently signed for the few lucky fans waiting around with me. I had the jacket for the FSM release of ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND with me which Barry kindly personalized.

I do remember wishing that I’d brought the jacket for the Gold MasterDisc of OUT OF AFRICA instead since the artwork has a nice space for an autograph, but I didn’t want to risk losing or damaging it since that release – even then – was quite rare.

But no matter! Anything signed by Barry is precious and to be forever treasured.

Another surprise was waiting for me inside the RAH. As I made my way to my seat in the front row, I was pleasantly surprised to find a promo album sampler disc of HERE’S TO THE HEROES on my seat! From memory, only random seats in the arena section received this little gift, so again, I was extremely lucky.

PART 3: MEMORIES OF THE CONCERT

When Barry finally walked out on stage to conduct his first piece, GOLDFINGER, my heart was pounding with excitement. And from where I was sitting at the center of the front row, it really did feel as if Barry was conducting the music that had defined my life, just for me.

Barry only conducted two pieces that night, but my, were they something. You really cannot measure or describe how special it is to see your favourite composer conduct or perform their own music live – it’s pure magic.

My favorite piece of the night not conducted by Barry was “All Time High” from OCTOPUSSY. I adore this melody – it just drips of romance and longing in Barry’s inimitable style. The concert arrangement, which was the same as the arrangement on MOVIOLA II, was just tops.

The suite from FRANCES was another piece that I had longed to hear live ever since I first heard the soundtrack. The last track, “Home Again; Things are Going to be Slow From Now On,” had been on repeat for months when I first got the CD.

From the moment the lone flute solo began to the slow performance of the main theme on strings, I was holding my breath in anticipation for what was about to come: the first entrance of the theme on piano. Every Barry fan knows exactly what I’m talking about, and every Barry fan will agree that this part of the suite is simply sublime.

Two new Barry/Black songs were performed later in the concert including “There’ll come a day” and “Tick the days off one by one.” The heavy, wall of sound approach from The Ten Tenors didn’t really lend itself well to these songs, but at least the gorgeous melodies and poignant lyrics came through. I know it’s impossible, but I would love to hear a Nic Raine-orchestrated version of these songs someday…

My lasting memory of the concert is of the final standing ovation. As the audience cheered and roared their appreciation for Barry and his superlative music performed that night, we exchanged glances for the very briefest of moments. Normally, I would turn away in embarrassment or blush as I did when Sophia Ragavelas looked at me during one of her songs in BRIGHTON ROCK, but this time I did NOT flinch – not even for a millisecond. Having Barry look me straight in the eye after delivering two hours of music that had defined every significant moment in my life meant the absolute world to me. In a way, it felt like acknowledgement – that my feelings had been real, and that this was the composer that had understood them and wrote them out as notes on a score.

PART 4: MAKING A FOOL OF MYSELF (WHAT’S NEW?)

As expected, a huge crowd of fans gathered outside the stage exit after the concert. Members from the English Chamber Orchestra started coming out one by one. Among the line of people coming out was someone I thought to be the conductor, Paul Bateman.

Thinking it was him, I approached and said, “Mr. Bateman, thanks for the great concer…”

He immediately cut me off and quipped, “Sorry mate, I’m just the drummer.”

Woops 😊

After what felt like an eternity, Barry finally came out with his wife. He looked exhausted yet pleased that so many fans had stayed behind to see him. Being highly protective of her husband and his health, Barry’s wife thanked the fans and asked them to contact the record company, Warner Music, if they wanted an autograph. They then quickly hopped into their car and left.

Did anyone actually contact Warner Music and successfully get something signed by Barry? I’m not sure if anyone did…

PART 5: POSTSCRIPT

Sadly, John Barry would pass away five years after this concert.

I often look back on this day and meeting Barry with deep pride as I was able to fulfil my lifelong dream of seeing him conduct live in concert.

At the same time, I also feel a deep sense of sadness knowing that it was also the last time I saw him.

In any case, I am extremely lucky to have met John Barry – twice in fact – but even luckier to have discovered his timeless music.

RIP, John Barry (1933 – 2011)

PART 6: ANOTHER REPORT PAGE

For a fantastic summary page with lots of photos and the full concert setlist, please visit this website.

PART 7: OVER TO YOU

Did you also go to this concert? How did you like it?

And what did you think of my report? Feel free to comment below or reach out to me directly in the “Contact Me” section.