The distinguished musician and songwriter, Gilbert O’Sullivan, born in Waterford, fondly remembered his late mother, May, as he received the Freedom of his birth city and county on a recent Wednesday evening. Despite having a successful global career spanning 50 years during which he has performed on numerous worldwide stages, the 77-year-old, now a Jersey resident, admitted to never having addressed an audience.
Praised by a multitude of performers including Nina Simone, Paul Weller, Gary Barlow, and Tim Burgess, the thrice-recipient of the Ivor Novello award, expressed his joy at joining the ranks of esteemed personalities such as Val Doonican and Brendan Bowyer, previous recipients of the Waterford Freedom accolade.
In his affectionate narration, Gilbert mentioned his mother’s prosperous confectionery business in Waterford and his father’s employment with Clover Meats, reminiscing their family’s move to Swindon, England, following a job offer his father received. He believes his mother, who lived past her 90s, would have been profoundly thrilled to witness him being honoured.
Waterford’s Mayor, Joe Conway, praised O’Sullivan’s indelible influence in the music industry, broadcasting that the artist’s value not only lay in his enduring career but in the profound impact made on music, arts, and those fortunate enough to chart his journey. Cllr Lola O’Sullivan, who proposed last December that Gilbert receive the tribute, claims him to be among Waterford’s finest. Gilbert’s distinctive melody, wit, and fantastical humor have not only gained him world recognition and critical acclaim, but have also led him to be celebrated as a brilliant singer-songwriter by a wide array of artists.
Cllr Joe Kelly, who backed the motion, pointed out that O’Sullivan’s journey has taken him from Cork Road in Waterford to the Royal Albert Hall, Glastonbury, and countless destinations in between. His unique aesthetic, featuring a bowl cut and short trousers influenced by his love for silent film, captured the attention of a professional manager and resulted in his first contract. Kelly emphasised O’Sullivan’s fifty-year-long celebrated career, filled with worldwide performances and countless accolades, as the reason why he was worthy of the honour that evening.
O’Sullivan started his career with his 1970’s single, Nothing Rhymed, which debuted successfully in both the UK and Europe’s top 10 charts. That was followed by Alone Again (Naturally) in 1972, a six-week chart topper in the US, clinching three Grammy nominations. Throughout his career, he’s had six number one UK hits and 16 singles in the UK’s top 40.
More recently, O’Sullivan has been sharing stages with other musicians at the BBC Proms in the Park. He’s also made three appearances at Glastonbury, including a performance on the main stage, and has conducted numerous tours in locations ranging from the UK and Ireland, to Europe, Japan and Australia.