When I was growing up, the English Art-Pop and Rock band 10cc were to me one of those super groups reserved to be admired by older, more male musicos and far too arty and cool for the younger gals like me! Such was the musical elitism of the local boys’ school! So even though I had heard their most popular hits, such as 'I’m Not in Love', I rather thought that they were off limits generationally to me. Indeed, five years or more when you are younger seems like the next musical generation, although now fast forward to the present, where I imbibe multi-generational musical genres on my own independent terms!

So when I was asked to photograph the legendary composer, lyricist, guitarist, bassist and founder of 10cc, Graham Gouldman, for a special evening where he talked about the songs and influences that shaped him, I instantly warmed to his affable warm personality and success story from modest beginnings in Manchester, and went home and made sure that I snapped up that night one of the last pair of stalls seats in the iconic Royal Albert Hall.

I was incredibly fortunate and am so grateful to Graham’s promoter Kennedy Street Enterprises for the press pass (one of two) enabling me to share with you this stellar gig at this historic venue as part of their “Another Bloody Greatest Hits Tour”. Of course 10cc have a worldwide following, indeed my cousin thoroughly enjoyed seeing them in Perth. I was also so lucky to have a seat at the front of the stalls behind the mixing desk, as I was only permitted to capture photos at the back of the arena, either side of the mixing desk. Indeed, this was a good representation of my own view, when I took my seat after their first three songs, and hope that my photos reflect the essence and atmosphere of this classic supergroup!

The evening began with an impressive, edgy visual show, that closed in on Gouldman himself, after historic photos of Eric Stewart, Lol Creme and Kevin Godley, which was followed by their enchanting opener 'Neanderthal Man'. As I continued to fill the frames, what struck me on hearing their next two songs, 'Son of Man' and 'The Second Sitting for The Last Supper', was how intelligent and fresh 10cc’s music and sound still is.

Indeed, during a sparkling 90 minute set, 10cc’s tunes were timeless, demonstrating artistry in both their music and lyrics, straddling across the generations. The ageless and magical Gouldman fronted on bass and guitar, as well as lead/backing vocals, wearing his sharp suit like the sophisticated Rock songsmith that he is. His narrative and engagement with the audience was also warmly offered and received.

On lead guitar and vocals, Iain Hornal also delighted with his energy and enthusiasm, as did Rick Fenn, thoroughly enjoying himself on guitar. Adding a very welcome musical dimension to their set, Keith Hayman performed with an intensity on keyboards, as did Andrew Parkes playing some layered additional percussion, while superb drummer Ben Stone did not drop a beat.

As each number segued seamlessly into the next, their classics set list featured the inherent, power and catchy tonality of 'Art for Art's Sake', as well as 'Life is a Minestrone', 'The Things We Do For Love', 'I’m Mandy Fly Me' and of course, 'I’m Not in Love', that saw the whole venue singing away. Other highlights included 'Dreadlock Holiday' that had me itching to dance, of which most of the arena duly obliged, plus an excellent acapella version of 'Donna', and finally the closer, 'Rubber Bullets', with its verve rocking the Royal Albert Hall.

A genre defying band, crossing themes of Art House, Prog Rock, Rock, Reggae, Romantic, traditional Barbershop falsetto and Smooth Rock, this evening was tightly curated with all of the musicians at the top of their game. The dedicated, ultra professional, Royal Albert Hall sound and lighting engineers also deserve maximum credit too! 10cc you were outstanding! Thank you for your music and for the privilege of photographing you too!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester