The resplendent retro setting of Cadogan Hall was a worthy London venue for this sold out date, which was part of Graham Gouldman’s Heart Full Of Songs Tour. It’s acoustics are world class, the seating is comfortable in the stalls, and the rich atmosphere encourages listening and attunement to the artist.

81 years young, he really is a national songwriting treasure, and up close as charming as he is on stage. Best known as the co-lead singer and bassist of the Art Rock band 10cc, he is proof that touring, making and playing music, as well as crucially giving such delight and entertainment to adoring audiences across the globe, is for him the elixir of youth.

Rightly rewarded in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours list, appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to music, Gouldman is an ultra-talented and respected songwriter who has contributed to, influenced and charted the course of destiny for many British artists. That as well as having the respect of his colleagues, friends, family and his loving wife. 

This show was significant with Gouldman’s commentary intertwined between the set’s songs as to their backstories. The detailed narrative was curious and compelling. Indeed, too much to expound upon, so go see and hear! Although golden nuggets did include his late, beloved father, an amateur poet and playwright from Manchester, who encouraged Graham to write, such as the stories behind 'No Milk Today', a hit for Herman’s Hermits, as well as The Yardbirds 'Heart Full Of Soul' and 'For Your Love', the latter of which became a global hit.

Graham also recounted with affection his song writing partnership with the late Andrew Gold, that spawned 'Heart of Gold' during his time with the group Wax. From the profound to the mundane, where Gouldman so scores is his ability to create a song on practically any topic. And for those audiences that did not grow up during The Hollies, The Yardbirds and Herman’s Hermits era, Gouldman’s offerings prove their enduring quality as they have osmosed into the national and international musical psyche.  

Tonight, Gouldman‘s semi acoustic master musicians accompanying him were superb. Comprising the super talented Keith Hayman on keyboards, guitars and vocals, as well as Andy Park on vocals, percussionist Ben Stone, plus the smiling Seb Wesson on Fender guitar, who had himself opened as support with his own melodic set.

From Soft Rock, Folk, full on Pop to global hits, tonight's extensive set list showed the variety of tone and score in Gouldman’s compositions, such as 'Pamela Pamela' to 'I’m Not In Love', 'The Things We Do For Love', 'Sunburn', 'Bus Stop', 'Bridge To Your Heart' to  the rousing, affirmational 'We’re Alive', to the wonderful 'Dreadlock Holiday'.

I urge you for feel good musicality, go see this living legend Gouldman! Indeed, this London date from Graham's Heart Full of Songs Tour was just that. A heartfelt, joyous, golden evening!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester