Ivors Week
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got on the plane last week to cross the pond. I had a feeling it would be a good trip but as it turns out that’s an understatement to say the least.
“Hello” is what I shouted when I walked onto the stage to play “What A Girl Wants” and “Bitch” at The Other Songs concert — a celebration of songwriting — at the London Palladium.
I had no idea I was going to be open the show 😳 which made me even more anxious than I already was. But as soon as I saw all those friendly faces looking back at me I knew it would be ok.
I remembered all the words to my songs and hit all the notes I wasn’t sure I’d hit but sadly, I clammed on Dmaj7. More than once. WTF Shelly?
But there are advantages to going first :
1- You get it over with and can then relax and have drinks.
2- You don’t have to fret about going on after someone amazing.
Next up Camille and JinJin — names that aren’t “household” in the states but they are in the UK. These gals are in all the most coveted writing rooms. Topline coming out of their pores.
And then Celeste, whose song “Strange” I fell in love (and obsession) with while walking near the ocean 2 summers ago, showed us her spirit was as gorgeous as the song.
The incomparable Bernie Taupin shed light on his lyric journey with Elton.
I know, I know. I was in seriously incredible company.
And then Cat (umm Yusuf) Stevens blasted me back to my childhood with this little number. That’s Tom Odell singing the part of the son.
The next night I was delighted to be invited to a reception for the insanely elegant Elena Segal who received a well-deserved Ivor Novello honor for her innovative work at Apple Music. I saw old friends and made some new ones. I drank too much champagne.
Of course a bit of writing was in order in between events. Phil Thornalley and I finished 3 songs we started this past year.
And THEN Phil took me to meet 10cc’s Graham Gouldman who penned “I’m Not In Love,” “Heart Full Of Soul” and “Bus Stop” to name a FEW. This deserves more than one 😳😳😳😳😳😳😳.
And then the big night. The Ivor Novellos — where awards are given to songwriters for their craft and creative excellence. Back in LA I struggled with what to wear for the 2pm event. I sent photos of frocks to my British bestie who advised one was too dressy and one wasn’t dressy enough. She suggested I Google “lunchtime cocktail attire” to get a better idea. This came up.
I kinda liked it. 45 bucks! It’ll probably fall apart. But just for kicks I ordered it on Amazon. And you know what? it fit like a glove. And it wouldn’t wrinkle. I tossed it in the suitcase.
Night of … I slipped it on. Earrings. Phone. Heels. External charger. A folded-up pair of Allbirds in my purse. I headed for the tube. But as I walked toward the venue I found out why the frock was $45. It kept twisting. Zipper would stay centered and all the seams were slanted. You get what you pay for. I kept straightening it. It kept twisting. Oy! I’m pretty sure nobody noticed. But I digress.
It was all up hill from there. If you read this far, keep going. You won’t regret it.
Lana Del Ray explained how she’d rather play smaller venues than stadiums so she could be closer to her fans. (Was this a Taylor dis? Are they perhaps not besties?)
KT Tunstall (whose Eye To The Telescope was the soundtrack of my 2005) told us about her unlikely journey and how grateful she was to be surrounded by supportive comrades.
It keeps getting better and better.
It was well publicized that Bruce Springsteen was to receive the International Songwriter Fellowship Award. You could feel the anticipation in the room. But after an introduction who walks out but Paul McCartney. Are you kidding me? I just can’t. Do I record this? Do I put down my phone and just watch?
I think I’m peeing.
He presents the award to Bruce.
Clearly he knows it was all about Bruce (not himself).
Then Bruce comes out and talks like he’s not above or better. Like he’s one of us. He’s human. Flawed. Funny.
He reminds me of Robert De Niro.
I got a picture of me with Paul and Bruce! 😀
When Bruce picked up his guitar I knew I was in for a treat, but I had no idea just how profoundly it would affect me. I’ve seen him in concert. I’ve seen him on Broadway. “One Step Up” was on the radio as I drove away from my first marriage — rain on the windshield like it was coming out of my eyes.
But this was different. This was intimate. Up close and personal. I couldn’t keep it together. As you can hear at the 4min mark.
Soon after he finished the room started clearing. I headed to the ladies room to collect myself and as I waited in line a woman asked if I was the one who opened The Other Songs concert. I said yes I was. She told me how much she loved my segment. That I was funny. And entertaining. That I set the tone for the whole evening! This meant SO MUCH but I was still so full of Bruce and not sure I expressed enough gratitude. I sure wanted to hug her.
Most of the crowd headed to local pubs to continue festivities. I felt like I should as well. After all, when London. But when I saw this corner I put on my Allbirds and headed for the tube. I had to be alone. To digest what I had just witnessed.
That was last night. I’m still shaking my head.
I’ve had a sweet career. Most of my pop songwriting days are behind me. I’m ok with that. I’ve had hundreds of disappointments but a handful of bangers (as they say around here) that have lead to some magical opportunities and adventures. I get to go out there and pretend I’m the rock star I never was. I get to sit at a table near the stage and witness Paul and Bruce. I take nothing for granted.
I feel full and humbled and exhausted. And I’m definitely ready for a nap.
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Thank you Tristan Tusa for the photos!