John Etherington wrote:It's odd that "Joan of Arc" rarely appears. I'm sure Hattie Webb could handle the female part well. The first time I ever heard the song was when Leonard sang it at the Albert Hall in 1970.
I would be interested to hear Hattie (or even Charley) sing Joan of Arc but I think her voice is too sweet. Sharon would be better as she has a more mature and soulful (the emotion not the music genre) voice.
I would love to hear Julie sing again; perhaps as a 'guest vocalist' but that's wishful thinking.
After Bournemouth we went to Brighton thinking that this would be the last time that we'd see Leonard performing live. I hope I'm wrong but he looked old and frail even with his antics and skipping across the stage. For a man of his age he is marvelous when most are sitting with their feet up in their slippers. However, he is 79 next week and a body can only do so much.
He has a new album coming out next year so we won't be losing him but I can't see him touring much longer. We are mostly judged by our occupations and many people who retire become unimportant and no longer have a purpose and begin to wither. I feel that Leonard has only gone on this long as he has a purpose...... ''Here's a man still working for your smile'' but how much longer can his body hold out under such a physicaly punishing schedule.
Leonard's mind is still alert and he still has a lot to say so I think that we'll still hear from him. I hope he does carry on as I'd like to be there on his eightieth birthday and witness him smoking again but I really can't see that happening. And.. should we really be demanding so much from a Gentleman of his advanced years.
Many fans are quite new to him and can't get enough as are us oldies but I really think he should allow himself a rest.
I hope you prove me wrong Leonard!