THE CONSCIOUS LIBERATION OF THE ANNIE LENNOX STATE
Paul Diello is a Brighton based LGBTQ+ singer/songwriter, performer, festival booker and also; venue manager of multipurpose event venue & studio; Ironworks in Brighton. Diello is known for his DIY nights of music icons – he sure enough confessed tonight “the venue lets me indulge in using the space to celebrate my favourite artists”. Job done. Previous iconic celebrations have included ‘A Kate Bush Cornucopia’, ‘David Bowie – A Celebration’, and ‘Diva Forever’. Tonight it’s ‘Annie Lennox – A Celebration’. Diello’s earliest memories of Annie’s music are much like mine, I think we must be similar ages. His dad would play her music and The Eurythmics when he was growing up in the 80’s. I have this hazy, nostalgic memory from childhood of first hearing The Eurythmics’ ‘There Must Be an Angel’. I remember it was summer because my memory of it is shrouded in light soundtracked by the sound of that Stevie Wonder harmonica solo. Pure 1980’s scenes. Hearing that harmonica still gives me Snoopy dance vibes. I was probably wearing aluminous towelling socks and eating Fruit Salads at the time.
Paul Diello arrives onstage giving Berlin-Brighton cabaret chic with an 80s nod. A confident host, he promises us a night of drag Annie tributes, an Annie quiz and an Annie disco in the bar afterwards. We’re so ready for this. Especially the older couple down the front who frequently chime in with polite heckles. They are clearly huge Annie Lennox fans and extremely enthusiastic. Our host gives us a moving ukulele cover of ‘Love Song for a Vampire’, which I bought on cassette but Diello’s version is oddly more emotional, his voice sounds piercingly strong and vulnerable at the same time. Even the ukulele had vulnerability!
Next onstage was Brighton based singer-songwriter, Anna Searight, who chose to perform Annie’s songs on the acoustic guitar. Searight had a folk-y, Americana sound with a Joan Baez voice to match. Going by the approval of nods in my row, we’d definitely see her perform again. Two drag artists performed, one of them being Brighton’s favourite drag queen; Ophelia Payne, who entered the modest stage with presence and cool hair, rocking a white shirt dress and tie. Annie would love it. Ophelia sang a few of the Annie hits, including ‘Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves’ which infected all of us. The crowd joined in like old mates on a booze cruise. How can you not with a backing track and Ophelia Payne belting at you?? Payne gave a moving speech about recently coming out as trans and the impact the experience has had on her, she thanked us for listening and dedicated the music to the LGBTQ+ and allied community before reemerging later as the DJ for Annie’s disco (hair and outfit immaculate still).
This is such an emotional night that I wasn’t expecting. Maybe it’s because Annie’s music does remind us of days gone by, our memories of childhood, our parents’ love of her music – we grew up with Annie Lennox. Her impeccably cool androgynous look, with that striking short blonde hair and sophisticated suits. Her flawless soulful voice, a choral forcefield in those 80’s synth pop bangers. Her political activism and alignment with the LGBTQ+ community. The iconic music videos! Tonight, a small portion of Brighton’s Annie Lennox fans got to channel our emotions together. It felt pretty cute and special. Stellar performances from Diello, his band, and local artists – all inspired feelings in us with their unique style of tribute. Songs by The Eurythmics to tracks off Annie’s 90’s Diva album. Everything felt so personal. Even the front row hecklers were supportive and endearing. The Ironworks is a charming venue, with charming bar staff, perfect for fringe nights and performances. It’s the ideal setting for experimentation, creativity, and self expression. Keep an eye out for Paul Diello’s next event because I think we could all take the time to celebrate.
By Jo Overfield
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