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Looking
trim and relaxed in his cowboy boots and dark jeans, the Glaswegian
giant is still unmistakable with his flowing grey hair and trademark
beard. The simple stage boasted only a small table with a glass
of water and a set of scruffy notes to jog the Big Yin's spontaneously
selective memory.
Those
who doubt the ability of men to multi-task would be dumbfounded
by the man who can simultaneously move three stories along, juggling
each tale until the next thread of the original story appears in
his mind. "When I tell you remind me about sleeping bags, I
have bloody remembered it", he barked triumphantly.
The
old favourites of sex, drugs and religion were never far from his
lips. His impersonation of credit card Christian evangelists left
the audience curled up clutching their stomachs as though they were
in danger of laughing out their dinner.
For
such a large brute of a man it is remarkable how physical his comedy
is. The over-emphasised physical mannerisms of his ex-girlfriends
when performed by an enormous bearded man are simply side-splitting.
His
lust for life seems as strong as ever despite his comfort with his
age. "I'm nearly dead y'know", commented the sixty-one
year old. If there was ever a man who inspires people to live life
and not to take themselves seriously this is him.
The
whole performance lasted nearly three hours, proving the big man's
staying power. A true comedy heavyweight who still has the knock-out
punch.
(Billy
chose Oxford as the venue for his only UK dates so far this year.
The two benefit concerts were arranged in memory of Malcom Kingsnorth
who for 25 years was his tour manager/sound engineer.)
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