Albert delivers one more moment in time

Music with Eddie Rowley

ALBERT Hammond, who plays Dublin’s 3Arena next month, is one of the most successful singer-songwriters of all time.

His jukebox of hits include ‘The Air That I Breathe’ — a huge smash for The Hollies — and his self-performed track, ‘It Never Rains In Southern California’.

The legendary artist from Gibraltar also has a strong Irish connection as his song, ‘Make Me An Island’, gave the late Joe Dolan international success in 1969.

“That was Joe’s first hit outside of Ireland and I’m grateful to him because it boosted my career when I was starting off,” the incredible singer/ songwriter acknowledges.

Albert also wrote another of Joe’s signature songs, ‘You’re Such A Good Looking Woman’, which Robbie Williams performed at his Aviva Stadium show this summer.

And The Dixies showband had a hit with his song, ‘Little Arrows’.

Son Albert Hammond Jnr, of rock group The Strokes, has inherited his dad’s musical genes, ensuring his legacy.

Hammond, who stole the show at last year’s Punchestown Festival and did an Irish tour with 16 sold out concerts, will sing his greatest hits with The Leipzip Symphony Orchestra and singers at the 3Arena on September 16.

He’ll be performing the songs he wrote for some of the world’s iconic artists including Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Julio Iglesias, Willie Nelson, Leo Sayer and The Carpenters.

His hits include ‘One Moment In Time’, ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’, ‘The Air That I Breathe’, ‘To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before’, ‘When I Need You’ and, of course, ‘It Never Rains In Southern California’.

“To gather all of the people in one room who’ve covered my songs would be an incredible party,” he jokes.

Tickets are now on sale for his concert from ticketmaster.ie.