POPSTAR LYNN DID NOT SEEK FORTUNE

LYNN Paul credits theatre producer Bill Kenwright with being one of the most important men in her life. Twenty years ago, Kenwright took the chance on the former New Seekers singer and transformed her into a stage star, appearing in the classic Blood Brothers. Lynn is back reprising that role of Mrs Johnstone at the King’s Theatre.

Blood Brothers is the poignant nature versus nurture story of twins separated at birth, one raised in poverty the other raised in great wealth.

But along the way Lynn reveals pop legend Rod Stewart also played a part in her survival in the business. Lynn was dating Rod the Mod back in the seventies.

“We were at a party at my house one night and having a lovely time, but Rod had a chat with my mum and told her I should write my own B sides.

“Rod told her it was the only way to make money.

“But I’d never written a song in my life and hadn’t a clue how to do it so my mother decided she would.

“She had never written a song either, but ended up writing four country songs that I recorded. “She was an incredible woman.” In the late sixties, Lynn attempted a solo pop career which never really worked out but went on to join a Manchester group The Nocturnes.

The Nocturnes featured a dark-haired singer called Eve Graham. Eve however left to join a band called The New Seekers. And when one of the line-up left, Eve suggested her pal Lynn as a replacement.

The New Seekers became a phenomenal success, with seventies hits such as Beg, Steal or Borrow and You Will Never Find Another Fool. Their Coca Cola ad pop hit I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing sold over 20 million copies.

But Lynn and the other New Seekers didn’t make a fortune from it.

“We enjoyed a great life, we stayed in nice hotels and enjoyed first class travel, so we were in awe of that world.

“However, we started on £50 a week which moved to £100 a week. The only lump we ever got was £6000, to put down as a deposit on a property.

“But you know, we didn’t complain about it. That’s the way it was, and so many other groups were in the same position.”

Lynn adds; “I look back at my manager David Joseph, and although he made a lot of money out of us it’s down to him I’m had such a long career.

“You have to be grateful for what you’ve got.”

Lynn is grateful to Rod for suggesting writing B sides, which