That hit song in India sounded very familiar . . .
WHEN Gordon Campbell was an accountancy student at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh in the 1970s, he would often sit in the bathroom of the guest house digs where he stayed and write songs as a way to wind down after studying.
Music was more than just a pastime, though, and in 1983 he signed as a songwriter to Elton John’s publishing company.
One of the songs, Because I Love You, was recorded as a demo and a few years later it was picked up by the biggest UK recording artist of the ’80s, none other than Shakin’ Stevens.
Shaky recorded the song for his Let’s Boogie album and released it as a single.
It reached number 14 in the charts.
Around the same time, Gordon was signed up to play a residency at recently-opened Indian restaurant, The Raj, in Edinburgh, where he became good friends with the owner, Tommy Miah.
During a trip to India, Tommy was surprised to hear a familiar song, which seemed to be getting played everywhere he went.
Then he realised where he’d heard it – in his restaurant on a Saturday night. It was one of Gordon’s tunes!
Turns out that in south east Asia, Shaky’s recording is absolutely massive – an anthem only equalled by classics like Yesterday by The Beatles.
Gordon is amazed by the enduring popularity of the song, which continues to rack up YouTube plays and streams.
He remains part of the music scene, not only working as a musician but running Scottish record label The Music Kitchen – home to Oor Wulllie and The Broons – as well as teaching Business Studies.
Thirty years after Shaky recorded the song and Gordon began his residency at The Raj, Tommy Miah has invited Gordon back to perform a six-night run at the restaurant, beginning on October 31.
One of the highlights of the shows will undoubtedly be an acoustic performance of Because I Love You.
Gordon says it feels like he’s coming full circle by singing the song – which he wrote in just 10 minutes – at The Raj.
But surely fame awaits in India for the man behind such an iconic hit?
Tonight, Edinburgh – tomorrow . . . Mumbai!