Liverpool Echo Friday, April 09th, 2004 SINGER WITH A SOFT SPOT FOR LIVERPOOL HE IS one of the most celebrated singer/songwriters in the world. But Gilbert O'Sullivan says Liverpool's inspiration has certainly played its part in his own musical success story. "I am a big Beatles fan - but for me the band that really broke the mould were The Searchers and notably the work of John McNally. "One of the first records I ever bought was called Love Potion Number Nine."The Searchers were distinctive and wrote their own material and I guess, in many ways, that inspired me to form a band. "And, yes,of course The Beatles changed everything, too. Liverpool produced real catalysts." Gilbert - real name Raymond O'Sullivan - says that he visited Liverpool a lot when he was young. "I was born in Waterford in Ireland so that Liverpool-Irish connection was always there." He even paid homage to the city with one of his own songs from his debut album. "On the 70's album Gilbert O'Sullivan Himself there's a quirky track called "January Git." Laughs Gilbert: "I first heard that phrase in Liverpool. It's something someone said to me - Jan You Hairy Git." He says he has always enjoyed playing with words so much so that a lot of his lyrics to this day feature his ability to use imaginative puns. His greatest hits collection is in the top 20 album charts and is called The Berry Vest of Gilbert O'Sullivan . The cover artwork features a vest with berries on it - you get the picture. Gilbert, who lives in Jersey with his family, says: "I am a singer/songwriter, that's my job. "I have a disciplined day where I get up and go into the studio to record and write." And he says he has a soft spot for playing in Liverpool. "I would dearly love to play there again soon. I always enjoy playing the city's venues and hopefully, in the not too -distant future, something could be sorted out." The softly-spoken star says there have been many highlights in his career spanning 30 years seeing such self-penned songs as "Alone Again, Naturally" and "Get Down" top the charts here and in the USA. "I recorded a duet with Peggy Lee - she was a true legend. That for me will always be special. "I also recall Andy Williams wanting to record "We Will" and he asked me if he could change the lyrics because he didn't understand the line 'bagsy being in goal'. Liverpudlians will be familiar with that line." Gilbert, who initially made his name dressed as a 20s styled Chaplinesque street urchin characater, recently made a successful appearance on Steve Wright's Top of The Pops 2. His fans could see and hear that little had changed about the musician who is happy just to have the words 'singer/songwriter' on his passport. The Berry Vest of Gilbert O' Sullivan (EMI) is out now. Thanks David for the article!