FOREVER associated with chart-toppers Dr Hook, this supremely talented songwriter and singer occasionally gently pointed out to an adoring audience that he did actually have a professional life long after the iconic band had faded from fashionable taste and consciousness.

Mind you, this doesn’t stop him dipping into the better known catalogue at strategically paced intervals. So the hardcore fans are not kept waiting long for Sylvia’s Mother, Queen of the Silver Dollar and When you’re In Love With a Beautiful Woman.

Locorriere is a generous man and is not slow to give credit where it’s due.

His friend Shel Silverstein was obviously a huge influence on his professional life and is accorded the respect that any great tunesmith should receive as of right.

Silverstein’s work therefore makes up a large proportion of the current repertoire, skilfully constructed narratives that seem to exist only on the other side of the Atlantic.

It’s precisely because storytelling seems to be a dying art in Britain that Locorriere’s music has such resonance… you just can’t beat dreamy West Coast instrumentation, all weeping guitars, soaring organs and heavy four-four drums that connect straight on the beat.

For example, Different Faces was textbook American rock songbook material. We just can’t do this sort of stuff – why not?

As you might imagine, backing band Tomorrow Road was not found wanting. This is certainly not lost on Locorriere, who has been to the hall on several occasions and usually appears by himself, something he almost lamented towards the end of this fabulous gig.

So the bench mark has been set. Worcester wants a return visit as soon as possible… there is indeed life after Dr Hook.