Andrew Gold (1951-2011) was an artist who danced on the periphery of stardom and huge commercial success. He was a producer, arranger, sideman, and solo artist who shared the stage with many of the superstars of his generation. He also spent time in the duo Wax with Graham Gouldman and Bryndle with Kenny Edwards, Karla Bonoff, and Wendy Waldman.
Today, he is remembered for his two big hits: “Lonely Boy” (1978) and “Thank You For Being A Friend,” which became the theme song of the iconic television show Golden Girls.
Gold released close to 15 albums during the course of his career, but not much live material. Omnivore has now resurrected his late show recorded at the West Hollywood Roxy Theatre in 1978.
Gold’s studio albums tend to travel in a light rock and pop vein, but live, he rocks a little. “Doctor Robert” has a Beatlesque flavor, while “Roll Over Beethoven” closes the concert on an energetic note. “Go Back Home Again” and “A Note From You” may not be anywhere near the hard rock sound that was prevalent in the late 1970s, but they are smooth rockers.
The renditions of his two biggest hits highlight the concert, and many of the other songs travel in the same direction.
Andrew Gold is one of those artists who did not change the course of rock ‘n’ roll and American music, but he made it a little more enjoyable. The Late Show – Live 1978 is a nice chronicle that catches him at the height of his solo career. It is a nice trip back in time from an artist that did not receive the success he deserved.