Gilbert O’Sullivan opens up on his career, crippling shyness, meeting Van Morrison and avoiding Paul McCartney 

The singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan talks about being a loner, taking wardrobe tips from Elton John, his infamous court case, and how the Irish sing-along sparked his music career

Gilbert O'Sullivan will perform at Independent.ie's Rock Against Homelessness gig.

Barry Egan

Gilbert O’Sullivan was 12 years of age  when his father John died. “I didn’t really know him,” the singer-songwriter says. “I never really had a relationship with him.

“This is quite sad in a way because my dad liked his gambling and his horses — and I think if he had been around for my success, he would have wanted me to get him a racehorse.”