I have been a close friend of Chris de Burgh and his wife Diane (Davison) for the past thirty years and whenever I go back home to Ireland for a holiday, and Chris isn't touring, I always visit the family. My friendship was initially with Diane after she had incurred a bad fall from her horse and was in danger of never walking again. Having been unable to walk for three years after a childhood accident, we shared an experience that provided a natural affinity between us. Her millionaire pop-star husband just happened to be married to her, so it was natural that over time we became friends also.
Whenever Chris tours in the North of England, Diane always sends me free tickets as a special guest to attend his concert and we always meet up for food and drink afterwards. Four years ago, my wife Sheila and I were special guests at one of Chris's concerts up in Newcastle. That night was a special occasion in my life as we were the guests of honour at the concert; I sat between Diane and Sheila all night, I danced with Diane, the 'Lady in Red' in the aisle as Chris sang on the stage, and at one point of his performance, Chris came down into the audience and after seeking me and Diane out, he laid across his wife's knees and placed his head in my lap, while adoringly looking up into my eyes as he sang 'Lady in Red' to me. I'm sure that it has been a long time up in Geordie land since they witnessed one man sing a love song to another man in public in such an inviting way and escape back down South without having been given a good old 'Geordie Kiss' by the watching masses (an act of disapproval known to Newcastle locals as a firm headbutt).
I hope that I do your beautiful song justice, Chris. Love and peace. Bill xxx