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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Craig Williams

When Glasgow was serenaded by Frank Sinatra at his Ibrox Stadium concert back in 1990

Glasgow's Year Of Celebrations in 1990 as it enjoyed the status of European Capital Culture saw the city play host to some fantastic bands and artists, such as The Rolling Stones and Pavarotti - not to mention those who performed at the Big Day concert.

Yet the most eagerly anticipated gig that year among all the music and cultural events that took place was Frank Sinatra's visit to Ibrox stadium - 30 years ago to the day. 

11,000 fans paid in excess of £75 a ticket to catch the crooner take to the stage for what was believed to have been his last ever UK and one of his last European shows.

And boy did they lap up the sight and sound of 74-year-old Sinatra, backed by an orchestra, sharply dressed as you'd expect in his tuxedo and looking not a day over 50.

Unfortunately for some attendees there was a ticket stooshie, meaning some were delayed getting in and had problems with their seating, but that wouldn't stop the vast majority from enjoying Sinatra as he serenaded Ibrox on a warm summer's evening.

The 1 hour 20 minute spectacle saw him sing iconic tracks such as 'Strangers in the Night', 'New York, New York', 'Mack The Knife', 'My Way' and 'The Lady Is a Tramp'.

Naturally, as ever, the Glasgow crowd went wild, applauding every song and giving Ol' Blue Eyes the deserved standing ovation treatment, as well as launch a few pairs of knickers in his direction - with Sinatra reported to have been genuinely shocked and even moved to tears at the ecstatic and enthusiastic response from the crowd.

While the set itself was magical, two standout moments from it according to those lucky enough to have been there where firstly when Sinatra stepped off the stage and on to the Ibrox track, radio-mic in hand, as he sang 'Strangers In The Night'.

And second, showing his unmatched cool, when he sat himself down on a stool at the edge of the stage under a spotlight and lit a cigarette before singing 'Angel Eyes'.

Frank Sinatra in concert at Ibrox (Media Scotland)

In a rare move for Sinatra, he even treated the audience to an encore in the form of 'Where or When'.

A month after the show, Sinatra sent a letter to then Rangers manager Graeme Souness to thank him for his gift of a decanter prior to the concert, in which he wrote about how overwhelmed he was by the reception he received from the Glasgow audience.

The letter read: "Dear Graeme. Thank you for the marvellous gift. It has a special place in our California home.

"And the wonderful people of Glasgow will always have a special place in my heart.

"I was shown so much love and warmth at the Ibrox Stadium concert that I am still overwhelmed by the reception I received.

"It is a memory I will always cherish. Warmest regards, Frank Sinatra."

No doubt he thought Glasgow was his kinda town!

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