Sweet Illusion 50th Anniversary - Junior Campbell

Sweet Illusion - 50th Anniversary
Released on this date half a friggin century ago .. cannot believe where the years have gone….
All bad hair and very dodgy clobber, I wrote this as a follow up to Hallelujah Freedom, heavily influenced, like the former, by my life long love of all things Motown - in this case the opening motif of Diana Ross’ “Remember Me”, released a year earlier.
Recorded in Studio 2 Decca Broadhurst Gdns late March 1973 where we had recorded all of the classic Marmalade stuff like Reflections and my first hit Hall Freedom, engineered by John Burns.
Got my pal Raymie Duffy from the Gaylords/Marm days in on drums/percussion and another pal Rick Westwood from the Tremeloes on bass … Pete Zorn, flute intro, me on piano and electric piano… Ruby James and Irene Chanter backup girlies.
I also scored brass and strings as orchestral backup ( 3 trumpets 2 tenor trombones 1 bass trombone - 8 violins 4 cello ).
The actual score would date the actual recording dates as I would have scribed on the front but that got lost somewhere on the way as prob left on one of the regional live broadcasts I did and not returned to Decca.
it was a big radio/turntable hit as they used to say … only got to #15 in the National chart, probably because there was no point in buying it as it was always on the airwaves ……
Apparently a big belter on the Northern Soul circuit and Wigan Casino back in the day.
My favourite of all the solo stuff … Happy 50th my Sweet Illusion 🎂
It’s still being played …
Note: this scratchy grainy old b/w video was originally recorded on someones home vid recorder and the sound was dire so I dubbed the record audio over it … the film also mangled in the middle!!
the sync is a a bit out in places but it is all we have …
BBC wiped all of the tapes back then for re-use and to save money … only retaining perhaps the top 3 in the chart at the time … shame …..

[@fayjones8364]

I met Junior Campbell at my party lol his brother lived across the road very nice man …he gave me a signed copy of his record…

[@doblackford]

I have said it before, this is one of the most joyous singles ever. Always in my top 10 of all time.

[@stewartmcardle8149]

Got this 45rpm single and knew it was from 1973 however, hadn't realised it was released 50 years ago on 27/04/73. Happy anniversary.

[@BassistPaul]

Great, Junior. I thought I recognised a Tremelo. And Ruby J must have been quite young, there... Nice arrangement - all done with paper, pencils and talent!

[@Eaglesmusic]

As always I love your songs, this is one of the best. You and Marmalade, always one of my favorites over the years. 😊❤

[@danishtttestudios9365]

That's a good song. I never heard it before. This is one great bop. Great job.

[@felixfelix7447]

Still goosebumps 51 years on 😎Hi Junior 🙂

[@stewartcrawford3372]

This up there with "Reflections of my life " Played a few times and its hard to get it out of your head. Super song

[@jch0315]

Congratulations on the 50th anniversary, Mr. Campbell! Would you mind sharing with us the lyrics to the song? It's a wonderful tune! 😊

[@Mirinda1990]

Me encanta ❤ felicidades🎉

[@mud5089]

Hello, Mr. Campbell. My name is Alfy Cancellari Crighton. I am a relative of yourself. Alfie Cancellari is my great grandfather and my grandmother is your cousin, Maria. I grew up listening to marmalade, and of course your amazingly composed music in Thomas The Tank Engine. Please reply to this comment as I would love to get in touch with you.

[@bangorbhoy]

Great follow up to Hallelujah Freedom. Love you're work. Did you support Celtic as a bhoy or?? Just a matter of interest. Congratulations on your wonderful music.

[@hypnoticfred]

Hi Junior, looking a few singles back but your first solo release 'Goodbye Baby Jane' and it's fantastic B-Side 'If I Call Your Name' were mono on the original 45 - does the mono master for the A-Side still exist (it seems the B-Side has never been remixed into stereo)? Would love to have it reissued, even if just digitally. The 45 gets many spins from me!

[@felishaelion2440]

☀️ P R O M O S M