I had heard that it offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the private life of the cellist Jacqueline du Pre, and that some of those who admired her were upset by its candour. Life wouldn’t have been half as much fun without him.The jazz album `Absolute O’Brien’ is out on February 14 on Medical Records. It was with more than the usual curiosity that I went last week to see Anand Tucker’s controversial film Hilary and Jackie I knew about it in advance, of course. We are full of all those insecurities, low self-esteem, ego and bravado.I love him more today than I did when I first met him. If the phone went at two in the morning we don’t have to justify it with apologies and lengthy explanations We are always there for one another He’s like Great Uncle Bulgaria to all of us I’m jolly glad I met Lionel when I did. One of my favourite songs of his is “Where Is Love?”, from Oliver! The sentiments melt your heart.

It is a divine classic.We are similar in that we need to work and are both fearful that our work is never going to be good enough. I see it in the street – he is much loved as a London person, taxi drivers always wave to him He returns it and never plays the big dude. He is serene, he knows the value of love and that permeates his dealings with others. Thank goodness he made the right choice.Lionel would never knowingly hurt anyone. It finally came to the point where he had to make a decision on where he was going and what he was doing. Many of us have enjoyed a recreational drink and the rest of it, but it became like a poison to him. Naturally, with such an enduring friendship, at times I’ve seen him wretched, but we usually argue it through.In the aftermath of the bankruptcy Lionel didn’t want to face the reality of life and found solace in the easy road, the primrose path.

We used to go to the movies and theatre more often but Lionel is not a well man, nor as nimble as he used to be I love him to bits, he’s like one of the family We tell each other everything There are no secrets between us We just like giving each other a cuddle and having a natter Generally jokes at our own expense make us giggle. Through Lionel I discovered the importance of internal rhymes and how to write poetic lyrics succinctly. I was thrilled when he came to the debut performance of The Rocky Horror Show – he was probably checking out the competition.We get together as often as our schedules will allow; to lunch and touch base We move in circles of first nights and private parties. Noel was very useful in giving him criticism of his lyrics and what not. I feel rather privileged that I’m part of a tradition in some way. When he started writing, it was Noel Coward whom he turned to.

Most of the people dear to me have it.Lionel’s background was not in the musical theatre, he was an art student originally. He was critical of my writing in the nicest possible way, and very helpful. A great sign of friendship is when you can phone and say, “I’m really stuck at the moment, please shine a light on it.” I believe in love, kindness, gentleness and loyalty Generosity of spirit is all those four virtues. I’ve had people want-ing to be my friend and I’ve gone, “Back off.” I can spot phoneys at 500 paces.Of course I realised that he was an important writer. I don’t know how it works, all I knew was here was someone I could get on with and I liked. Whenever there was a happening, or a vibe, we’d be there.A couple of years later we met at closer quarters at a mutual friend’s apartment down the bottom end of King’s Road and clicked instantly Then we started lunching together He dined with my family We had chemistry. He cut a dashing figure in his regalia, like the chap in the Sandeman’s Port adverts.

He was the toast of swinging London and knew all the movers and shakers of the era, from the Beatles to Twiggy We kept bumping into each other. He came backstage for a drink and was very kind and gracious, and smiled a lot. I looked down into the audience and there was this chap with a big brown plush fedora on his head and a big scarf round his neck. Everyone went, “That’s Lionel Bart,” and of course I was intrigued, thought, “This is wonderful,” because the first show I ever saw in London was Oliver! When I remembered to be a dutiful son and phone my mother, I finished by singing a line from the show, as part of our childish interplay.So there was Lionel, larger than life and twice as handsome.