Charles Aznavour at the Royal Albert Hall

Charles Aznavour takes to the stage of the Royal Albert Hall in London tonight.

There are few singers that actually merit the title 'legend', but Aznavour is one of them.

Even Sinatra in his later years did not command the kind of respect that Aznavour receives.

For many he embodies the finest attributes of France, romantic, poetic and intelligent, but also a caring human being rather than an aloof idol.

Of course, to many he's an embodiment of another time, an antique that while interesting and no doubt culturally important, isn't really relevant in this day and age.

But I doubt anyone in the Royal Albert Hall tonight will see it that way.

To be honest, if his set tonight consists of nothing more than him walking on stage and taking a bow, he'll get 90 minutes of a standing ovation and everyone in the crowd will go home happy.

News: Johnny Halliday at the Royal Albert Hall

With Johnny Hallyday confirming his first ever UK gig next year, I thought a track by the former M. Smet en anglais might be a good way to mark the occasion.

Johnny is playing the Royal Albert Hall on October 15 2012.

It'll I reckon almost certainly be a sell-out, I'm reminded of the time when he played Las Vegas in '96 , with 6,000 fans flying over in chartered planes and probably one of the most interesting dates in his tour.

Still, it was certainly a surprise to see Johnny appearing in page three of the Sun newspaper this morning!

He has already confirmed a number of arena dates around France through the summer of 2012 including three dates at the Stade de France in Paris in June.

Johnny is also expected to release a new album next year, a follow up to Jamais Seul.

Not bad for guy who announced his retirement in 2007. And also in 2009...

Despite his health scare in recent years, Johnny seems in fine form again, and is currently appearing on stage in Paris in an adaptation of Tennessee Williams play.