Peter Allen "Once Before I Go" Royal Gala Concert Melbourne 1983

Peter Allen performing at the Royal Gala Concert at Melbourne Concert Hall in 1983. He sings the touching, heartfelt song, "Once Before I Go" in front of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

In my opinion, this is Allen's saddest song - the lyrics and melody are real tearjerkers. His other song, "I Could Marry the Rain" comes to a close second. Co-written with Dean Pitchford, "Once Before I Go" was written for good friend Ann-Margret to use as a closing song at her concerts. It was also the song Peter related most to his long-term partner, Gregory Connell (who later died in 1984 of AIDS, which Peter would later succumb to in 1992) and thought of him whenever he sang it; Greg behind the lights at all his shows (he was Peter's lighting director among many other job titles - Peter once remarked that Greg did everything). Hence the lyrics, "You are the light that shines on me/You always were and you'll always be". Allen told Pitchford that after Greg died, he would always look into the spotlight and imagine that he was behind the light. Peter also sang this song in his memory at various AIDS benefit concerts.

Watch Peter's full Melbourne concert here:    • Peter Allen FULL Royal Gala Concert P...  .

"Once Before You Go" can be found on Peter's 1983 Not The Boy Next Door album at:    • Peter Allen "Once Before I Go" from N...  .

To learn more about Peter's partner I have made a video about him here:    • Peter Allen's Partner Gregory Connell  

Check out my Pinterest board that features some photos and videos of Peter and Greg at: https://pin.it/1IDK1ro.

Another video of Peter singing "Once Before I Go" that I highly recommend is at:    • Peter Allen "Once Before I Go"  .