Interpreter brings Uptown Girl to life

The sold-out Principality Stadium concert on Friday was the artist's only performance in Europe this year

A woman turned down two chances to see Billy Joel - but then saw him close up, when she interpreted at his only European tour date in Cardiff.

Sign language interpreter Ali Gordon, from London, was introduced to the music of the US singer-songwriter through her girlfriend.

"Through Lesley I have heard a lot of Billy Joel, and I have never quite fancied it (seeing him live)," she admitted, adding: "But over the years I have got to really appreciate what a great musician he is."

She said it was a real privilege to be at the Principality Stadium on Friday and help illustrate lyrics to hits such as Piano Man, Uptown Girl and Just the Way You Are.

Ali, 59, has been interpreting for nearly 20 years, and signing at gigs for about five.

"It's challenging but really exciting," she said.

"It’s different to the official sign language because there are short cuts that you can use so you don't have to sign every word, you're creating a visual so it's hopefully coherent for the person watching."

She added the key thing was to show the music, adding: "It's a really interesting logistical challenge.

"It's not just about the words, but getting the rhythm and the beat of the music and the facial expression, what's happening with your body is part of the language.

"The intensity will show on your face, it isn't just about how quick or slow you sign - it is embodying the music and the lyrics."

Ali has interpreted for Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & the Gang, Young Fathers and David Attenborough.

She said it was important that gigs were accessible for everyone, including the deaf community.

Ali interpreted for the deaf community at WOMAD festival for rapper Enny in 2023

"Deaf people still want to enjoy a cultural life just like everyone else," she said.

"They can still enjoy music in all manner of ways. The point isn't that you're deaf so you can't hear, but you're enjoying the visible nature and you will get an interpretation of the songs.

"But most importantly, a deaf person will be able to enjoy an artist they have grown to love."

She added that it was great that Performance Interpreting had been able to provide BSL at festivals and concerts.

Ali spent about 24 hour hours over the last two-and-a-half weeks practicing for the performance.

"When prepping for a gig I look at the set list that they may have performed at other cities if they are touring, and then create a Spotify set list that I will play and just listen to incidentally and have one while I am doing the housework or driving," she said.

"Just listening to the rhythm, and then once I have that down I then look at the lyrics and figure out how I sign them, what are they saying, what is the tone, and I will try out a number of ways to sign and go with what feels right."

Ali Gordon spent a total of 24 hours practicing for the gig over the past week

For Joel's concert she only got the set list on Tuesday, and although most of the songs were on there, there were a few surprises.

She said: "It was about nailing the finishing touches for the songs I knew and then getting the others down."

Luckily Ali was not the only signer on the night, and had another interpreter with her, and they divided the songs between them.

They were not on stage with Joel, but on a platform with the accessibility viewing area in front of her.

"It is just a real privilege to get down and dirty with Billy Joel's lyrics. He is such a clever songwriter," she said.