Tim Rice makes triumphant return to home city St Albans

The event took place from 7.30pm last night (Tuesday, April 23) and saw the musician describe his career, before the audience let him 'show them the world' of his music via a band and theatrical singers.

The circle of Tim Rice's life began in Hertfordshire, with him describing his early years in St Albans and Radlett, before his attendance at school with two members of The Zombies.

Sir Tim Rice, who spent his early years in St Albans and Radlett. (Image: The Charm School on Creative Commons)

Audience members were on an 'All Time High' as the knight detailed how he came to write the Rita Coolidge 007 song, along with other hits such as David Essex's 'A Winter's Tale'.

The sheer number of Tim Rice's recognisable hits impressed those attending the Alban Arena this week. 

His plethora of awards - including a Grammy, Tony and an Oscar - were equally spectacular, with each placed on a plinth as the show went on.

The 79-year-old's varied portfolio of work - from musicals such as Chess, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar to writing the last song on Elvis Presley's final album - was just as staggering.

Two musicians from Hertfordshire who were involved in his early career attended on the night, receiving a shout-out and the promise of beers after the show from the lyricist.

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Rice's resolve to carve out a career in the music industry from his roots in Hertfordshire is an example to the city's young musicians of today.

Speaking of hearing his music performed during the show, Rice told the BBC: "It's very nice to be able to sit back and hear these people put in all the work, all I have to do is waffle!"

By the end of the night, St Albans residents 'knew him so well' having heard stories of his life in Hertfordshire and his determination to reach the top of his profession.