The Jersey-resident 77-year-old said that despite having played on stages all over the world for fifty years, he had never given a speech in his life.

The three-time Ivor Novello winner, who has received recognition from a wide range of musicians, including Paul Weller, Nina Simone, Gary Barlow, and Tim Burgess, expressed his happiness at receiving the Freedom of Waterford, saying it was an honour to follow in the footsteps of the "wonderful" Val Doonican and Brendan Bowyer.

“I am proud of my roots. The fact that I only lived here until I was eight years old certainly never stopped me, as I got older, from coming back.”

As stated by O'Sullivan, his father worked at Clover Meats, while his mother had a prosperous candy store in Waterford. The family relocated to Swindon after his father received a job opportunity in England.

According to O'Sullivan, his mother would have been ecstatic to see her son get the distinction; she lived into her 90s.

Joe Conway, the mayor of Waterford, honoured O'Sullivan, stating that he had left "an indelible mark" on the music industry.

The breadth of his career and the depth of his influence on music, the arts, and the hearts of those fortunate enough to have experienced his journey, he added, "capture the essence of this man."

One of Waterford's "greats," according to Cllr. Lola O'Sullivan, who suggested that O'Sullivan be given the distinction in December of last year.

Gilbert has carved up an incredible career for himself with his distinct melody, wit, and weird humour, garnering praise from critics and success all over the world. He is currently recognised by a wide spectrum of musicians as one of the greatest singer-songwriters.

O'Sullivan has travelled from Waterford's "Cork Road to the Royal Albert Hall to Glastonbury and everywhere in between," according to Cllr. Joe Kelly, who seconded the request.

Inspired by his love of silent cinema, he wore a bowl cut, a cloth cap and short pants to create an eye-catching visual impression that made him stand out and landed him his first contract when a professional manager noticed him.

"Gilbert is truly deserving of this honour tonight, as evidenced by his 50-year career filled with accolades and international performances."

When Nothing Rhymed, O'Sullivan's debut song, was published in 1970, it quickly rose to the top of the charts in both the UK and Europe.

Alone Again (Naturally) peaked at number one on the US charts for six weeks in 1972, earning him Grammy Nominations.

Throughout his career, he achieved 16 top 40 songs and six UK number one hits.

O'Sullivan has recently shared the stage with other performers at the BBC Proms in the Park. In addition, he has done three main stage appearances at Glastonbury and a lengthy tour of the UK, Ireland, Europe, Japan, and Australia.