Monday 8 January 2018

But that's the way that I was born to be









Our most glittering and beloved of Patron Saints Dame Shirley Bassey is 81 years old today. I have done many a panegyric to the Great Dame over the years, but today I leave the tribute to one David Bowie, with whom she shares a birthday:
“Well, backstage one night I was desperate to use the bathroom. I was dressed in my full, battle finery of Tokyo-spaceboy and a pair of shoes high enough that it induced nose bleeds.

“I went up to the promoter – actually I tottered over to the promoter – and I asked ‘Could you please tell me where the lavatory is?’

“And he said: ‘Yeah, look down that corridor. On the far end of that wall. You see that sink? There you go.’

“I said: ‘My good man, I’m not taking a piss in the sink.’

“He said: ‘Listen, son, if it’s good enough for Shirley Bassey it’s good enough for you.’
Such is the glamorous life of the megastar.

Dame Shirley Veronica Bassey (born 8th January 1937)

14 comments:

  1. I was just looking for an image of Shirley Bassey to use on a Hair Hall of Fame post and Google led me to your blog. Ha!

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    1. I am determined I will "break Google", sooner or later... Jx

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    2. Ha! Great story by Bowie! And I luv the spinning stage gag! Hilarious! A sense of humor and incredible talent (plus hard work) is what transforms an entertainer into a megastar!

      Cheers and Happy Birthday, Dame Bassey!
      (.*)
      _I_

      Best wishes for many more years of good health, good music, and good times!

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    3. Her famed Morecambe & Wise Show appearance regularly tops the "best comedy sketches of all time" lists. Dame Shirl has never been afraid of self-parody... Jx

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    4. I recently saw the appearance you speak of on "Miranda: Morecambe & Wise And Me" which took a look back at the duo's top twenty greatest TV moments.

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    5. Morecambe & Wise were hilarious, and have remained eternal British telly favourites for decades. Miranda, I fear, is none of the above. Jx

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    1. "Pretty girl, beware of this heart of gold
      This ARSE is cold..."
      ?

      Jx

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  3. I had never heard that story!!!! What a gem! And she had a sense of humor at least. Many, many more happy returns to the Dame!

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    1. Dame Shirl comes from rough Welsh stock, and I can't imagine that such crude toilet arrangements would have fazed her in the slightest in her younger days. She thumped a teacher who was bullying her in school, and was once famously arrested for punching a policeman, after all. Jx

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    2. Only Shirley Bassey could make tinkling in a sink so classy! The next time I find myself given the same option, I'm calling it the Dame and going for it!

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    3. Nowadays her handbasin is encrusted with diamonds, but I'm sure she'll have some handy hints on preserving your modesty. Jx

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  4. Replies
    1. All the more reason (if any were needed) to adore The Dame. Jx

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