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.Such is the glamorous life of the megastar.
“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.’”
Dame Shirley Veronica Bassey (born 8th January 1937)
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!
ReplyDeleteI am determined I will "break Google", sooner or later... Jx
DeleteHa! 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!
DeleteCheers and Happy Birthday, Dame Bassey!
(.*)
_I_
Best wishes for many more years of good health, good music, and good times!
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
DeleteI 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.
DeleteMorecambe & Wise were hilarious, and have remained eternal British telly favourites for decades. Miranda, I fear, is none of the above. Jx
Deletewhy does "goldfinger" come to mind?
ReplyDelete"Pretty girl, beware of this heart of gold
DeleteThis ARSE is cold..." ?
Jx
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!
ReplyDeleteDame 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
DeleteOnly 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!
DeleteNowadays her handbasin is encrusted with diamonds, but I'm sure she'll have some handy hints on preserving your modesty. Jx
DeleteFab story.
ReplyDeleteAll the more reason (if any were needed) to adore The Dame. Jx
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