Golden Dame in Wales!

Dame Shirley in Wales

Last night Dame Shirley appeared in ‘Welcome To Wales’ concert for the Ryder Cup 2010.  Dressed in a stunning gold gown she enthralled the audience with 3 songs and received a standing ovation.  She did however stick to the familiar – ‘Goldfinger’, ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ and ‘Big Spender’ – although fans were hoping she would sing something from her latest album.  Other people appearing included Katherine Jenkins and Catherine Zeta-Jones.  Below are some photos with special thanks to Astrid and Jonas.

Back view of gown!

The cape!

Mensch Meier

Today a request by Jonas from Germany. He asked for this performance of Shirley at the 1985 German TV-show called “Mensch Meier” with host Alfed Biolek.

I found some background information about the show from German magazines. (With special thanks to Rien)
When Shirley arrived in Cologne for the recording of the show the press was already present to welcome her as you can see from the article below.
After the show a party was held in honour of Shirley and you can read the translation of the article.

The minute she arrived in Cologne Shirley Bassey fell in love! When Shirley Bassey saw Express photographer Zik’s Mickey Mouse she wanted to take him with her home. But, patience: Zik will get Shirley another one.

Shirley partied until the police arrived:

David and Ronny Sporn of Macaronni threw a very expensive party for Shirley Bassey. Champagne, beautiful flowers and a very nice music installation, so it was logical that it was very easy to persuade Shirley Bassey to sing “My way”. Only accompanied by Mike on the piano.
The whole Mensch Meier Team came together, shortly before midnight, after the recording of the show in a place at the Rudolfplatz.
Tenor Peter Hofmann, who was very hungry, had a large steak and his wife Deborah Sasson had noodles. Only Shirley was very wise and only had a green salad. No wine either, only water and´Koelsch’ beer.
Despite of that she got into a party spirit and danced the blues with host Alfred Biolek. It wasn´t entirely their fault that the police arrived at 2,30 in the morning and reminded them of the closing hours. David: ´But who could not forgive if a Shirley Bassey party is being held?

And now to watch the video CLICK HERE or CLICK HERE

 

Shirley Bassey DBE

Today a request from Jill. She wanted to see the video again of Shirley’s DBE. from 2000.
I have a few clips from several British TV.stations but also found a clip from the Welsh TV. where the people from Cardiff tell how proud they are of Dame Shirley! The video starts with a clip from “Another Audience with Dame Shirley Bassey” where Shirley tells how she found out she was going to be made a Dame.
Shirley said in an interview that the tittle made her more approachable because people now call her Dame Shirley instead of miss Bassey (Never say Dame Bassey!).

To be honoured with a Damehood in the British Commonwealth is a great honour. The awards are as follows:

MBE Member of the British Empire
OBE Order of the British Empire
CBE Commander of the British Empire (Dame Shirley got her CBE in 1994)
DBE Dame Commander of the British Empire
KBE Knight of the British Empire

To watch the video CLICK HERE or CLICK HERE

Astrid’s Simply Bassey #117

This week I’m responding to a lovely kind message from Lydia.

 ”Hello there, I love this blog so much. Thank you for all of your efforts. You do Dame Shirley proud I am sure. I  have fallen in love with a beautiful song named I’m not Anyone by Dame Shirley. I wonder if you could post it Astrid for all to hear. It has such a lovely sentiment and she sings it from her heart.  From what I can tell in the 9 months that I have been a fan, she has endured quite a lot, whether it be the cruel side of the press or racism or the loneliness that superstardom brings. She is asurvivor. I love her for it. I love the message of this song.  I wonder if there are any different versions of it, and if there are any live performances?  Thanks for all the joy you share.”

 I am delighted to play for you the studio recording of “I’m Not Anyone” though sadly I don’t have any live recording of this song.

 

I’m Not Anyone