Tomorrow, Wednesday 22 May, Dame Shirley super fan Neil from Scotland will be interviewed on ITV’s daytime show “This Morning” to mark the upcoming charity auction of her jewels, and we hear there’s a chance that the jewels may be in the studio too!
Neil remembers the first time he heard Shirley sing…
“I was 9 years old. It was Goldfinger, and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I had shivers. Then I heard “Diamonds Are Forever” in the cinema shortly thereafter.”
In 1976, Shirley topped the bill at The Royal Variety Performance. It was the one and only time it was broadcast live. 15-year-old Neil saw it in colour and was hooked. “It’s hard to put into words just what an impact it had on me”, says Neil. “I then started buying all her albums.”
It was to be a lifelong admiration of Dame Shirley’s talent and artistry. “You never forget the excitement of seeing your first Shirley Bassey concert”, says Neil. 33 concerts later – and several chances to meet Dame Shirley – have only increased his admiration for this great lady. “Aside from her incredible talent, it is her powers of giving to those in need and the many charities she has supported that is so impressive.” Like so many members on the blog, Neil also supports Dame Shirley’s charities.
If you recall on “The Birthday Concert” album, Dame Shirley had a fit of the giggles during “The Lady is a Tramp”. “You have a very infectious laugh” she says to a man in the front row. That was our Neil!
Neil has an impressive private archive of Dame Shirley’s career and says, “I’m so glad she has received the honours that have been bestowed on her. In 1958, she appeared in London in “The Night of 100 Stars”. Sir Noel Coward came onto the stage after her and said, “It is always a joy to follow a great star.” Today, Dame Shirley’s star is as bright as ever.”
Below some pictures of Neil with Dame Shirley and a small slide show of pictures he took over the years.
Dame Shirley Bassey Blog 
Fantastic to read this story. Always interesting to read what moves people to adoration of a world star like Dame Shirley Bassey. Thank you very much for this story.
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How lucky you were to see her so close and shake hands.! She is a miracle herself. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
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Like you Niel I have followed this amazing lady for number of years,we have a little something in common her mum like mine was from Yorkshire
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