Rehearsals Leave Stars On Song For Opening Ceremony
From Western Mail, by Karen Price, Oct 1 1999
Choirs could be heard rehearsing Hymns and Arias, the world's sports
media were converging, workmen were putting the finishing touches to the
stadium - and Shirley Bassey was pulling on a pair of rugby boots!
"I was given them because my high heels are not good for the pitch,"
explained Miss Bassey, who had spent yesterday afternoon rehearsing for
today's Rugby World Cup opening ceremony.
"I can't go on in high heeled shoes but they will allow me to wear them
tomorrow," she said.
Miss Bassey was joined by a host of other celebrities at the stadium
for the last-minute rehearsals, including Siencyn the regimental goat.
She will today sing World in Union with Bryn Terfel in front of 72,000
rugby fans, including the Prince of Wales, before Wales play Argentina
in the first match of the tournament.
The singer from Tiger Bay said she was delighted to be taking part in
the historic event and is supporting the Welsh team all the way.
Although she would not reveal what she will be wearing - "It's a secret"
-she did admit to feeling nervous before the event. "I still get nervous
- I will be dreadfully nervous tomorrow," she said.
The performance will secure Miss Bassey and Terfel sought after seats
but Terfel said he would have done anything for a ticket to the opening
match. "I would have done everything for a ticket - cleaned the floors,
cut the grass or put a press ticket on my chest just to be here," said
Terfel, who lives near Caernarfon.
"It is something I would never have missed - it is something you will
always talk to your children and grandchildren about."
He described the stadium as "to-tally amazing". "It sends a shiver down
your backbone."
And he said he had total confidence in the Welsh team.
"I was talking to the Quinnell brothers and some of the other players
on the field and they seem itching
to start the games. Their fitness level is really high, the tactical
element of the game has exceeded itself and Jenkins is having an amazing
Indian summer."
Terfel met Miss Bassey for the first time just a few months ago to record
World in Union, which is included on the official Rugby World Cup album,
Land of My Fathers, to be released on Monday.
But they have struck up a firm friendship.
They were both at the stadium for Wales's world cup warm-up match with
Canada and they will both be back for the closing ceremony in November.
Yesterday they were joined for rehearsals by Michael Ball.
He will sing Cwm Rhondda, which is also featured on the rugby album.
"I am just so chuffed and so proud," he said, glancing around the stadium.
"I can't believe this place - they have done a magnificent job."