Diva Who Proves There Is Nothing Like A Dame
From Manchester Evening News, by Simon Donohue, May 29 2000
Loyal Fans Shower Gifts On Their Queen Of Song
Star quality: Dame Shirley Bassey belts out another classic for her legion of
dedicated fans who showered her with adoration.
Bassey thanked the Manchester Evening News Arena crowd for a wonderful Mancunian welcome.
Dame Shirley Bassey sang her heart out and the people of Manchester
showered her with adoration. Flowers, chocolates and even what appeared
to be an expensive diamond ring were presented to the Welsh queen of sophisticated
entertainment as she held court at a packed Manchester Evening News Arena
on Saturday night. The sold out house was treated to a surprisingly intimate
atmosphere. Not once did Dame Shirley fail to reply to a cry from a member
of the audience, including an appeal for help in allowing a young fan to
deliver a single yellow rose. The flower was eventually placed with the
other floral tributes on top of the grand piano and the youngster rewarded
with a kiss. "We love you Shirl" shouted another adoring fan. "Thank you"
the singer replied with a smile. "And if you don't mind it's Dame Shirl!"
Backed by a full strength orchestra, Dame Shirley walked onto the stage
wrapped in an amazing aqua gown, decorated with
glittering sequins and fitted with a flowing net skirt. She opened
the evening with the upbeat Almost Like Being In Love, using her hands,
face and sparkling eyes to illustrate almost every word.
After thanking the crowd for a wonderful Mancunian welcome - her second
in six years - she continued to deliver a string of her own hits, and a
few borrowed from other artists, including the Beatles' classic Hey Jude
and, surprisingly, Madonna's You'll See. The star also sang the single she
produced with dance act The Propellerheads, a surprise hit which placed
her back in the charts alongside fellow Welsh veteran Tom Jones.
Other Bassey classics like Hey Big Spender sent the crowd wild. A Dame
she may be, but Bassey is still not afraid to flaunt her body. At one point,
the net skirt was torn away to reveal a figure hugging straight line dress.
Later, after a short break, she returned to the stage in a revealing golden
outfit before bursting into her signature tune Gold Finger.
The James Bond theme marked the second controlled surge for the stage
of the evening. Earlier, the singer thanked the crowd for their gifts by
throwing a handful of red carnations into the audience, encouraging a frenzied
dash for the prized flowers. She was given a standing ovation after finishing
the night with a self-assured blast of I Am What I Am, followed by This
Is My Life.
Dame Shirley is sure she still has what it takes and demonstrated clearly
how much she loves to share it.