Main Index >
News & Features >
Concerts > Liverpool Summer Pops 2002 >
Review
Concert Review
From Liverpool Echo, Jul 4 2002 |
In customary scarlet-sequinned gown - split to the thigh - Shirley Bassey announced: "I was here last year and I just had to come back and do it all again."
Dame Shirley wowed thousands of fans in Liverpool as she returned to top the bill on the second night of the Summer Pops.
The audience greeted the 65 year old superstar with a standing ovation and thunderous applause and were rewarded with a stunning performance. Clearly enjoying herself, the singer told the audience: "This is my last show for this year and I couldn't think of a better place to do it than here in Liverpool."
Dame Shirley sashayed and wiggled her way through 20 show-stopping songs during the hour and a half performance.
The rich, powerful voice which has delighted millions during her glittering career filled the Big Top Arena at the Kings Dock.
Backed by a 24-piece orchestra, the performance took on a party atmosphere as Dame Shirley belted out songs she has sung over the past six decades. She kicked off the breathtaking set with her signature Goldfinger classic to rapturous applause. Old favourites included Diamonds are Forever, Lady is a Tramp, As Long as He Needs Me, Kiss Me Honey Honey Kiss Me, Big Spender, I Who Have Nothing and New York New York and a neck tingling rendition of Born to Lose.
The girl from Tiger Bay flirted, teased and joked with the audience and quickly had them in the palm of her hand.
Paying tribute to the Beatles in their Home City, she gave a witty rendition of George Harrison's Something and brought the house down with a rousing version of Hey Jude. She even turned her hand to country and western with a masterly interpretation of Patsy Cline's Crazy and also blues legend Billy Holliday's haunting Summertime.
Arms swaying with ballerina grace, Dame Shirley oozed showbiz style as she danced and strutted across the stage.Reappearing for the final encore in a full length red fur and black feather cape, she finished her performance with I Am What I Am as the crowd went wild!
One male fan called out: You're the best Shirley - and she is!
Thank you to Andrew for typing out this
article
© Liverpool Echo 2002