London Reviews 2009

Dame Shirley Bassey at BBC Electric Proms: Roundhouse, London
One of the living legends of British Music, Dame Shirley Bassey, proves that true divas never fade.
After more than fifty years of professional performance she stunned a packed house of young and old, boys and girls, bringing them to their feet and if they were already standing then they jumped in joy and praise.

A red curtain drew back to reveal the woman herself glittering in a full length sequinned gown split to the thigh showing  she has got a pair of killer legs! Then, entirely fitting to the moment, she performed Diamonds are Forever.

Dame Shirley’s vocals appear to have become greater in her time. It is the real gem that we all love! Over the sixteen song set it dazzled, created awe and blasted us away with its magnitude. Hit after Hit gave the audience a thrill. From the musicals she performed As Long As He Needs Me, Big Spender and I Am What I Am. She gave us her rendition of Lady is a Tramp, Light my Fire and Something.  From her original works included Kiss Me, Honey Honey, Kiss Me, What Now My Love and Never, Never, Never.

Tracks from her new album were also heard live for the first time. Tom Baxter, Richard Hawley and James Dean Bradfield performed with her, bringing new audiences to hear and admire her wonderful instrument.

As if she had not already brought the house down with every belt and trill she saved her international mega-hit, Goldfinger for the encore with an explosion of glitter for from Roundhouse ceilings.

Last of the big belters, rare and exotic, Dame Shirley  is a treasure and icon we are all so proud of!