While viewing Ready Steady Go!, the Beatles proclaimed that Shout was their preferred song. Can you recall that moment? RobertWinchester49
When the popular show Ready Steady Go! aired, the streets would become deserted as everyone in the country tuned in to watch. As a 15-year-old girl, I shared the same fascination with the Beatles as many others. Therefore, it was incredible when John and Paul announced that Shout was their top pick for new releases that week. Their influence in changing the world made their endorsement even more meaningful. I owe a lot to the Beatles for inspiring my career.
Did you have a positive experience winning Eurovision? DutchMarianne
It was terrifying because you were in the lap of the gods. Four countries got the same number of votes [and were declared joint winners]. Boom Bang-a-Bang was the only song that became a hit, but to be honest there was a song [in contention to be the UK entry] written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin that I preferred. But I’m very grateful. I always say to audiences: “Thank God you chose the song, not me, because we would have probably lost!”
Did you enjoy working with Sidney Poitier on To Sir, With Love? Garyrob
While touring with the Beach Boys, I had the opportunity to meet [director-screenwriter] James Clavell. He suggested that I change my hair color, which I found quite arrogant. As a successful pop star with a hit single and on tour with the Beach Boys, I couldn’t understand who he thought he was talking to. However, it seems my outraged reaction caught his attention and I ultimately landed the role, as he was looking for someone with a sassy attitude.
I was amazed by Sidney’s presence. He was tall and carried himself with even more height. He exuded sophistication, was well-educated, and had a sharp intellect that was evident in his reading of newspapers from all over the world. On top of all that, he was a major movie star. This was not the type of person I was accustomed to spending time with! Many people have told me they were moved to tears when my character sang [the title track] to him. He had a knack for selecting roles that showcased his intelligence and talent. In an era where Black men in film were typically portrayed as servants or from lower social classes, he broke the mold by playing teacher Mark Thackeray, a character who was middle class, educated, and kind. He was incredibly generous to me, and as I grew older, we developed a friendship that lasted for decades. Unfortunately, as time went on, our communication dwindled, which is something I regret.
What were your thoughts when Jimi Hendrix deviated from the planned format on your 1969 TV show “Happening For Lulu”? – EricPodler
I couldn’t believe it. He had just learned that the band Cream had broken up, so he stopped singing his own song and instead played “Sunshine of Your Love” as a tribute. The floor manager’s face turned red, as he could hear the director yelling in his earpiece, “What’s happening?!” Afterwards, Jimi said to Lu, “I’m sorry if…” He knew it would cause controversy and he may have even enjoyed that. To make matters even more absurd, the BBC banned him, which is why we are still talking about it today.
Display the image in full screen mode.
You were the perfect choice for Take That’s cover of [Dan Hartman’s] Relight My Fire. What was your best memory of that time – and do you keep in contact? 1Mercedes
Their manager, Nigel Martin-Smith, suggested me. The record company had other ideas, so the boys had to fight my corner, but it took us all to a different audience. I think Jason [Orange] is off the grid, but the boys keep in touch with him and I absolutely keep in touch with Gary, Mark, Howard and occasionally Robbie. I think of them as extended family and there are a lot of great memories. One is being on a plane with them when we were on tour, and Gary grabbing the mic in the cockpit as if he were banging it at a club in the Midlands. “Hello, hello …” – we were in hysterics the whole journey.
What was your response upon learning you would be performing in a James Bond film? 25aubrey
I believed that Shirley Bassey had given a perfect performance and there was no space for anyone else. I always admired John Barry’s sophistication and I was familiar with his music before I even knew the lyrics. When they approached me for The Man With the Golden Gun, I was surprised and honored. Being a part of the Bond franchise is a fantastic accomplishment.
I discovered your incredible rendition of The Man Who Sold the World. What motivated you to perform a cover of David Bowie’s track? Flashbleu
I first encountered him at a recording studio in the United States alongside Iggy Pop. Later, he approached me in the lobby of a hotel in Sheffield and invited me to his concert that evening, expressing his desire to create a popular hit with me. This is exactly what transpired. The record company wanted me to conform to a typical pop star image, but he acknowledged, “They don’t understand your vocal abilities.” I adored Hunky Dory and he appeared to have kept his makeup on from the previous day. His hair was a vibrant orange and his complexion was pale. After sharing some drinks, we were engaged in intense conversation for the remainder of the night.
Have you covered any unreleased Bowie songs that haven’t been made available? NickyYoung
I am familiar with two songs, “Dodo” (an unreleased track from the Diamond Dogs recording sessions) and “Can You Hear Me” (from the album Young Americans). There may have been a third song, but I cannot recall due to the difficult time we were going through. Bowie was working on Young Americans and was involved in some darker things. I was scared and ended up distancing myself. I don’t have many regrets, but sometimes I wonder what would have happened if our relationship had continued. I am a private person and most people only know a small part of me, but Bowie understood me.
Can you recall any memories from the evening after Bowie’s final performance as Ziggy Stardust, when he, Mick Jagger, Lou Reed, and yourself stayed at the Hotel Café Royal?
According to them, if you can recall it, you weren’t enjoying yourself. And I can’t recall much of it! I do remember Mick being pleased that I was collaborating with Bowie. I had first met him when I was 15 and we were both signed to Decca. The Stones treated me like a little sister, which always bothered me because I wanted to be seen as their equal.
I really enjoyed I Don’t Wanna Fight, the song you wrote for Tina Turner, which was in the movie What’s Love Got to Do With It. What was the influence behind that song? Martinnew
My brother, Billy Lawrie, and I collaborated on this. He is a full-time songwriter, while I am only part-time. However, he has a talent for capturing the heart of my message. The inspiration behind the song was the end of my marriage. Sade was the one who brought the song to Tina. I am grateful to her for that.
Did you actually bring Pete Townshend to your parents’ house in Glasgow for tea and biscuits? kaipahead
Pete and possibly also Roger [Daltrey] were present, and it’s possible that the entire band was there as well. The flat where my parents lived was quite small. The Who provided support for me in Glasgow when they were known as the High Numbers, but it wasn’t a cozy gathering with tea and biscuits. My father was a heavy drinker, so he ordered half a bottle of whisky and six cans of lager. I still occasionally run into Roger. Nothing can compare to the shared history you have with people from your youth.
Display the image in full screen mode.
Do you have happy recollections of appearing as a Piece of Cake on the television show The Masked Singer on ITV? VerulamiumParkRanger
Honestly, there was a lot of anticipation for nothing significant. I watched the show with my grandchildren, but I was only present for a short period of time. But the main aspect of the show is the process of getting into the costumes, and being inside the cake was an enjoyable experience. It felt like being in a tube for a medical procedure. If you were claustrophobic, it would have been impossible to do. So it was challenging, but also enjoyable.
Can you rephrase this?
Were you featured in Absolutely Fabulous because your name was used as a joke by Jennifer Saunders? – Mikeybirdzis1234
The situation was reversed. I formed a strong friendship with Ade Edmondson, Robbie Coltrane, Ben Elton, and other alternative comedians during my time in Guys and Dolls. My introduction to Jennifer was through Dawn French. Jennifer came up with the famous line “Champagne for Lulu!” She is the master of improvisation and spontaneity.
What should we anticipate from the tour? Jade99
Last year, I embarked on a tour consisting of 32 dates, which proved to be quite exhausting. As I am turning 75 this year, I have made the decision that my upcoming tour, Champagne for Lulu, will be my final farewell. While I will continue to perform, I will no longer be going on tours. This time around, the setlist will span my entire career and there will be some surprise guests to add an element of excitement. Additionally, I will be performing some songs that I haven’t played in a while. Even if you have seen me in concert before, this experience will be unlike any other.
What is your trick for maintaining a youthful appearance? – bobbinstoo
During performances, I frequently mention that I have “angels on my shoulders.” This usually elicits laughter from the audience, but I feel fortunate. Despite being 75 years old, I do not feel my age at all and I am not content with being inactive. I make an effort to take care of my health by taking vitamins and staying hydrated. I do need to resume exercising and for the past eight weeks, I have avoided consuming sugar – although I recently indulged in a chocolate bar.
Source: theguardian.com
