Bootleg Betty
Video: Bette Midler – AIDS Benefit – 1991
By Mister D
Sept. 8, 2024
So, there’s this star-studded shindig called “Commitment to Life V.” Picture it: Universal Amphitheatre, glittering lights, and a crowd ready to groove. But hold up—the playlist isn’t your usual Top 40 hits. Nope, we’re diving into the AIDS era, where the tunes are like secret messages from the universe.
Bette Midler, our honorary headliner, steps up. She’s got that diva sparkle, and she knows it. ? Between soulful verses of her classic “Friends,” she drops truth bombs. “I had some friends, but they’re gone,” she croons. Suddenly, the song isn’t just about loneliness; it’s a heart-wrenching dirge. Goosebumps, my friend.
But wait, there’s more! Tyne Daly soft-shoes her way through Stephen Sondheim’s “Together” (from “Gypsy”). It’s like a musical pep talk: “Hey, we can lick this!” ?? Angela Lansbury joins in, belting Jerry Herman’s lesser-known gem “I’ll Be Here Tomorrow.” Survivor vibes, anyone?
And then—bam! Jennifer Holliday hits the stage. She’s got pipes that could shatter glass. Her rendition of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” (dedicated to Michael Bennett, the genius behind “Dreamgirls”) brings down the house. Irony alert: Bennett’s among the theater legends lost to the same cruel disease.
Now, the Commitments—the fictional Irish band from that hit movie. They pop in for a quick cameo. The crowd erupts when the movie clip plays. But—plot twist—they vanish after 2½ songs. Yep, their only U.S. concert appearance ever. Talk about leaving us wanting more!
Blessing her comedic soul, Carol Channing follows up with mistimed hilarity after singing “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” And then—hold onto your hats—Sarah Brightman and Lainie Kazan tag-team on Irving Berlin’s “Anything You Can Do.” New lyrics, major laughs. ?
But wait, there’s more (again)! Featherweight dance-pop group The Party shows up. Why? No clue. Maybe they thought the crowd was secretly pre-teens? ???? And Michael Feinstein? He’s got the demographic down, but he skips the oldies and goes for modern ballads. Risky move, my man.
Lastly, the speeches. Brad Davis, the actor, recently died of AIDS. His physician, Joel Weisman, takes the mic. He’s not holding back, slamming the right wing’s “just say no” solutions. And hey, Republican-bashing is practically a theme tonight. Terry Sweeney even rocks drag as Nancy Reagan. ?
So there you have it—the night when show tunes met activism, glitter met grief, and the beat went on. ?? Keep dancing, my friend!
