Bootleg Betty
News Clips: More Texas Two Step From Bette Midler 1983
By Mister D
January 8, 2025
“Bette Midler: Art or Bust!” was a special concert filmed at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, during her “De Tour” in 1983. Here are some of the highlights from that performance:
Performance Peak: Bette Midler was noted to be at her peak during this live recording, with her vocal performance being described as better than ever. Her rendition of “Stay With Me” was highlighted as one of the finest recorded versions of the song.
Unique Concert Theme: The concert was themed around art, living up to its name, “Art or Bust.” It featured bold and sharp costumes and unique set designs, giving it an artsy feel.
Standout Songs: Several songs were particularly noted:
“Stay With Me” was praised for its dynamic control and emotional involvement.
“Don’t Look Down” was performed in a memorable red minidress, with Midler’s interpretation being definitive.
“Here Comes the Flood” was described as a brilliant performance, showcasing Midler’s whiskey-voiced interpretation.
New Wave Influence: The concert had a modern, new-wave influence at the time, with songs like “My Eye On You” rocking the stage and “Is it Love” representing a contemporary sound.
Comedy and Raunchiness: True to Midler’s style, the concert was filled with her characteristic humor and raunchiness, including her famous act as Delores Delago, the mermaid in a wheelchair.
Additional Content: The VHS release included over 20 minutes of extra performances, such as Midler’s final performance at the Continental Baths and a moment from a telethon where she humorously “drops her dress for Israel.”
These elements combined to make “Art or Bust” a memorable showcase of Midler’s multifaceted talents in singing, comedy, and performance art.
KXAS-TV (Television station : Fort Worth, Tex.). [News Clip: Bette Midler], video, January 25, 1983, 5:00 p.m.; Fort Worth, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1176004/m1/: accessed January 8, 2025), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.
KXAS-TV (Television station : Fort Worth, Tex.). [News Clip: Bette Midler], video, January 1983; Fort Worth, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1176984/m1/: accessed January 8, 2025), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.
