Bootleg Betty
News Clip: Bette Midler & De Tour Go To Texas
By Mister D
January 8, 2025
Bette Midler’s “De Tour” in 1983 was a significant live performance tour for the singer, actress, and comedian, marking a return to her live shows after focusing on her film career. Here’s a little history on that tour:
Songs Performed:
During the De Tour, Bette Midler’s setlist included a mix of her own hits and cover songs that showcased her versatility as a performer. Some of the songs she performed included:
“Beast of Burden” (The Rolling Stones cover)
“Stay with Me” (Lorraine Ellison cover)
“Superstar” (Bette Midler version, originally by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell)
“All I Need to Know”
A disco medley which was part of a production number featuring mermaids in motorized wheelchairs.
Trivia and Notable Moments:
Flashing Incident: One memorable moment from the tour was when Bette Midler flashed the audience during a performance, which was characteristic of her bold and humorous stage presence.
Review by Stephen Holden: The New York Times review by Stephen Holden praised the concert for allowing Midler to show off her skills as a singer, comedian, and actress. He noted her ability to fine-tune emotions and the show’s eclectic yet heartfelt nature.
Venue and Audience: The tour included performances at large venues like Forest Hills Stadium in New York, where ticket prices were comparable to Broadway shows. Despite the familiarity of the material, there were no complaints from the audience about the content.
Art or Bust: The tour was also captured in a special titled “Art or Bust,” which, however, was criticized for cutting out significant portions of the concert.
Quotes:
Stephen Holden’s review highlighted Midler’s performance by saying, “Miss Midler understands that great pop songs are banal and heartfelt all at once, and her show projected that knowledge in every move she made.”
Miss Midler was noted for her ability to deliver her material with “a new air of dignity” and with emotional control giving the evening “shape and purpose” according to reviews.
This tour was part of Midler’s broader strategy to balance her career in music with her growing reputation in film and television, showcasing her as a multifaceted entertainer.
KXAS-TV (Television station : Fort Worth, Tex.). [News Clip: Bette Midler], video, January 24, 1983, 10:00 p.m.; Fort Worth, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1162839/m1/: accessed January 8, 2025), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.
