Video: Bette Midler Sings Everyone’s Gone To The Moon

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Video: Bette Midler Sings Everyone’s Gone To The Moon
By Mister D
Oct 9, 2025

Bette Midler performed Jonathan King’s 1965 melancholic pop ballad “Everyone’s Gone to the Moon” during her 1983 De Tour concert tour and in her HBO special Art or Bust! (1984). This cover showcases her signature blend of theatrical flair and emotional depth, turning the song’s themes of alienation and whimsy into a poignant cabaret-style moment. It’s not on a studio album, but rather lives in these live recordings, where she taps into ’60s nostalgia with her rock-infused delivery.

The De Tour trek (short for “No Frills De Tour,” tied to her 1983 album No Frills) was Midler’s return to the road after a four-year hiatus, emphasizing a mix of rock, standards, and comedy. The tour kicked off in February 1983 and wrapped with a high-profile residency at Radio City Music Hall in New York (March 1983). Performances were known for elaborate sets, her Harlettes backup singers, and Midler’s honed vocals—critics noted her improved rock edge and restraint compared to earlier shows.

Midler included “Everyone’s Gone to the Moon” as a mid-set ballad, often transitioning from upbeat numbers like “Pink Cadillac” to quieter, introspective tracks. It’s described as a highlight for its “underrated” revival, with her voice soaring over the lyrics about societal disconnection (“Streets full of people, all alone”). Footage from tour stops, like the University of Minnesota (taped for the special), captures her in dramatic lighting, evoking Marlene Dietrich’s cabaret vibe (whom Midler admired and who also covered it).