Lulu, aged 75, discusses retirement plans and mentions that even after nearly two decades, people continue to quote lines from ‘Ab Fab’
Renowned singer Lulu has discussed whether her upcoming tour 'Champagne for Lulu' will mark her final one and reflected on the enduring impact of her cameo on the cult show Absolutely Fabulous, which continues to receive comments nearly two decades later.
When Lulu reached the age of 75 last month, she chose to keep her celebrations simple.
“I had a relaxed time with my closest family,” she shares. “It wasn’t a big affair, just a pleasant and easygoing gathering.” However, don’t mistake this for a slowdown in her pace. She was simply reserving her energy for “an incredible party,” as she’s planned a series of impressive live performances next year to commemorate her significant birthday and six decades in the music industry.
“It’s going to be a truly memorable occasion,” she affirms. “The way I cherish celebrations most is when I’m up on stage.” The Champagne For Lulu tour commences in her hometown of Glasgow – the obvious choice – and culminates at the London Palladium, an astonishing 60 years from the day her first hit, Shout, was released.
The tour title draws inspiration from a line in her cameo appearance on the popular comedy series “Ab Fab,” where Lulu fondly recalls it as “the greatest gift Jennifer Saunders could ever have given me.” Explaining the widespread recognition she receives globally, whether strolling the streets of Sydney, Los Angeles, or Spain, she shares how people often cheer ‘champagne for Lulu’ at her.
Assuring her audiences a captivating experience, the star pledges to showcase all the hits from her illustrious career. Expect an abundance of anecdotes and tales about her life and romances. “We’re going all out for this,” she insists. “I want everyone to revel with me. I’ll be hosting special guests—individuals I’ve encountered along my journey—to join in the celebrations.” With the array of renowned personalities Lulu has performed alongside and collaborated with over the years, audiences could anticipate truly extraordinary shows.
So, who might make an appearance? From Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Sting, and Neil Diamond to Westlife and Atomic Kitten—Lulu has an impressive lineup of collaborators to call upon. Fans eagerly anticipate a possible reunion with her close friends, Take That, for a rendition of their hit, “Relight My Fire,” especially following her guest appearance at their Hyde Park British Summer Time show in July.
Additionally, she mentions receiving a standing ovation during her recent performance at the Hollywood Bowl alongside Boy George. Anticipate Lulu’s powerful renditions of classics like “The Man With The Golden Gun,” “The Boat That I Row,” and undoubtedly, a show-stopping performance of “Shout” that will leave the audience in awe. “I want my audience to leave the theatre brimming with joy,” she expresses. “That, for me, would be the ultimate birthday gift.”
With the vitality and vigour akin to a much younger woman, Lulu credits meditation for the remarkable state of her body and mind. Having practised it for over four decades, she regards her “spiritual regime” as fundamental to a healthy lifestyle. “It connects you with your inner wisdom. I cherish that. And the incredible energy inherent within us all.”
Clearly engrossed in crafting her second unabashed autobiography, Lulu, who has a son, Jordan, aged 46, from her previous marriage to hairstylist John Frieda, finds herself reflecting on her extraordinary life. She expresses her readiness to divulge some of her most captivating tales to audiences now.
“I’ll have the opportunity to delve into subjects I seldom discuss,” she remarks. And when the star—who married Bee Gee Maurice Gibb at 19, allegedly had an affair with David Bowie, triumphed in the Eurovision Song Contest, and was honoured with an OBE by Queen Elizabeth—opens up, it’s bound to be captivating.
Despite her extensive career in entertainment, Lulu isn’t contemplating retirement just yet. “People ask, ‘Will this be your final tour?’ and I ponder, ‘Well, that’s a question.’ But yes, maybe. Potentially.”
However, the primary reason she might bid farewell to the stage is her desire to focus on another one of her talents. “I aspire to concentrate on my acting,” she shares. “I’m always contemplating, ‘What’s next for me? What lies ahead? What do I want to pursue?’ I entered the film industry at 16, starring in ‘To Sir With Love’, so it feels like a full circle moment.”
We will soon catch sight of Lulu in the Sky movie ‘Arthur’s Whisky’, alongside Diane Keaton and Patricia Hodge. Additionally, we’ll have the pleasure of hearing her delightful performance in the Radio 4 sitcom ‘Bob Servant Says Cheerio’, a two-part series she recorded with her longtime friend, Brian Cox from Succession.
At present, Lulu eagerly anticipates relishing the festive season in her London home before commencing rehearsals in the new year. She’s gearing up to take her show on the road come April.
“At the moment, I’ve got a lot on my mind,” she remarks. “It feels strange to say, but in many ways, I sense this is a fresh start for me. I don’t perceive it as an end; rather, it feels like I’m still on the cusp of being discovered.”
The Champagne For Lulu tour launches on 9th April 2024. For ticket information, visit myticket.co.uk/artists/lulu.
