Dame Shirley Bassey wows all in gold at Bond gig to mark movies’ 60th anniversary
DAME Shirley Bassey glittered last night as she belted out her James Bond classics at a celebration of the movie series 60th birthday.
The 85 year old joined stars and 007 producers to mark the anniversary of the first movie's premiere Dr No at the Royal Albert Hall gig.
Masterminded by Bond composer David Arnold, the Sound of 007 showcased hits from the series' long history.
Other stars included Garbage, Lulu and Paloma Faith who each performed one of the many legendary themes - all backed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
And Arnold joined up with fellow composer Hans Zimmer to play a jaw dropping piece from latest film No Time To Die.
Dressed in a shoulderless gold glittering dress, Shirley said: “It was an amazing experience to open the show tonight at the Royal Albert Hall with two songs that have meant so much to me over the years.
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"This has been a once in a lifetime opportunity to see and hear decades of James Bond’s musical legacy brought to life by so many incredible artistes and I feel honoured to have been a part of it.”
The gig will be streamed on Prime Video soon.
Dr No starring Sean Connery was released on this day in 1962 to begin one of the biggest movie franchises in history.
Prime Video have also premiered a Sound of 007 feature film pulling back the curtain on the remarkable history of six decades of James Bond music.
And the Albert Hall will now stage a concert with music Casino Royale, Skyfall and Spectre from November 17-20.
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Last night's star-studded event came as Bond producer Michael G. Wilson insisted the next person to play James Bond should be in his 30s.
It means previous hot favourites for the role including Idris Elba, 50, Tom Hardy, 45, and Tom Hiddleston, 41, will be out of the running.
But it leaves the door open for Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page, 34, Bodyguard actor Richard Madden, 36, and Superman star Henry Cavill, 39.
Daniel Craig, 54, stepped down as 007 last year after five films in 15 years.
Producer Michael said: “We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past.
"But trying to visualise it doesn’t work. Remember, Bond’s already a veteran.
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“He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something.
"He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a 30-something.”
