In 1966, Bobby Darin performed an exciting live concert in London. He expertly worked the room with his
outstanding talent, showmanship and stage presence. Bobby also demonstrated his versatility in this hour with his
singing, impressions, acting and playing the guitar and piano.
Accompanied by Alyn Ainsworth and his orchestra, Mr. Darin's performance was filmed by the BBC and broadcast in London May 20, 1967. The concert was also recorded and released by Atlantic Records on the album Something
Special. Later some tracks of this record appeared on the CDs Rare Performances
and From
Sea to Sea.
Below are the liner notes that appeared on the back cover of
the Something Special LP. Written by Bill Harry, his feelings sum up the magic of Mr. Darin
that was felt by his fans in London and all over the world.
Today these feelings still are felt,
because truly Bobby Darin was "Something Special."
Something Special Liner Notes
Bobby Darin, man of magic. Magic, not only in his voice but in a personality that is quite unique. There is only
one Bobby Darin - only one guy whose eyes twinkle with such expression, whose eyes twinkle with smiles or thoughts. Those eyes.
Bobby Darin's eyes. Yes, they're quite unique. Bobby Darin the man of magic, whose voice has enchanted, cast a spell - and yet
where does the magic come from? There are many people with gold-plated tonsils, but Bobby beats them all.
He came over to London to film Stranger in the House (a.k.a. Copout)
with James Mason and that soft, wonderful Geraldine Chaplin - and he stayed in London. Why? Because Darin and London clicked in such a
way that Italian restaurants stood up and became more Italian in his presence, the swinging 'in' clubs seemed to preen in his presence.
A west end film premiere - and afterwards Bobby would drop into a Kensington restaurant, small and intimate, to take wine and
spaghetti with his friends, and a dusty guitar on the wall would take on a new life when he took it down and played "Eighteen
Yellow Roses" - and when he did tears would fall from many eyes, because here was feeling that wafted in the air.
And London became a warmer city with Darin. Moving from a cold hotel he settled in a house ... and what a house. Many floored.
Tastefully decorated - and with a stereophonic record player that brought to life the world's greatest classical music. Classical
music? Bobby's love in his life - one of his love's, along with his son, whom he adores.
Darin at London airport. Heathrow. Scared perhaps of flying, yet prepared. Because he's off on a trip to Paris to
perform for UNICEF. London fog -- beloved of fiction -- droops down and stops all flights. So over to the restaurant for some
wine and food - and Darin proves his love of humanity. There are Indians and Chinese and scousers and Negroes and travellers
from all corners - and he's with them laughing and smiling and they love him.
Darin is a part of mankind - and taxi drivers, flower sellers, everyone he meets is a friend, someone to talk to.
Darin thinks. He's a philosopher. He is a sensitive person. He feels for people, particularly dominated people, deprived people,
people who can't fend for themselves. If he could he would fend for them. He's a politically conscious person. He feels
politics and is concerned - and quite rightfully he feels other people should be concerned. For this is life.
In London Darin stayed - and during his stay he made a visual souvenir - recorded by BBC2, produced by Stuart Morris at
the close of 1966, the show was screened on May 20th, 1967. Here is the aural souvenir of that show, with "Don't Rain On My
Parade," "I Wish I Were in Love Again," "One for My Baby," "Once Upon a Time" and more. Can you believe that this magic songster
is the little guy who fought his way from the slums of New York, the guy who started his career making TV jingles? Yes, you can
believe it because in this world anything can happen if people believe in people.
Darin, the world loves you.
(Thanks to Bruce Kellhar for contributing these liner notes.)
Below are scenes from the video Bobby Darin in London, which is available as a bootleg, the best
I have seen was the copy below which is from Danny's Records and Videos.
