From Red Square to Welsh Hills: A Singer’s Journey
A chance encounter in Moscow’s Red Square and childhood summers in a Welsh mining village shaped the life of this renowned singer.
In 1993, Russia was just beginning to open its doors to the West. I found myself in Moscow with Elaine Paige for a concert, staying in what was touted as the city’s finest hotel. Thankfully, the name escapes me now, because the experience was far from luxurious. The food was dreadful,a decent cup of tea was unfeasible to find,and the place was teeming with “ladies looking for companionship.” I had at least half a dozen knocking on my door throughout the night, offering a “good time.”
But I had a fantastic time without their help.One night, Elaine and I ventured out with our female guides – who I suspect were former KGB agents – and after several glasses of vodka, we found ourselves in Red Square on a …