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Singer Patti LaBelle weeps on stage
Times Leader/AP ^ | 3/27/2006

Posted on 03/27/2006 11:20:09 AM PST by Born Conservative

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. - Rhythm-and-blues diva Patti LaBelle struggled through a weekend show after taking the stage at midnight, at one point sitting down and crying.

"I've never been this embarrassed in my life," LaBelle told the crowd Saturday at the Riviera Beach Jazz and Blues Festival. "This sucks. It's the worst show I've ever done in my life."

As temperatures dipped into the low 50s, LaBelle explained that she's nearly 62 and has diabetes and a heart murmur, and the cold weather simply wasn't agreeing with her.

The Grammy-winning singer tried to belt out a few notes, then told fans huddled under blankets that she understood if they walked out on her.

A steady stream of people left the show during her 45 minutes on stage after having waited hours through opening acts.

"I've never ever given you less than I can give. I'm gonna give you everything you deserve," she said. LaBelle struggled through "Lady Marmalade" with assistance from a few in the crowd, sang some gospel songs and "On My Own" before retreating.


TOPICS: Music/Entertainment
KEYWORDS: pattilabelle

1 posted on 03/27/2006 11:20:12 AM PST by Born Conservative
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To: Born Conservative

Dang. Sounds like she needs some R & R.


2 posted on 03/27/2006 11:21:30 AM PST by JennysCool (Liberals don't care what you do, as long as it's mandatory.)
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To: Born Conservative

Bobby Brownitis?


3 posted on 03/27/2006 11:21:49 AM PST by toddlintown (Lennon takes six bullets to the chest, Yoko is standing right next to him and not one f'ing bullet?)
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To: Born Conservative

Sad. I remember her in her prime, and she was very good. Time takes it's heavy toll on everyone.


4 posted on 03/27/2006 11:22:39 AM PST by butternut_squash_bisque (The recipe's at my FR HomePage)
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To: Born Conservative
That strikes me as real character. Too many in the entertainment industry would simply walk off stage and have their flunkies provide pathetic excuses to the crowd.
5 posted on 03/27/2006 11:23:00 AM PST by Onelifetogive (* Sarcasm tag ALWAYS required. For some FReepers, sarcasm can NEVER be obvious enough.)
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To: Born Conservative

Sometimes, things are rough. And when a performer realizes that they suck... appologizing onstage and showing heartfelt sorrow is certainly not dishonorable. Too many woudl simply storm off and blame things on the audience, their manager, the arrangement of the planets, the excessive number of brown M&Ms, whatever.


6 posted on 03/27/2006 11:23:03 AM PST by orionblamblam (A furore Normannorum libra nos, Domine)
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To: Born Conservative
She can't keep her body warm if her blood sugar is off. It is not easy being on the road and regulating blood sugar. Keep it light Freepers.
7 posted on 03/27/2006 11:25:39 AM PST by bmwcyle (We got permits, yes we DO! We got permits, how 'bout YOU?;))
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Comment #8 Removed by Moderator

To: bmwcyle
She can't keep her body warm if her blood sugar is off. It is not easy being on the road and regulating blood sugar. Keep it light Freepers.

Diabetes can be very difficult to manage. Even using Metformin or Glucaphage can fail if there is a lot of stress (of any kind). I had to triple my dosage when I started cross-country commuting again (after having it totally under control when I had a local gig).

Yes, please be cool Freepers. I think she did the right thing by telling the audience she couldn't continue.

If you've not walked a mile in her shoes, don't knock her socks.

9 posted on 03/27/2006 11:29:05 AM PST by freedumb2003 (Diplomacy is what you do after you kick the enemy's ass and define their lives afterward)
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To: freedumb2003

You are so right. It is not easy to balance the blood sugar under stress.


10 posted on 03/27/2006 11:31:52 AM PST by bmwcyle (We got permits, yes we DO! We got permits, how 'bout YOU?;))
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Comment #11 Removed by Moderator

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To: bmwcyle
Having been a guitar player for many years,The cold affects my fingers immensely.Having arthritis in my knuckle joints doesn't help either.Many gigs were a struggle to get through,and it has an effect on the music.She should be commended for being honest and stoic,unlike many of todays so called musicians who cant finish,or give a poor performance due to too many bad habits they cant put off till after the show.
13 posted on 03/27/2006 11:42:48 AM PST by xarmydog
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To: JennysCool

There comes a time when it's important to take care of yourself as well as you take care of everyone else... but I understand her wanting to try her best. I just think in this case Ms. LaBelle needed to sit it out, go take a warm cup of soup and sleep.

Audiences feel cheated, but I think a sick day off is better than a having a performer drop dead from exhaustion.

It's really hard when you're 62, sick, and cold. I hope Ms. LaBelle gets to feeling better so she can belt them out on a better day. Better days do come...


14 posted on 03/27/2006 11:49:25 AM PST by dandelion
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To: dandelion

I'll be 52 in June. I have held four tickets for shows that never happened. It is not the end of the world.


15 posted on 03/27/2006 11:55:20 AM PST by bmwcyle (We got permits, yes we DO! We got permits, how 'bout YOU?;))
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To: Born Conservative
Thanks for posting this story, BornConservative. Patti LaBelle not only has an awe-inspiring voice, she is a consummate professional, and pours her heart into every performance.

Patti LaBelle has in the past also performed despite illness and on at least one occasion she was suffering from bleeding vocal chords and she sang anyway.

That's not a wise thing to do because bleeding nodes on vocal chords can cause scar tissue and eventual loss of voice. Yet it shows her great personal respect for her audiences.

And if you haven't heard Patti LaBelle sing "Oh Danny Boy" then you haven't heard the song, imo, of course. :-)


Photo/AP
"Danny Boy" may not be 100% Irish, but that hasn't stopped a wide range of singers, including Patti LaBelle, from answering its call. JS Online: Entertainment Music

16 posted on 03/27/2006 11:56:46 AM PST by bd476
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To: Born Conservative

Man, that must have been upsetting for her. Performing is a physical feat and her body is not cooperating.


17 posted on 03/27/2006 4:48:45 PM PST by Galveston Grl (Getting angry and abandoning power to the Democrats is not a choice.)
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To: Galveston Grl

Patti Labelle is a legend and I'm truly her best fan, but I really think she should retire or limit her concerts. I hate to say that and it hurts, but the last four concerts I went to she could not remember her words and/or she started crying.I don't know her financial position, but she cannot put 110% as she used to. I will always love her dearly though and tivo every tv appearance.


18 posted on 03/29/2006 4:57:21 PM PST by JJELY22
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