Funny little thing happened yesterday.
So I’m minding my own business yesterday afternoon in my local city centre boozer in Leeds.
I’ve managed to sneak off from work early, so I’m enjoying a quiet pint to kick start the weekend.
My attention is soon caught by the lady sat next to me; you don’t get many deep American accents in the West Riding – usually just the normal Yorkshire twangs.
She’s most upset at how cold it is. And she wants a small cider – “not a big one in those huge glass cups”, she instructs her acquaintance, on her way to the bar.
She catches my eye and we smile at each other. Now my curiosity is doing overtime. Who is this lady? I recognise her from somewhere – is she in a soap opera or a forgotten 80s band? Can’t place her.
She looks well, although she has that appearance of somebody who’s obviously had a ‘bit of work’ done.
Eventually I realise who it is – but only when I ask her what brings her to the UK, to Leeds and to my local pub.
“I’m here to see a special performance by my late husband at the arena here in Leeds.”
Now I’m slightly confused? – I’ve only had two pints at this stage – promise! A performance by somebody who has passed away – hmmm.
She leans across and tells me who her husband was in a whisper. She then buys me a pint of Coors and allows me to take a quick picture.
Yes, a very surreal evening, but last night I had a pint with Priscilla Presley!
I’m still slightly in shock today, that not only did I chat to somebody who had met Elvis – but somebody who was actually married to him.
Life is sometimes very strange!
Strange encounters
Last time I stayed in Leeds I was in the same hotel as the Unthanks. I smiled at Rachel and she smiled right back. I think I probably blushed.
I must hastily add that this was in the lobby downstairs. I am a gentleman.
Nothing gentlemanly about a rush of blood to the downstairs lobby (and that’s a new term for it).
You traduce my honour sir. As a Yorkshireman I challenge you to whippets at dawn.
I’m a Glaswegian living in Essex – I don’t know whether to turn up with a malkie or a bottle of fake tan.
That’s a great story
Blimey, that’s a claim to fame right there! Did you ask why she allowed her ex’s recordings to be slathered in orchestrations?
@NigelT because it pays for her flights and hotels and keeps her in the life of luxury?
Dreadful woman – not sure would want to meet her.
Please tell me she was drinking in either The Duncan or The three Legs. That would make my day.
Haha – afraid not, she was in the West Riding near the train station.
You should have whisked her off to the Angel for a pint of Sam Smith’s at £2.00.
The Three Legs, a place to walk past hurriedly. @Franco
Amazing story. Strikes me as a good sort and your tale confirms that.
Share the picture already!
Here’s a pic I got of her. The one of us together makes me look terrible!
What a wonderful story. You have just brightened my grey, sleety Stockholm day enormously. Not least because she was so charming.
Which is also very true of those lovely Unthanks sisters too. Have chatted with them after a couple of shows here and they are a delight to meet.
…but were they there for Bobby after he broke up with Pam?
@native
That is an absolutely fantastic story! Bit gobsmacked it’s not got a bit more attention tbh.