Benidorm's tattoo marvel
Many of us do things to help raise money for charity – sponsored walks or swims, marathons and bike rides are probably the norm, but one gent has certainly topped the list for ingenuity and in many people’s eyes, bravery!
Jamie Somers is an entertainer in Benidorm and known as ‘The Bad Boy of Swing’ performing as The Greatest Showman, a combination of musicals and swing – ‘like a variety show within a show’ … currently performing at Rockerfellas, then from March at Zodiac.
He is one of a number taking part in the Save My Life 4 fundraiser at Benidorm Palace (see separate article) and goes against the grain of what such a singer of his genre should look like. A 6ft 2in heavily tattooed 15 stone skinhead, with a broad Scouser accent is not who you’d expect to blast out Pavarotti’s Nessun Dorma!
He has been performing for 34 years, having originally trained as a dancer and model. Until 2000 he was on the Westend stage – Les Misérables, Spend Spend Spend and Guys & Dolls plus he has taken part in the Royal Variety Show not once but twice! During those years he wasn’t allowed any kind of body art, having to conform to a strict look. As soon as he finished, he knew he wanted his own image, to be different to everyone … and he has certainly achieved that!
Back in his native Liverpool, Jamie supports two charities – Walking with Giants and Bowel Cancer UK so was keen to do something here in Benidorm – his adopted new home. His wife Pepper is a volunteer at the Benidorm dog pound, so he was keen to take part in the fundraiser, but wanted to do something extra… and being a tattoo fan there was only one option – to add to the extensive collection.
However, it’s where he decided to opt for that tattoo which has had everyone talking. Jamie offered to have the logo of Planet Benidorm, a popular bar in Benidorm tattooed onto the back of his head for which the owner, Ron Vincent pledged €750 to kick start the campaign... to date has raised €1,100 from other donations – he is hoping to hit the €2,000 mark before the show. He would especially like to thank Lee Holman of VIP Tattoos who did the inking for free which would normally cost a few hundred euros over two sittings as was “quite painful”.
Not many would go the extra mile like Jamie has done in the name of charity, so a huge well done and good luck in achieving your target before the event which takes place on Sunday, March 8.