Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Bubbles the Clown’s Elton John superfan
David has watched pop legend perform 59 times!
In his first UK number one back in 1976 – Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Elton John famously sang: “When I was down, I was your clown.”
But there’s no need for Elton superfan David Forsyth – aka children’s entertainer Bubbles the Clown – to feel down as he prepares to see the legend perform – for the 59th time!
And now David will get to sing along with the idol in his home town, when he joins thousands of fans at Elton’s muchanticipated Excelsior Stadium show next Saturday.
The excited 59- year- old told the Advertiser: “I was 17 when I saw Elton live for the first time, at the Apollo Theatre in Glasgow.
“I’ve seen him at venues across Britain, including Wembley, Edinburgh Castle and the former Rainbow Theatre in London, which I went to six nights in a row!”
David has witnessed Elton announce his‘ retirement’ on-stage at least half a dozen times, and has even went to see the star’s beloved Watford FC play.
He continued: “I was in Vegas when I found out Elton was coming to Airdrie and stayed up until 2am to make sure I got my tickets.
“It’s surreal to think I’m going to see him in my home town after all the other shows; I can’t wait.”
David’s love of all things Elton has even seen him perform as the great man himself – and spread his dedicated fandom to his children.
He explained: “I gather and sell a lot of Elton memorabilia and, because it was announced he was coming to Airdrie, I adopted an ‘Elfton John’ persona at the Christmas lights switch-on events.
“It was really well- received and I performed at the switch- ons across Lanarkshire, including Airdrie and Coatbridge.
“My five kids also got really into Elton’s music and the first gig I took them to was in Birmingham’s; now I have to fight them for tickets!
“They’re all grown up but love going to see him, and they’ll all be there next Saturday.”
David added: “I’ve never met the great man but he is one of my heroes and I might try and get him to sign my Watford shirt that’s already autographed by footballer John Barnes, as I’ll be sat a couple of rows from the front.
“And, obviously, if Elton sees me and asks me to join him on stage for a duet I’ll be happy to oblige!”
Despite being tempted to head along dressed in his clown outfit, David says Bubbles will be “given the night off ” at the gig.
David has entertained families throughout the country as Bubbles for 25 years and though now in “semi-retirement”, is still keen to do his bit to spread fun and joy – and help out charitable causes.
He added: “I am looking to get involved with Airdrieonians’ Sensory Room Project by hosting parties in the venue.
“It is such a wonderful initiative and it’s very important to lend a hand and do my bit for such a fantastic cause.”