Taylor made
It may be more than 15 years since Taylor Dayne had an Australian hit with the belt-out classic Tell It To My Heart, but it’s still a drag-show classic around the world.
And like most songs with drag-longevity, it’s still a powerful rock song, full of pose, posture and love gone wrong.
Now the woman behind Tell It To My Heart, and the famous follow-up album Can’t Fight Fate (featuring I’ll Be Your Shelter and With Every Beat Of My Heart) is in Sydney and preparing for a stop at Arq this Sunday.
So what’s she been doing for the past 15 years? Heaps. She has worked with Elton John on the adaptation of A? for Broadway, released a swag of albums and performed all over the world in front of diverse, often gay audiences.
She’s also become a mother of twin boys and, of course, inspired plenty of drag performances.
Oh yeah, I’ve been busy, honey, Taylor says.
Dayne is in town to play a crazy mix of RSL clubs, Star City and our very own Arq Sydney on Sunday night. A gay-party performance veteran (she says she has done tons of White Parties and AIDS benefits), she is as loyal to the gay community as they are to her.
She describes her gay fans as absolutely Priscilla and says she appreciates the support the gay community has given her over the years.
They’re absolutely fantastic, loyal fans who always want to have a good time. And I’ve seen drag queens do me better than I can.
Dayne attributes her long career in the notoriously fickle music industry to hard work and determination -“ not only to succeed financially, but to stay in the public eye.
I’m actually very hungry and motivated and driven as far as my career is concerned, she says. When one door is closing there’s another one opening. I’ve now done film and television work and acting and Broadway and all of that has to do with hunger and desire. And always feeling like I can do a better show.
After years on stage Dayne decided in her mid-30s to become a mother. She now has a pair of exhausting twin boys, who won’t be joining her on this Australian tour.
After Broadway I became a mother. I don’t know how I’m juggling it, it’s insane. But I love the action and they’re amazing kids and beautiful and thank God I have great nannies.
Taylor Dayne plays Arq Sydney on Sunday 9 November. For bookings, call (02)9380 8700, Fantasy Lane on (02)9357 6887 or the Imperial Hotel on (02)9519 9899. Dayne is also performing at the Rooty Hill RSL, corner of Sherbrooke Ave and Railway St, Rooty Hill, on Saturday night. The club has show and accommodation packages available. Call (02)9625 5500 for information.
