Cyndi Lauper on the news, blues and her gay fans

Xtra talked with Lauper at Toronto Pride, where she performed from her new album, Memphis Blues

Cyndi Lauper was in town for Toronto Pride, where she performed a free concert for fans at Queen’s Park. Xtra talked with the singer, who recently released a new album, Memphis Blues.

We spoke to her about her music and her gay fans.

“I’m your extended family — friends and family,” she says of her connection to her gay fanbase. “The past eight years, it was so dark. It was not good. I was not gonna stand by and not say anything.

“The way he would go on television — George Bush — and speak hate…. I’m sorry pal. I don’t know where you live, but where I live — in New York — we stick up for our own. And you ain’t gonna fuc-… you’re not just gonna get away with that one.”

Cyndi Lauper’s Memphis Blues is available in stores now and on iTunes.


Read More About:
Culture, Music, Video, News, Canada, Arts

Keep Reading

Who gets to claim parental rights?

Xtra and TVO’s Unravelled partnered on this mini-doc diving into what "parental rights" policies mean for kids and parents across Canada

Second Alberta town votes to ban Pride flags, rainbow crosswalks

Barrhead residents voted this week in favour of new “neutrality” bylaw

Xtra Explains: Parental rights

What does Canadian law actually say when it comes to the rights of parents and trans kids?

Xtra Explains: Social vs. medical transition

Media and politicians like to fixate on the medical aspects of transition. But for most trans youth, social transition plays a much bigger part in their lives