Paul O’Grady, a beloved entertainer, passed away on March 28, 2023. His death marked a profound moment of sadness for many.The memory of Lily Savage’s sharp wit and vibrant performances continues to be cherished, and Paul O’Grady’s legacy lives on, remembered fondly by those who adored him.

From Birkenhead to the Big City

Paul O’Grady’s journey to becoming Lily Savage began in Birkenhead, a working-class town near Liverpool. O’Grady describes how the strong, resilient women in his family, especially his mother and aunts, significantly influenced Lily’s character. These women, with their sharp wit and no-nonsense attitudes, became the blueprint for Lily Savage’s persona.

In “The Devil Rides Out,” O’Grady writes, “I grew up surrounded by formidable women. My mother, my aunts, they were all very strong characters, and they had this incredible ability to take life’s hardships on the chin. Their resilience, humor, and way of dealing with the world around them were a huge influence on me and Lily.”

The London Drag Scene

O’Grady moved to London in the early 1980s, where he began to perform in drag. It was in the capital’s vibrant gay scene that Lily Savage truly came to life. O’Grady recalls his early performances at small venues and pubs, including the legendary Royal Vauxhall Tavern. It was here that Lily’s sharp tongue and outrageous style quickly caught on with audiences.

In his autobiography, O’Grady reflects on the scene: “The drag scene in London was tough but exhilarating. You had to have a thick skin and a quick wit to survive. Lily Savage was my way of coping and fighting back, using humor to tackle everything from politics to the harsh realities of the gay community in the 1980s.”

During this period, O’Grady rubbed shoulders with other emerging talents in the drag and entertainment scenes. These included stars who would later achieve widespread fame, such as Julian Clary and Dame Edna Everage (Barry Humphries).

Memorable Performances and Incidents

O’Grady shares a memorable story about his debut performance at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, a famous gay bar known for its lively atmosphere and no-holds-barred performances. Lily Savage’s audacious humor and striking appearance made an immediate impact. O’Grady recalls, “I walked in there with my beehive hairdo and garish makeup, not knowing what to expect. The crowd was tough, but they loved Lily’s sharp tongue. It was a make-or-break moment, and thankfully, it made her.”

Another vivid memory from O’Grady’s early days in the London drag scene involves a performance at a rough pub in East London. “The place was filled with blokes who looked like they were ready for a fight. I was terrified, but Lily wasn’t. She strutted in, gave as good as she got, and by the end of the night, even the toughest guys were laughing and clapping. That’s when I knew Lily had something special.”

O’Grady also recounts a particularly challenging night when a power cut plunged the venue into darkness just as Lily was about to take the stage. “There we were, in pitch black, and I thought, ‘This is it, show’s over.’ But Lily wasn’t having any of it. She grabbed a candle from the bar, stood on a table, and started her routine. The audience loved it—they were laughing so hard, they forgot about the power cut. That night, Lily proved she could perform under any circumstances.”

Another tale from Bow Bells Tavern showcases Lily’s sharp wit diffusing a potentially dangerous situation. “A group of rowdy, inebriated patrons started heckling Lily. She quickly fired back with her trademark humour, turning their insults into punchlines. By the end of the night, she had the whole pub eating out of her hand. It was a testament to Lily’s ability to win over any crowd, no matter how hostile.”

O’Grady recalls a poignant performance during the AIDS crisis. “Lily addressed the fear and stigma surrounding AIDS head-on. In one routine, she humorously dispelled myths and brought the audience to tears with her heartfelt plea for compassion. It was a defining moment where Lily used her platform to educate and unite people during a time of widespread panic.”

Lily Savage with Boy George and Robbie Williams, undated. Courtesy: @paulogrady; photograph: Nicky Johnston

Signature Style and Persona

Lily Savage’s look was a distinctive blend of glamour and grit, heavily inspired by the women O’Grady knew growing up. She sported an outrageous beehive hairdo, garish makeup, and a wardrobe as loud as her mouth. However, it was her wit and sharp commentary that truly set her apart.

O’Grady writes, “Lily’s look was inspired by the women I knew growing up, mixed with a bit of glamour and a lot of attitude. She had this outrageous beehive hairdo, garish makeup, and a wardrobe that was as loud as her mouth. But it was her wit that made her stand out. She’d say the things everyone was thinking but didn’t dare to say.”

Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, shared kindly by the RVT

Social Commentary Through Humor

Lily Savage quickly became more than just a drag act; she was a mouthpiece for O’Grady’s social commentary. During the AIDS crisis and under the Conservative government of the time, Lily’s performances often addressed serious issues through humor, making her a beloved figure in the gay community and beyond.

O’Grady explains, “Lily Savage was my way of coping and fighting back, using humor to tackle everything from politics to the harsh realities of the gay community in the 1980s. Her sharp tongue and no-nonsense attitude allowed me to address issues that were often ignored or misunderstood.”

One notable incident that highlighted Lily’s role as a social commentator was a performance during the height of the AIDS crisis. O’Grady recalls, “I did a routine where Lily talked about the fear and misinformation surrounding AIDS. It was a risky move, but it resonated with the audience. People were laughing and crying at the same time. It was then I realized the power of using humor to address serious issues.”

Rise to Fame

As Lily Savage gained popularity in London’s drag scene, she began to break into mainstream entertainment. O’Grady’s character became a regular on television, bringing drag culture into the homes of millions. This rise to fame marked a significant shift in how drag was perceived in the UK, with Lily Savage leading the charge.

In “The Devil Rides Out,” O’Grady fondly recalls this transition: “From performing in clubs and pubs to appearing on national television, Lily Savage’s journey was incredible. She became a household name, and in doing so, helped bring drag culture into the mainstream.”

Among her contemporaries were Julian Clary, who brought a different style of flamboyant comedy to television, and Dame Edna Everage, the creation of Australian comedian Barry Humphries, who also played a significant role in bringing drag to mainstream audiences. These performers, along with Lily Savage, helped to elevate and normalise drag in the public eye

Lily Savage’s early years, as chronicled in “The Devil Rides Out,” showcase the evolution of a character born out of personal experience and societal challenges. Paul O’Grady’s creation not only entertained but also provided a sharp, humorous lens through which to view and critique the world. Through Lily Savage, O’Grady left an indelible mark on both the drag scene and mainstream entertainment, paving the way for future generations of performers.