The Fleeting Fame of a High-Flying Star
For those of us who came of age in the 1970s, David Essex was a quintessential figure of the era. With his good looks, a knack for both pop and rock, and a career that spanned music, film, and stage, he was a true multi-hyphenate. While his pop singles like “Gonna Make You a Star” and “Rock On” were defining moments on the radio, some of his most enduring work came from the world of musical theater. This is where we find “High, Flying Adored,” a song that wasn’t a standalone chart hit in the traditional sense, but a pivotal moment in one of the decade’s most famous stage productions.
Appearing in the original 1978 London cast recording of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Evita,” where David Essex played the role of Che, “High, Flying Adored” is intrinsically tied to the dramatic narrative of the show. It’s a key part of the album that topped the UK chart, and a song that found its way into countless homes and onto many turntables. The story behind it isn’t about the singer’s personal life, but about the character he portrays: a cynical observer and narrator to the rise of Eva Perón. The song is sung by Che to Eva, a moment of sharp analysis and almost-pity as he watches her dance with her newly-elected husband, Juan Perón.
The meaning of “High, Flying Adored” is a profound commentary on the nature of fame, power, and the loneliness that often accompanies both. Che, with a mix of disdain and a reluctant admiration, questions Eva’s rapid ascent to celebrity, wondering if she truly understands the emptiness that comes with achieving all your dreams so young. He points out the paradox of her position: a girl from the backstreets, now a “cross between a fantasy of the bedroom and a saint,” a figure so adored that she has nowhere left to go but down. For an older audience, this song resonates with a nostalgic weight. It’s a reflective piece that makes us ponder the fleeting nature of fame and the cost of ambition, reminding us that the brightest stars can often burn out the quickest. It’s a moment of quiet introspection amidst the grand spectacle of “Evita,” and a timeless meditation on what it truly means to be adored.