Hundreds of people gathered in Liverpool tonight to pay respects to drag icon The Vivienne. The city was shocked to hear of the 32-year-old star’s death, confirmed last weekend by their publicist, Simon Jones.
Since the news broke on Sunday, January 5, tributes have been pouring in from all over the world and no more so than from Liverpool – the city where The Vivienne, whose real name is James Lee Williams, made a name for herself.
Fans and loved ones gathered outside St George’s Hall tonight (January 12) as the building was illuminated in green to remember the star. This choice was to honour The Vivienne’s role as the Wicked Witch in both the West End and touring productions of The Wizard of Oz.
Other city landmarks also lit up in green in memory of the star this evening. This is just one of the ways the city is coming together to remember the trailblazer, who began their impressive career on Stanley Street in the Pride Quarter, before being catapulted to fame after winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.
Friend of The Vivienne, Bobby, was one of many people who paid tribute to the star at the vigil. Bobby read a tribute from James’ family. The tribute said: “The Vivienne was born in the city of Liverpool. The people became their family. We are so proud of everything they achieved. They shined a light like no other. We will miss you for an eternity and for an eternity we will love you.”
Liverpool performer Tiara Fletcher shared a letter she wrote to The Vivienne. Pete Price also paid tribute and said he loved James “so, so much”. He said: “It was unbelievable the power they had with an audience. It is very sad.”
In an emotional moment, balloons were released as ‘For Good’ from the Broadway musical Wicked played out into the crowd. The vigil finished with a touching rendition of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ from the Wizard of Oz.