Swindon Tina Turner superfan ‘heartbroken’ over idol’s death

Saba Getty recently moved from the town to Corsham but remains well known as Swindon’s Tina Turner.

She often dresses like the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll and has been known to practise many of Turner’s songs and dance routines.

As a massive fan of the musician, Saba was upset to hear of her idol’s passing on Wednesday, May 24.

Tina Turner died on Wednesday, May 24 at the age of 83. (Image: PA)

“I was heartbroken when I heard of her passing and because I hardly watch the news, I found out through friends messaging me on Facebook,” she said.

“I've been a Tina fan all my life, she's the reason I like enjoy rock music as with every genre of music, arts, film, it's important to see people like me.

“I grew up seeing her on TV singing in front of huge crowds and I remember growing up in Zimbabwe as a child doing the 'Proud Mary' dance routine with my friends and having the time of our life.”

Saba wears often wears extravagant outfits like her idol. (Image: Saba Getty)

The 42-year-old superfan recently attended ‘Tina the Musical’ at the Aldwych Theatre in London to get her Turner fix live.

“I went with my friends to the show at the start of April this year and it was a magical experience for us,” said Saba.

“It was a privilege to learn that Tina herself was involved in the production of this theatre and directly chose the cast who played her part.”

When Saba is out and about in Swindon with friend Sue Farrell, the pair are often are called out for their celebrity lookalikes.

Saba and Sue often get recognised for their likeness to Tina Turner and Dawn French. (Image: Saba Getty)

“Whenever Sue and I are together, we sometimes get people calling us the Tina Turner and Dawn French of Swindon,” she added.

“When I am out in Swindon, dressed up for social events with the big hair on, the night doesn't go past without a few people calling out Tina Turner.

“It really brings me joy and the Tina look brings smiles to people, perhaps invoking their fondest memories which is a wonderful thing to be able to do for others by just the way we may dress.

“Tina Turner's style is therapeutic in a sense, it gets people talking, smiling, hugging and being happy in that moment.”

Tina Turner even met Queen Elizabeth II in 1989 following the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium. (Image: PA)

One experience in particular stood out to Saba when she spoke to the Adver about being recognised in public.

“I walked in a small village pub called The Crown in Aldbourne one night to watch Billy and Louie Live and a few pubgoers said that Tina Turner is here,” she recalled.

“Everyone was cheering, it was a wonderful moment and we all have a good laugh.”

Saba also sings regularly as she is a member of two Swindon-based community choirs, Swindon Ladies Social Group choir and Grace Notes choir.

“Most of the time you see me out I am likely dressed up as Tina but I can't sing solo for my life, I wish I could,” she said.

Saba loves that people often make the connection between her and the late legendary singer. (Image: Saba Getty)

“I do sing in community choirs having grown up singing in a Methodist church choir and I will ask my choir masters to arrange a Tina music piece for us as that would be lush.”

The 42-year-old believes that Turner’s legacy will now live on as her place in music history is cemented.

“The Best is my favourite song of hers because it is how we feel for the other when we are madly in love,” said Saba.

“Tina placed this song in history, it's not going away from any wedding playlist anytime soon, I love this song.”