One of the best magicians on the world and by the opinion of many fans also the sexiest one Andrew Basso has a big reason to be glad, excited and happy. His longlasting wish finnaly came through. From now on he is the proud owner of the shirt which once belonged to another great illusionist, Harry Houdini. He bought it in web auction and on the basic of DNK test it is 100% Houdini’s original.
How did you find about auction?
A friend of mine, John Cox, in my opinion the most knowledgeable Houdini’s historian, posted something on his blog and I started jumping of enthusiasm. That auction had what I’ve been looking for years!
Why did you decide to join it?
To own something that Houdini not only touched, but actually was wearing , always fascinated me. But in the auctions you mostly find signed photographs, posters and if you are lucky, you may find a lock or a pair of handcuffs that Houdini used. Those are fantastic and pricy items to have in your collection but for me, something he was wearing, was the dream of a lifetime.
Was competition hard?
It happened during quarantine and so on a online auction. I was sweating, my heart was racing and I was terrified that someone could have made a bigger offer. But I got very lucky. The timing of making the right offers at the right moment just before it ended worked out to my advantage. I’ve lost a kilogram in those few minutes of tension.
What it means to you?
Houdini inspired so many people not only when he was alive but even more after his death in 1926. The incredible story of as self made man, who made it from poverty to stardom believing in his dream became the same journey for me as young boy, coming from a little town in northern Italy and with a big dream to become a magician. From visiting his burial site in New York to theatres where he performed, I always wanted to get close to any place where he breathed the same air. A way to feel his presence even closer. And this shirt collar is something deeply symbolical that connects me to Houdini.
What are you planning to do with the shirt? Will you wear it? Give into some museum etc? Will it be able at least for some people to see it in real? Or will you put it in some your private collection?
In this moment the piece is framed and above my bedroom. I love to wake up and see it and when I go to sleep is a reminder of how far we can go if we believe in our dreams. But not for long, soon it will be sent out to a Washington DC laboratory. The next step is to extract Houdini’s DNA. After that accomplishment, I will be happy to have it on display in a public museum.
Do you also have something else of Houdini in your ownership?
Yes. Years ago I was able to get a piece of the glass of his water torture cell. His most famous escape device where Houdini was lowered upside down into water, unfortunately in 1995 it was almost completely destroyed during a fire tragedy in the Houdini museum in Niagara Falls. Later the cell was purchased and restored by the greatest illusionists , David Copperfield. But some of the pieces of the destroyed cell were saved and I was lucky to get one. Now the small piece is part of a special ring I had made, but don’t tell my fiancee!
Do you collect material about Houdini (films, books, documentaries, magazines…)?
I do not consider myself a collector. I love everything about Houdini, I have goosebumps when I hear his name but in order for me to actually buy something it needs to have a soul, a vibration, a story. This piece I got represents for me the number one item existing in the Houdini’s collectibles.
Did you ever have idea or plan to find and contact and meet someone from Houdini’s family?
Oh yes! Thanks to Facebook I am in contact with relatives of the Houdini’s family and as soon we will be able to travel safely again, I hope we will meet to celebrate this achievement together. I’m proud to guard this unique piece of Houdini’s history.
Did you ever have wish or plan to make film about him? Would you play in main role?
To play his role in a movie would be a great honor for me. I better start learning the Hungarian accent ! Any Hungarian reading this ?
I believe you watched different films about Houdini. Which one you liked the most and why? Who is your favorite actor who played Houdini?
Tony Curtis in the 1953 movie is still my favorite, probably because is the first movie I’ve seen about Houdini after reading so many books about.
Several days ago you walked shirtless, just in underwear in snow in New York park. Is this some sort of advertise, joke, special regards to your fans, new year’s wishes?
I was training in the cold and I wanted to share the moment with my fans. For 2021 I want to bring my fans more behind the scenes to show what it takes to be an escape artist.
Do you do such or similar things often? And if yes, why? Is this some kind and way for better health, resistance etc?
I do it for several reasons. First I like to challenge myself. I ask myself, can I do it? Let’s see. Once. a day I do a thing that scares me,I feel more alive doing so. Also, embracing different techniques, like extreme cold exposure along with breathing techniques and meditation is to strenghten the body and the mind.
The most dangerous thing you have done outside magic?
Trying to steal the last piece of my mum’s Apfelstrudel. Haha!
Did you ever swim during winter and snow in some lake, river?
You see already where I’m going next. Are you a magician too?
Are dangerous things and extremes in life (off the magic) your passion, challenge…?
I do have a fascination for fear. For me is one of the most curious and intriguing aspects of the human mind. How much control can fear have on our lives? I like to test myself to understand the psychology behind the mechanisms of fear and then I learn how to manage it. I need this to face my dangerous stunts but it became useful also in my everyday life, especially during these challenging times, to control anxiety and the feeling of uncertainty towards the future.
Do you have any special Christmas or New Year wish?
I wish everyone, after all this challenging time we went thru, to be able to come back to our lives stronger than ever. Due to Covid I have not been on stage since February of last year and performing and making people happy is my mission. I miss it so much. Next time I will walk on stage it will be with a roar!
How you celebrated and where you were for Christmas and New Year?
I was with my fiancee’ Amanda and her family here in New York, I’m grateful this year I’ve been able to spend time with the people I love.
Are you planning something special, unusual… etc for 2021?
I’m preparing the new show, “ANDREW BASSO, Dead On Stage”. As soon vaccine will reach people, crowds will be so hungry to go back to live events, concerts, theatre, sporting events and I need to be ready to give them the goosebumps, the excitement and the amazement they’ve been waiting for. The same feelings I’ve been looking for, in every day of my life.
Follow Andrew Basso on Facebook and Instagram @andrewbassoofficial
Photos: personal collection