George Leybourne was an English music hall performer. Often nicknamed “Champagne Charlie”, Leybourne is best-remembered as the lyricist for The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze. Champagne Charlie was first performed at the Sun Music Hall, Knightsbridge in 1867. He entered in top hat and tails, dressed as a swell in immaculate evening dress, with gloves, cane, and scarf, waving a bottle of vintage Moet & Chandon. In 1866, Leybourne began his career of making celebrity endorsements for Champagne. The Champagne maker Moet commissioned him to write and perform songs extolling the virtues of Champagne, especially as a reflection of taste, affluence, and the good life. He also agreed to drink nothing but Champagne in public. His efforts did much to establish Champagne as an important element in conspicuous consumption.
George Leybourne
