When I speak of the "lamp base" I am talking about the fitting that the bulb screws into. No it doesn't matter what circuitry: it's a cable, a switch and a lamp base with a bulb fitted.
There are a couple of common failures,
In the case described the claws in the lamp base that retain the globe let go & spat the lamp whole & hot in this guy's ear.
One of the other failures is melting or long term degridation of the insulation.
If you want better light get a fitting that is adequate.
cheers