Showaddywaddy at the Billingham Forum

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Showaddywaddy

Billingham Forum

1.12.2012

Showaddywaddy rocked Billingham last weekend with a sparkling display of high energy rockabilly, combining all of their old hits with a fine selection of cover versions.

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I wasn't sure what to expect. Groups that have been on the road for 40 years can end up simply going through the motions and become a lazy tribute act to their former selves. Not the case here, I'm pleased to say. Indeed, the opening number - a pacy version of the Stray Cats classic Rock This Town (last seen live featuring two authentic Cats), forcibly set the scene for the rest of the evening. The tempo never dropped.

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Two of the original band members remain: Rod Deas (bass) and Romeo Challenger (drums). They have been joined, in staggered intervals, by Paul Dixon (guitar), Rob Hewins (guitar, vocals and drums), Dean Loach (keyboards and guitar) and new lead vocalist Andy Pelos. The latter had the big shoes of Dave Bartram to fill; he retired from the front line in 2011 but continues in his role of Showaddywaddy manager. However, Andy proved to be a real showman, a perfect choice to front the band with his energy, humour and seemingly limitless ways to work the crowd.

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So there they were, resplendent in natty Teddy Boy drapes and statutory crepe shoes, dancing like The Shadows and belting out hit after hit, including Multiplication, Why?, Heartbeat, Blue Moon, A Little Bit of Soap, Sweet Little Rock 'n' Roller, Bye Bye Johnny, C'mon Everybody, Remember Then, You Got What It Takes, Angel Eyes, When, Summertime Blues, Jailhouse Rock, Hey Mr. Christmas, Three Steps to Heaven, Under the Moon of Love, and. for the encore, Hey Rock and Roll.

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At one point Andy invited all-comers on to the stage for a couple of songs; a potentially risky piece of business (one of them came back later - uninvited - for more of the same and was eventually removed by the stewards).

It was a very enjoyable evening and I would definitely recommend catching them on this, their 40th anniversary tour.

Here's a few more photos to conclude with.

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Keep up to date with the latest news and tour dates over at the Showaddywaddy website.

Readers may like to know that Dave Bartram's book, The Boys of Summer - A Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare with Showaddywaddy, is soon to be published. Details can be found on the Fantom Films website.