Graham Hunter raves to me: “Great to see Mark Wynter back in the West End again and to hear him singing, I wonder if it will inspire him to do more? As I write, the current West End production has just closed in London – and what an energetic and talented cast, with the band ‘live’ on the stage, no click tracks. The cast of young singers and dancers are also musicians – and what a show they put on.
Month: November 2016
10 top tips for building your own electric guitar
In his new book, author Paul Balmer tutors the budding guitar builder-player. Available from all good bookshops.
June dates for Cliff
Cliff Richard fans have something to look forward to in 2013. A string of concerts set for New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Manila. In June, the show moves to a series of open-air dates in England.
The Andover boy set the way – RIP Reg Presley
Join me in remembering the great singer and songwriter and performer who gave us the first taste of a different slant on rock and roll.
Lens-eye view of Ike and Tina everywhere
Bob Gruen joined Ike And Tina Turner on tour. He spent two years, portable video camera in hand, filming their every move, on stage, at home and in the studio.
Frantic Four ride again!
The ‘classic’ line-up of Status Quo are going on the road for their first dates together since the departure of original drummer John Coghlan in 1981.
From Ireland to London – Rory Gallagher
This very attractively presented hardback tells the Rory Gallagher story in words and pictures, tracing his passage from the Irish showband circuit to his emergence in London.
The Trogg wild man was colourful and lovable – RIP Reg Presley
Readers of The Beat would definitely join me in remembering the great singer and songwriter and performer who gave us the first taste of a different slant on rock and roll.
I did my homework and things worked out for me and my family…
Mike Pender talks to David Parker about life in general – and in the fast lane, in particular
Still reelin’ and rockin’
After a rather barren 2012, Cliff Richard fans have something to look forward to in 2013.
RIP Patti Page
The “Singing Rage” who sang one of the first hit records of the Top Twenty era, Tennessee Waltz, and made it one of the best-selling recordings ever, died on New Year’s Day in California, aged 85.
War of the Worlds
The live version of Jeff Wayne’s magnum opus has been pulling the crowds in since 2006, and following the release of a new version of the epic tale of a Martian invasion of the earth, a new realisation on the live stage just couldn’t live up to the original.
Rockin’ Americans in 50s’ Britain
For 1950s American rockers, the combination of language and market size made Britain the preferred offshore destination. But not all experiences were completely successful.
The Beatles battle Cliff – where’s Elvis?
From the media – being what it is – we can expect umpteen Beatle commemorations in 2013, all noting the 50th anniversary of this or that early milestone.
Fabian – Big but not in Britain
Back in the 50s and 60s, most American pop stars made at least a bit of a splash in Britain. Some, like Ricky Nelson, didn’t do it on the same scale as in their homeland. And others, such as Buddy Holly and Gene Pitney, were actually bigger in Britain.