4:27pm Sunday 21st February 2010
MUSIC from the 1960s proves it is far from dead, as The Solid Silver 60's Show enters its 25th year and comes to the Wycombe Swan.
Presented by Flying Entertainment the tour, which first began in 1985, brings together some of the greatest acts of the 60s on one stage. Every year the show takes a different selection of artists on tour in order to create a unique and enjoyable show.
This year's tour features the musical talents of Dave Berry, Mike Pender – the lead singer of The Searchers, Brian Poole, Vanity Fare, The Swinging Blue Jeans and special guests, The Troggs. Audiences can expect their favourite 60s hits, including The Crying Game, Twist and Shout, Wild Thing and Hippy Hippy Shake.
Ray Ennis, the original founder member of The Swinging Blue Jeans, took time out from rehearsals to tell us more about the tour.
“Although it happens every 25 years, we as a band have been involved every other year, so we've toured with the show for over 12 years now and it's been great.
“It's slightly different this year with it being the 25th anniversary, there's more artists performing and exciting appearances from special guests, such as The Troggs.”
The Swinging Blue Jeans formed in 1959 as 'The Blue Genes' and changed to the present name in 1962. The band have toured all over the world and have performed in many prestigious venues across the UK, including the Royal Albert Hall.
“I've seen some places with the band that I'd only read about in books at school. It's been an amazing journey.”
The group has had a total of six hit records in the UK, including the famous Hippy Hippy Shake, which reached number two in the charts in 1963. The song was later recorded by the Beatles In 1961, the group had their own guest night where they were the resident band at the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool. One of the first bands they invited as their guests were The Beatles.
“The Beatles were virtually unknown so we gave them their first slot at The Cavern and in 1963 they returned the favour when they gave us a chance to appear at the Star Club in Hamburg.” recalled Ennis.
This will be the last tour for Ennis due to retirement, but current band members Phil Thompson, Alan Lovell and Pete Oakman will continue to play in the band. Ennis will perform his last show in the last date of The Solid Silver 60's tour in what will be an emotional concert in his home town of Liverpool on May 20.
The Solid Silver 60s Show is at the Wycombe Swan on February 28 at 8pm. Tickets cost £23 to £20. To book call 01494512000.
By Amy Swift
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