Showaddywaddy

Showaddywaddy is a British glam rock and pop group from Leicester, active since 1973. The band forms from the merger of two local groups, Choise and The Golden Hammers, and develops a distinctive line-up with two vocalists, two drummers, two bassists and two guitarists. It is known for covering 1950s American pop and rock and roll songs, while also recording original material, and for performing in Teddy Boy clothing. Its sound is often compared with the American group Sha Na Na.

Career and chart success

The group’s first single, Hey Rock 'n' Roll, is written by the band and appears in 1974. It reaches number two in the UK singles chart. Over the following years, Showaddywaddy has 22 further UK hits up to late 1982. Its early singles are mostly self-written and often reach the top 20, while its biggest chart successes come from cover versions with a strong retro image, choreographed performances and frequent television exposure.

In total, the group has ten UK Top Ten singles, one number one, and spends 209 weeks in the UK singles chart. Its only UK number one and biggest-selling single is Under The Moon Of Love, which sells 985,000 copies.

Notable recordings

Among the group’s best-known covers are Three Steps To Heaven, Heartbeat, Under The Moon Of Love, You Got What It Takes, Blue Moon, and I Wonder Why. Their version of Blue Moon is based on the Marcels’ interpretation.

Members

The group’s members include Malcolm Allured, Russ Field, Buddy Gask, Al James, Trevor Oakes, Dave Bartram, Romeo Challenger, Rod Deas, Dave Graham and Ray Hatfield.