Who was the Shadows Drummer??

[Paul Childs]

It was Tony Meehan, by then with long hair like nearly everyone else had by the end of the 60s. It was 1969 so you couldn't expect him to look the way he did back in 1961 when he left The Shadows.

[Iain Purdon]

Purely in the interests of authenticity, it would have been something had Jet also rejoined for just this appearance!

Yes it would, and I wonder whether the TV producer's intention might have been to have the four originals. I have nothing to back that up, though.

However, a lot was going on at the time with individual members and, as is well documented, Jet was not in good fettle at the time. He did eventually take part with Cliff's "The Event" in 1989 but, up until then, the only two former Shadows to be invited back to help out were Tony and Licorice.

[Allclaphands]

Tony Meehan had a way of mouthing a expression when he played you can see it in many early video's
when he was with The Shadows as you can see in this video .IMO the original Shadows Hank,Bruce,Jet &Tony
We're the best They established The Shadows identity with there music.Many of the other members of the Shadows
accomplished Musicians in there own rights but only the follow ons to the original members but still great entertainers.


Pete

[Monty]

yes a long haired Tony Meehan - I read somewhere - in Mike Reid's book I think - that Brian Locking also duly deputised for John Rostill (when John went on holiday I think) for show(s) at the Talk of The Town (or some place like that) - a Marvin/Welch/Locking/Meehan Shads line up thus played together live briefly

- I haven't read it for yonks but I'm sure I DID read that !

Alan Hawkshaw took over from Bruce in 1968 on keyboards & features in the Marvin/Bennett/Rostill/Hawkshaw line up on 'The Shadows Live at Sankei Hall, Japan 1969' live album (I have a Columbia import copy, plus later it's on MFP Records with 'Live in Paris 1975' double live album; 'The Shadows Live') - it's interesting that John Rostill rather than Hank does the audience PR work on that Japan album (nice to hear John speaking up !)

Marvin/Bennett/Hawkshaw with various bassists like Herbie Flowers (I think) were the 'Shades of Rock' line up in 1970 - an album Hank says was purely for the money but, despite some fans grumbles, is nevertheless a most interesting album with a very adventurous 'non commercial' approach completely the opposite to the 'String of Hits' onwards commercial covers albums

- personally I find 'Shades of Rock' which I initially wasn't keen on has grown on me alot over the years - notably their versions of; 'Paperback Writer', 'Satisfaction', 'Get Back, 'Something', 'Memphis', Johnny B.Goode & 'River Deep...

'Proud Mary' is a bit rambling, & 'Bony Moronie' rather a half hearted even jokey effort, 'My Babe' (besides the rock guitarwork to outro) & 'What'd I say' I'm not that keen on tho'....

Hank and Bruce were busy in Portugal writing the M W and F album songs in 1970 with John Farrar later joining them in time to co-write two songs, do the arrangements...and join in

[Iain Purdon]

Yes, both Brian and John took ill during the TOTT season and Tony and Lic stepped in.

[Fenderman]

I have really tried to get into Shades of Rock but i can't listen to it, i think it's a terrible album, possibly their worst ever, even the late 80's Polydor albums are better (just!). The only track i like is Something.

[drakula63]

I have really tried to get into Shades of Rock but i can't listen to it, i think it's a terrible album, possibly their worst ever, even the late 80's Polydor albums are better (just!). The only track i like is Something.

Surely you jest, sir!

[Fenderman]

I'm afraid not! Sorry!

[Iain Purdon]

You're straying off the thread topic, fellas!

Iain

[Paul Childs]

I remember seeing Tony with them & Cliff on a TV show in 1968. I think it was to celebrate 10 years and I remember them doing a version of FBI with the Burns. Can't remember much more of it now.