And on leadguitar....?

[barryg]

Geoff,

There have been health problems with some members of The Rapiers this year and they have had to be careful not to take bookings for gigs they may not be able to fulfil this year. They have been booking around possible hospital appointment dates but these have been rather flexible depending on test results and it's left the band without definate dates of when they could commit themselves especially for around this time of the year.

The Rapiers were asked to play at Shadowmania but they declined as they didn't want to let Bruce and everyone else down if they couldn't play due to health problems and had to pull out leaving a void on the band list for the Saturday. It's a real shame they won't be there playing at the last SM.

Before anyone asks, Colin Pryce Jones will not be playing lead guitar with Bruce Welch's Shadows, however Colin, and maybe some other members, of The Rapiers will be at the Friday night social evening.

Enjoy you weekend and see you at Lakeside.

Barry

[gonzales]

I have always been a supporter of the continuaton of Shadowmania at all costs , against previous arguments re allocation of tables, opening of ticket sales, allocation in order of booking etc, but with only a couple of days to go, if it ISNT Hank, then I really dont think it is unreasonable to reveal the identity of Phils replacement.... Or is it??

[MartcasterJunior]

Yes, it is. It won't sell any more tickets. It won't cause anyone to demand a refund (unless they're particularly fussy or tactless). there's nothing to be gained with less than 48 hours to go, and Bruce will have more important things to be concerned with right now.

Sit back and enjoy a really good show. It is supposed.to be about the music you know...

(and it isn't Hank. It just isn't. Anyone who thinks it is is just deluding themselves.)

[iefje]

But why would Hank travel all the way round the world for 1 gig?

Why aren't The Rapiers there this year?

Geoff

Well, he did it back in October, 1988 for the concerts at London's Docklands by Jean-Michel Jarre. Okay, those were two concerts, but just four tracks, twice "London Kid" and twice "Fourth Rendez-Vous". The Shadows had a year off back then, so Hank wasn't in the UK anyway.

[alanbakewell]

I'm Spartacus

[geoff1711]

But you just don't turn up and play, especilly when in the last few years you've changed your style, especially when you take into account the less than spectaculaer performance of Cliff this year and the appalling performances from Paul McCartney.

If it was me I'd want to be absolutely bang on for one last time which requires some considerable rehearsal time, which would mean he'd already have been in the country at least 1 if not 2 weeks - anybody out there seen him?

Frankly I think it's about as likely as him running in next years London Marathon.

Also whoever is going to play lead probably reads these pages so let's not make he or she feel like second best because if they are as good as Phil was last year that'll be good enough for me.

As for Hank I wouldn't be totally amazed if he was there in the audience, although I doubt that he will, but play???? I woud be very surprised, there is also the question of protocol; Bruce has done a splendid job this last 12, 13, or is it 14 years? for Hank to turn up on the last night and steal the limelight would, in my view, be unkind.

My money is on three Barry G, Justin D or as an outsider Zoe M

Geoff

[neilbridges99]

It could be DM

[Iain Purdon]

If Bruce intended us to know he would have made an announcement. He hasn't! He's a showman. We will all know soon enough.

Meanwhile, good luck to whoever it is

Iain

[apache]

Well said Iain.
I am just glad that I am able to go this year. Originally I would have been on holiday but that has now been postponed a week. (Not because of Shadowmania thought, for other reasons).
But very glad I am to be there.
As for who is playing lead for Bruce, we know it will be someone worthy of the place.
Roll on tomorrow.
Harry

[Amanda]

Who posted that picture of my glasses?