by abstamaria » 08 Feb 2024, 05:59
To me, 1964 marked the end of the classic Shadows era, the period in which That Sound resided. 2024 is its 60th anniversary, so perhaps it is time to close the forum to further posts. Iain wrote that there is nothing to be said that hasn't already been said here. That is probably true.
I intend, as long as I can, to keep the Fender guitars, Vox amps, and echoes I selected with much care over many years, following advice obtained solely from this forum. They are aspirational things for me, and I find much joy in having and using them. And of course I hope to remain enthusiastically in the impossible quest four That Sound.
Yesterday, three hours of the annual classic rock festival were dedicated to early instrumental "combo" music. No vocals. A group started the event with a great cover of the Fen tones' The Mexican. Instrumental music was 90% Shadows. The little "1960s combo instrumentals only" group we began last year has more members now, mostly amateur guitarists in their 70s. Interest in playing the old tunes is reviving. Those are good signs and perhaps suggest that this forum should be kept open a little while longer.
In any event, if the forum were kept accessible, even sans new posts, that will be a valuable service. As I mentioned here many times, I find much enjoyment (and information) in re-reading the old threads, particularly when we were all contributing so enthusiastically.
Facebook is not bad at all, and many special-interest groups use it with much success, including on subjects as ancient history, old Lotus cars, and art-deco architecture. Jim Nugent's very interesting curated Shadows album page is on Facebook. There are many other Shadows-focused pages on Facebook, and it will be good still to have a central one under Shadowmusic.
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Bob, Iain, David, Dave and George, and all who helped maintain the forum. All I know about the Shadows, their guitars, what amp to get, how to play, and so on is because of this site. Well done, and thank you.
Andy
Manila