The Rapiers - Made in Britain

[neil2726]

Just returned from seeing the Rapiers in concert with Craig Douglas at the Victoria Hall,Hanley. What a great show! The guys were in tremenous form both instrumentally and backing Craig, "Cliff" and "BIlly Fury." Especially impressive was the backing of "BIlly" as quite alot of those songs had orchestral backing on the originals. The guys managed to give a full sound without keyboards or synths to help out. Highly recommended show, if its in your area GO! Only downside was a poor turn out, probably due to the "Dreamboats and Petticoats" stage show being on just around the corner. The guys got a great reception from those that did attend, but deserved better!
Neil

[gogarrio]

Neil, can you remember what Fury songs were done?

[neil2726]

Hi Gregg
From memory the songs included
In Thoughts of You
Only Make believe
Wonderous Place
Jelousy
Halfway to Paradise
Last Night Was Made for Love
Once Upon a Dream

They also did afew of Billy's early rock numbers but the titles escape me. Colin made a point of saying that Dave Clark has the original tapes from "Ready Steady Go" but refused to release them. One of Billy's early numbers is on one of the tapes, which they did last night.

[Moderne]

Billy did a great performance of Nothin' Shakin' on an episode of RSG which has been shown a couple of times (I was going to say 'recently' but in fact it was around 1985 on Channel 4 I think!). Still got it on a video somewhere.

Clive

[neil2726]

That was the one Moderne, Colin mentioned it had been shown in 1985.

[Dave54]

Just came back from The Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. Great show, probably wouldn't have known about it if it hadn't been mentioned on here. If you get the chance go & see it.

Dave

http://www.mibshow.com

[Keith Bateman]

I've also just got back from Cwmbran having stayed overnight and I can only endorse what Dave and Neil have said. Colin and the lads really worked hard and were on stage for the whole show with their own set and providing backing. I loved the authentic red suits in the first half exactly like the ones on the first Shadows EP with the triple pocket handkerchiefs. These were changed for blue suits in the second half like those on the Shadows To The Fore EP. Triple AC 30 line up with the bass amp on the floor centrally in front of the raised drum podium; Colin's and Neil's in authentic period tray stands; echo box on a chair; straight leads to the amps - what a perfectionist Colin is! He used his 12 string greenburst Burns for "On The Beach" and it sounded wonderful. Lots of chords to remember on some of the Billy stuff especially "Jealousy" and a key change thrown in as well! I managed to catch Colin after the show to congratulate him and he said "It's a long night!"

The "Cliff" impersonator is not the best I've seen but I was watching The Rapiers anyway: however the "Billy" was excellent with a good strong voice although sometimes steering clear of the higher notes of the real Billy's interpretations.

I was really pleased to see Craig Douglas in the flesh. I've always liked his melodic early 60's hits and he sang well allowing for natural ageing of the voice.

As has been said it's a worthwhile show to see and congratulations again to The Rapiers for showing what a truly professional band they are. See Ralph G's postings for future dates.



Keith

[neil2726]

Glad you guys agree, it really is a first class show. The wife thought "cliff" was more of an Eddie Cochran lookalike but never the less he sang well. "Billy "might have missed a few of the real guys higher notes but all goes to show how great Billy Fury really was! I agree Colin's attention to detail is ashtonishing. Did you guys notice how bare the stage looked by todays standards, with just one drum kit, 3 amps one eho - just like the old days!