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Lucky me... I had Christmas on the exotic island of Sri Lanka; some great monsoon rain (warm though) and some fab sun and sand.

I stayed in 5 different hotels on my tour round, and was amazed to hear a Shads tune or two from the duo in hotel 2... then, blow me down, more Shads tunes played in hotels 4 and 5... Not copied of Shads sounds, but exactly the Shads' arrangements. All of the players were too young to have experienced the band in the '60s too... and I don't recall any tours in this part of the world either.

The reach and influence of our favourite band is just immense. And that is why this great music must be preserved for generations to come. (I don't believe The Shads themselves, particularly Hank, actually rate their own music as being of lasting worth, so it's up to folks like us - and especially Daniel/Justin's generation - to carry it forward...)

Hi David
I'm always amazed at the number of YouTube videos of Shadows covers from all over the world.
Also on recent interstate travel and casual conversation about hobbies e.g. guitar playing, everyone knew and spoke enthusiastically of The Shadows & whistled or sang a tune they remembered. 
Their music is very much alive, well and thriving here in south east Queensland Australia too and I'm sure it will live on forever!
Best wishes and happy new year
Rosemary

I can remember going to Australia in the late 80's and whilst there I went on tour to several small islands and at one of them they played at least an hours worth of Shads in the restaurant it made my day. Also when in Spain I was lucky to hear a tribute group called Sombras playing Shads on the sea front certainly made my holiday even more enjoyable. With regard to keeping the Shads music going I think groups like the Foottapers and the Shaddowers who for me for such young performers are so professional they can definately take us forward and with young Zoe now forming her own girl group I think things look very good. I had the privilege of seeing both groups at the last Shadowmania Daniel for me played with such surety and playing with Bruce must have been such a big thrill, how many young guys today can say they played lead guitar with Bruce Welch, what a talent, and Justin the Showman plays the early Shads records brilliantly It gave me goosebumps never ever thought I would hear these records played the way that they sounded like in the early 60's. As for YouTube I always go on to it to see whats been uploaded I never realised how popular Shadows music really is. Long may it continue.
Will be at Pipeline this year cannot wait.

Just to echo what David Martin said. A few years ago I was lucky enough to have a family holiday in Thailand at a fairly 'high - end' resort hotel (OK...it was a 1,000,000 to one thing as Di won a luxury prize from 'E - Bookers' whilst visiting Chelsea Flower Show!). I was amazed to hear Shadows music included in the repertoire of two different local trios (3 guitars & vocs) during the course of several evenings. Their repertoire was incredibly wide -ranging (mostly singing) but their Shadows' arrangements for 3 acoustics were quite remarkable. I also came across an 'electrified' group in a hotel bar in Bangkok - who also featured a few Shadows items in their sets. Long may it continue & I applaud the efforts of Justin, Daniel & Zoe as mentioned by the previous poster. Them.....and many, many others (young 'Guitar Kid Pete' -who posts quite a few vids on Youtube for example). The music of the Shadows will definitely endure long after we're all gone (which I hope won't be for a good long time just yet!!!!)

Rob

Lets hope our younger Shads musicians have the venues to play at! Since the 60s many of our pubs and clubs have gone!

A few weeks ago I was wandering around Lisbon doing the tourist bit and I came across a little square with a bar restaurant in the middle. As is often the case, there was a trio of street musicians entertaining the customers. There were two very gipsy looking guys playing acoustic guitars and a third on a violin. They were playing the usual stuff that these guys do - Latin, old standards etc and then they launched into..........Apache!! It was an unusual and extended arrangement (especially with the violin) but it made my day. I got it on video and when they'd finished I went up to the guy who'd been playing lead and told him how much I'd enjoyed it because I was a Shads fan. I told him I played it myself but with a Strat. He said, *Ah, a Strat. So you use the little wiggly thing." Anyway, I was so impressed that I abandoned all my principles and put a couple of Euros in his collecting hat.

Cheers.

Tony

"Put a couple of Euro's in his collecting hat"

Nice one Tony, your mellowing a bit, it wont be long before your buying every one at the Watford club a drink!!

Best regards,
Baz.