Why aren't the Shadows cool?

[Hank2k]

I think it all boils down to the fact cliff, hank, bruce etc there is no drama etc unlike the stones the Beatles, all of them were just nice guys no drugs, no alcohol and no throwing televisions out of hotel rooms and or trashing the gear and this country and the media don't like nice people, they want drama it makes headlines and sells papers, magazines etc

[geoff1711]

I think their image changed when they became familly entertainers, doing Panto as well didn't help.

It did for the Shadows what it did for Tommy Steel, good for soap stars, not so good for rock stars.

Would it have been game changing though? probably not, because, they don't seem to have the same mindset as "cooler" rock stars.

And of course Cliff being re-born, and Hank and Liqourice JW does nothing for coolness, not that there's anything wrong with a religious belief but it makes your image safe rather than edgy.

Geoff

[captainhaddock]

I notice that most of the replies agree that The Shadows weren't cool. I was born in 1962 and have been a fan since about 1968. I kind of grew up watching them on TV whenever Cliffs movies were on and believe that Cliff was the main reason for the lack of coolness. That the Shadows are nice guys with immense musical talent is not in question, I even like Cliffs singing but Cliffs image is the reason for me, he can be embarassing especially when dancing, ie "Power to all our friends" Eurovision 1973. Great song, awful dancing, sorry. I was 13 when Cliff seemed to undergo a rebirth under the production of Bruce Welch, Cliff seemed to gain acceptance with some brilliant songs such as "Devil Woman" and "Miss you nights" only for Cliffs comments about "Honky tonk Angel" to spoil things. Cliff even seemed to regain acceptance with "Wired for Sound" but he began to spoil things again with his Christmas songs and became a cliche' and a laughing stock.
If only The Shadows had kept away from Cliff and even Norrie Paramour and Peter Gormley, swopped the Dinner suits and targetted a youthful audience,maybe attempted to break in the States instead of Australia. they would have been cool. But my question is, Are they cool today and did they lose the chance to cement their coolness by undertaking the Reunited tour with Cliff instead of another solo tour like the "Final tour" maybe with an appearance at Glastonbury or with Jools Holland.
It is a strange thing, but had The Shadows admitted to their foibles, they would have appeared human like the rest of us. Unfaithfulness, drinking, family disputes,Depression and suicide attempts are acceptable nowadays, nobody is perfect

[geoff1711]

Of course the one who was really cool was Jet.

But are The Ventures cool?

[bgohara]

Well Hank has admitted they weren't saints. In the early days they had very good PR representation (I have heard him say) which ensured any bad behaviour didn't make it's way into the papers. This is of course in the days before Andrew Loog Oldham dreamt up the Stones 'bad boy' image.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Shads were extremely cool in the early days particularly. The look, the style, the musicianship / showmanship. They even had their own logo and were recognized by their first names! But, like all music, fashion and indeed society - things move on - and newer, cooler things come along. Remember - they were pioneers - except for their rock n roll idols they made it up as they went along.

But I think that coolness is a matter of opinion. There is no doubt that both Cliff and the Shads WERE cool - at one point and, depending on who you ask, there are plenty of people who think they still are...

[howarddobson]

I think the shads are actually very well respected. People seem to underestimate just how huge they are - some of the most successful musicians the uk has ever produced. But then they've decided not to have websites and twitter feeds etc and that would have controlled the messaging more. And more concerts in recent years would have given them more publicity.

[Uncleboko]

When you consider the utter crap that those people almost certainly listen to, who deem the Shadows not to be "cool" - whatever that means - and who are amost certainly incapable of remembering to tuck their shirts in!!!!!!! - one should simply take no notice of them.

Mind you I am sick to death of the synchronised (or not) walk

[neil2726]

Careers of over 50 years, millions of records sold, sellout concerts and tours - who needs "cool"?

[Tab]

I'm with Eric (Kidd) on this one.

The band was never the same after Jet and Tony. There was a certain chemistry that created magic in the sound and the arrangements. The rhythm section was so tight. They were so 'cool' they inspired thousands of us to want to play.

Remember also, they were just kids themselves at the time.

[petercreasey]

Arn't they????????? And here was me thinking all these years how "cool" they are(whatever "cool") is
Actually I think that the Shads were" fashionable "when "fashionable "was "fashionable" but since "fashionable" has been taken over by "cool "Perhaps not, mind you the "cool" ones need to watch out they might need to update themselves and become "on trend"
Now how sic is that????