The Four Seasons of the Ragdolls

Jan 14, 2015 | Review Beat

By Katie Davis

One of Europe’s top Four Season tribute bands The Ragdolls talks all things Frankie Valli…

The Ragdolls, one of the top European Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons tribute acts, take you back through the Jersey Boy’s career and before their fame, playing songs such as Oh! Carol and Teenager in Love that Frankie, Tommy, Bobby and Nick would have covered in the early days.

I had the pleasure of seeing them a few months ago, and what a night it was! I caught up with Michael Shaw, one of the members of the tribute band, for more information.

How and why was the tribute band “The Ragdolls” formed?

The band was asked to be put together originally by an agent for abroad work, due to the increasing popularity of the stage show. Through audition processes and the lead singer seeing certain members in shows before, the band was formed but took a different journey with a UK theatre tour instead of abroad work.

Are you all a fan of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons?

We are all fans of the band and of older music in general. Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons are the type of band that unless you followed their journey religiously don’t realise how many songs you know. A lot of their songs were covered by other bands and were more popular than the original.

Favourite Four Seasons song? My favourite is December ’63.

How was it decided who would be who out of the Four Seasons?

It was decided more on vocal range than appearance. We are a celebration of music rather than looking exactly like them.

Have any of you met any of the Four Seasons?

We have been to see Frankie Valli in concert but haven’t met him.

The Four Seasons are a very iconic band, how does it feel to be part of a tribute to them?

It’s a privilege to be part of a band that has had a lot of success over the past two years, and it’s also a privilege to be keeping alive an age of music that should never be let die out.

When did you discover your musical talent?

It was at secondary school. The coolest place to hang out at breaks was the music room but to be allowed in there you had to either play an instrument or be in the school shows. I decided to audition for the shows, loved it – and that’s how it all began.

Where is your favourite place you have ever played at together?

There’s quite a few, but to narrow it down to a couple, I’d probably say playing at Althorp Estate for the Spencer family (Princess Diana’s family home): also The Dublin National Concert Hall, and finally, playing over in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, that was pretty cool.

For tour dates, events and more information please, go to www.jerseyboystribute.com

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