By Ian Woolley
Drummer Romeo Challenger is still banging the drum for Showaddywaddy…
70’s Showaddywaddy
Showaddywaddy started out in 1973 and their first hit was in the following year with Hey Rock ‘n’ Roll. They have been on the road continuously since then, bringing joy with their infectious doo-wop covers and rock ‘n’ Roll staples to fans all over the world.
Now in their 46th year, I met their original drummer Romeo Challenger at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, before yet another sell-out gig.
Of the original band members, only drummer Romeo survives in the band. Lead singer Dave Bartram no longer tours with the band but manages it.
Former drummer of Alvin Stardust, Rob now plays in the band providing bass, drums, and percussion and once did a stint with Wishbone Ash, with Tommy now making the band a six-piece.
Original bassist Rod Deas retired earlier this year, following Trevor Oakes, Russ Field, Malcolm ‘Duke’ also went into retirement. Sadly, bass player Al James died just before Christmas and after retiring to Spain, Buddy Gask died in 2011.
Showaddywaddy in 2019 (credit Quiz Britain)
The current line-up is fronted by Andy Pelos, a reincarnation of Dave Bartram, with many people who see the show thinking he’s Dave’s son. He has a Freddie Mercury-like stage presence about him and he whips up the audience with infinite ease.
As the sell-out at Wimborne witnessed, from their first song to their last, their infectious stage show is a joy to watch as they dance through every hit – with the odd cartwheel thrown in for good measure. The real question is not when they will ever call it a day but when are they re-booked.
As Frankie and the Lymons would say… “This Rock and Roll tour is here to stay!”