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Showaddywaddy
Showaddywaddy
Showaddywaddy
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Showaddywaddy are a rock and roll group from Leicester, England. They specialise in revivals of hit songs from the 1950s and early 1960s, while also issuing original material. They have spent 209 weeks on the UK Singles Chart, and have had 10 Top Ten singles, one reaching number one.

Key Information

Formation

[edit]

The band was formed in 1973 by the amalgamation of two groups, Choise (Dave Bartram, Trevor Oakes, Al James, and Romeo Challenger) and the Golden Hammers (Buddy Gask, Russ Field, Rod Deas, and Malcolm Allured), the latter often known simply as The Hammers. They both played at the Fosse Way pub in Leicester, and soon discovered shared musical tastes. After playing together in jamming sessions, they joined together permanently, and Showaddywaddy were born. This led to an eight-member band, with the unusual feature of having two vocalists, two drummers, two guitarists, and two bassists. The band's first gig as professional musicians was at the Dreamland Ballroom in Margate, Kent, on 1 September 1973.[citation needed], although the first gigs under the Showaddywaddy name were in 1972.

Hits

[edit]

Showaddywaddy won one programme on the ATV series New Faces, in November 1973, and were runners-up in the "All Winners Final", which was broadcast on 28 December 1973. They have made nearly 300 television appearances, including their own BBC TV special, Showaddywaddyshow, broadcast between Christmas and New Year in 1980. The band also appeared in the 1975 film Three for All, where they performed "The Party" from their 1974 debut album.[citation needed] Their first single, "Hey Rock and Roll" (written by the band), was released in April 1974. It reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.[1] Starting with "Dancin' Party" (1977), the band produced their own records with more cover versions including "I Wonder Why" (originally by Dion and the Belmonts), "Blue Moon" (based on the Marcels' interpretation) and the Curtis Lee song "Pretty Little Angel Eyes", co-written by Tommy Boyce. After their first single, Showaddywaddy went on to have a further 22 UK hits[2] until late summer 1982. Their most recent chart single was "Who Put the Bomp", a number 37 hit in 1982,[1] which they also promoted in their final Top of the Pops performance. In total, they had ten top-ten singles, a solitary number one ("Under the Moon of Love" in 1976), and spent 209 weeks in the UK Singles Chart, including seven successive top-five entries. Their biggest-selling single was "Under the Moon of Love", which sold 985,000 copies.[1]

They had most of their biggest hits with covers of songs from the 1950s and the early 1960s. These included "Three Steps to Heaven" (originally by Eddie Cochran in 1960), "Heartbeat" (originally written and recorded by Buddy Holly), "Under the Moon of Love" (originally a US hit for Curtis Lee in 1961, again co-written by Tommy Boyce), "When" (originally by the Kalin Twins), "You Got What It Takes" (originally by Marv Johnson) and "Dancin' Party" (originally by Chubby Checker). These six singles were all produced by Mike Hurst (a former member of the Springfields). On the South African chart, "Three Steps to Heaven" reached number 6 in 1975 and "Under the Moon of Love" number 6 in 1977.[3]

Later period

[edit]

Malcolm Allured left the group in 1984, followed by Russ Field in 1985, and Buddy Gask in 1987. Gask retired to Spain in 2005, and died in 2011 after suffering with ill health for a number of years.[4] Field ran a guest house with his wife in Beadnell, Northumberland, and still plays guitar in a local covers band, Before The Mast. Allured owned a nightclub called MFN at Shipley Gate, Derbyshire, and still plays live in local bands. Field was replaced by Ray Martinez in 1985, who was subsequently replaced by Danny Willson in 1995.

Cherry Red Records began to release Showaddywaddy's extensive album back catalogue on CD from 2000 on their 7Ts imprint. The reissues featured rare bonus tracks, B-sides and non-album singles.

Early in 2008, the band finished recording their album The Sun Album (I Betcha Gonna Like It), released on Voiceprint Records. A special limited edition (500 copies only) was available, signed by the whole band, and comprised a CD, a DVD, special packaging and extended sleeve notes. In September 2011, lead singer Dave Bartram released his long-lost solo recordings from 1982 to 1985 on Invisible Hands Music. The original tapes had been in his loft for 25 years. The seventeen-track album was entitled Lost and Found.

Al James retired from the band in 2008, playing his last gig with the band at the Cheese & Grain in Frome, Somerset, on 20 December 2008. In early 2009, Trevor Oakes decided to take a break from the band due to ill health. He left the band and officially retired on 1 May 2009, meaning his last gig was also at the Cheese & Grain. Trevor Oakes is the father of footballers Scott Oakes and Stefan Oakes. Challenger is the father of Benjamin Challenger who trialled for Leicester City before playing basketball for Leicester Riders, and then moved into athletics, gaining medals in the high jump at the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games. Danny Willson also left the band during 2009 to join Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash, and his last gig was in Denmark on 8 August that year.

Lead singer Dave Bartram left Showaddywaddy on 3 December 2011 after 38 years fronting the band, and his last gig was at the Kings Hall Theatre in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Bartram continues as the band's manager, a role he has undertaken since 1984. The Ilkley gig also marked saxophonist David Graham's last gig, who had been touring with the band since August 2009 - Graham rejoined however in 2020.

In 2013, the band celebrated its 40th anniversary and undertook a UK-wide tour between 11 January and 1 June. On 17 June 2013, the band released a new collection of its entire studio recordings to celebrate their anniversary. The anthology featured the band's entire 20th century catalogue of recorded material, including all of their original studio albums in mini-vinyl replica wallets, non-album A and B sides, together with a selection of alternative mixes and unreleased rarities unearthed from the vaults, in a 139-track, 10-CD box set. A 36-page booklet included a 7,000-word liner note from Showaddywaddy expert Steve Thorpe, and an introduction from former band member Dave Bartram. June 2013 also saw the release of their only live album to date. It contained 16 of their most famous tracks. This album was only available at live gigs with a pressing of only 1,000 copies.

Bartram did his first solo post-Showaddywaddy appearance on 1 November 2013, at Upstairs At The Western, a venue above The Western pub in Leicester, where he was interviewed by a compere and took questions from the audience in an "evening with"–type format. He also performed three acoustic numbers on the night, "Smiling Eyes", "Three Steps To Heaven" and "Hey Rock And Roll" – the performance of "Smiling Eyes" was the song's first live performance, having been originally released some 38 years earlier on the 1975 Step Two album.

Rod Deas retired from the band early in 2019, playing his last gig with Showaddywaddy at The Qube in Corby on Friday 25 January. Dave Bartram returned to the stage to give Rod a farewell speech before the second set. Guitarist Ray Hatfield (who joined January 2017 when Paul Dixon left), keyboardist Dean Loach, and bassist Billy Norman (who joined the band in January 2018) all left Showaddywaddy in the summer of 2020. Former guitarist Danny Willson returned to play with the band in September 2021 on a temporary arrangement.

Showaddywaddy have continued to tour, and still do around 100 dates a year in the UK and Europe. The band currently consists of one remaining original member, Romeo Challenger, along with vocalist Andy Pelos, bass player Tom Bull, guitarist and drummer Sam Holland, vocalist and guitarist Billy Shannon, and saxophonist/guitarist David Graham who rejoined the band in 2020 (having previously toured with the band 2009 to 2011). [5] In June 2014, Showaddywaddy completed the "Once In A Lifetime" arena tour, with Bay City Rollers, David Essex, and The Osmonds. The same month saw the reissue of Showaddywaddy's 2008 The Sun Album (I Betcha Gonna Like It), which contained two new tracks.

Band members

[edit]
  • Original members listed in bold

Current

[edit]
  • Romeo Challenger (born 19 May 1950, St John's, Antigua, West Indies) — drums (1973–present)
  • Andy Pelos — vocals / guitar (2012–present)
  • David Graham — saxophone (2009–2011) — guitar / saxophone / bass (2020–present)
  • Tom Bull — bass guitar (2020–present)
  • Ed Handoll — guitar / vocals (2024–present)
  • Sam Holland — guitar / drums (2021–present)

Former

[edit]
  • Malcolm "Duke" Allured (born 27 August 1945, Leicester) — drums / vocals (1973–1984)
  • Dave Bartram (born 23 March 1952, Leicester) — vocals (1973–2011)
  • Rod Deas (born 13 February 1948, Scarborough) — bass (1973–2019)
  • Russ Field (born James Lewis Russell Field, 1 September 1949, Berwick-upon-Tweed) — guitar (1973–1985)
  • Buddy Gask (born William George Gask, 18 December 1945, Leicester – 7 June 2011, Spain) — vocals (1973–1987)
  • Al James (born Geoffrey Betts, 13 January 1946, Leicester – 16 November 2018)[6] — bass / vocals (1973–2008)
  • Trevor Oakes (born Trevor Leslie Oakes, 9 September 1946, Leicester) — guitar (1973–2009)
  • Ray Martinez — guitar (1985–1995)
  • Danny Willson — guitar (1995–2009/2021)
  • Paul Dixon — guitars / vocals (2008–2017)
  • Dean Loach — keyboards / guitar / backing vocals (2012–2020)
  • Ray Hatfield — guitar / vocals (2017–2020)
  • Billy Norman — bass guitar / backing vocals (2018–2020)
  • Chris Savage — keyboards (2020-2021)
  • Billy Shannon — guitar / vocals (2021-2024)

Timeline

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Showaddywaddy discography
  • Showaddywaddy (1974)
  • Step Two (1975)
  • Trocadero (1976)
  • Red Star (1977)
  • Crepes & Drapes (1979)
  • Bright Lights (1980)
  • Good Times (1981)
  • Living Legends (1983)
  • Jump, Boogie & Jive (1991)
  • The One & Only – Greatest & Latest (1996)
  • Hey Rock 'n' Roll (2002)
  • I Love Rock 'n' Roll (2006)
  • The Sun Album (I Betcha Gonna Like It) (2008)
  • Next Chapter (2016)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Showaddywaddy

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Showaddywaddy are an English revival band formed in in 1973, renowned for their high-energy covers of 1950s and early 1960s hits, delivered with harmonies and accompanied by their signature flamboyant Teddy Boy attire featuring quiffs, drainpipe trousers, and colorful suits. The band originated from the amalgamation of two local groups: Choise, which focused on original material, and The Golden Hammers (often simply called The Hammers), a covers-oriented outfit influenced by rock 'n' roll. This merger created an eight-piece ensemble, with the unusual addition of dual drummers and bassists to amplify their energetic, percussive sound. The name "Showaddywaddy" was coined by Dave Bartram during rehearsals, drawn from the scat-like backing vocals ("show addy waddy") in ' 1957 cover of "Little Darlin'" (originally by ). The original lineup featured vocalists Dave Bartram (born 1952) and Buddy Gask (born 1945), guitarists Russ Field (born 1949) and Trevor Oakes (born 1946), bassists (born 1952) and Rod Deas (born 1954), and drummers Malcolm Allured (born 1951) and (born 1955). After gaining attention through a winning appearance on the ITV talent show in 1973, they signed with Bell Records and debuted with the single "Hey Rock 'n' Roll" in 1974, which reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. Showaddywaddy's commercial breakthrough arrived with their 1976 cover of "Under the Moon of Love" (originally by ), which spent three weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart and became their signature hit. The band followed with a string of 22 additional Top 40 singles through 1982, including ten Top 10 entries such as "Three Steps to Heaven," "Dancin' Party," "I Wonder Why," and "," amassing a total of 23 charting singles and 209 weeks on the charts, having sold more than 20 million worldwide. Their albums, including the self-titled Showaddywaddy (1974), Step Two (1975), and the compilation Greatest Hits (1976-1978) (1979)—which became their sole number-one album—solidified their status as one of the decade's top-selling acts, blending with theatrical performances that appealed to a broad audience. Over the years, lineup changes occurred due to retirements and departures, with Bartram leaving in 2011 and Deas in 2019, but core members like Challenger and Oakes have kept the band touring into the 2020s. As of 2025, Showaddywaddy continue to perform live, celebrating over 50 years of activity while maintaining their retro rock 'n' roll appeal.

History

Formation

Showaddywaddy was formed in 1973 in , , through the amalgamation of two local bands, Choise and the Golden Hammers, establishing it as a rock 'n' roll covers group dedicated to reviving 1950s-style music. The name originated from the scat singing in the background vocals of ' 1957 cover of "Little Darlin'." The original lineup consisted of eight members: Dave Bartram and Buddy Gask on lead vocals, Russ Field on , Trevor Oakes on , and Rod Deas on , and Malcolm Allured and on . Four members—Bartram, Oakes, James, and Challenger—came from Choise, which focused on original material, while Gask, Field, Deas, and Allured hailed from the Golden Hammers, a covers band. Drawing inspiration from the burgeoning rock 'n' roll revival scene in Britain, the musicians had connected through Leicester's local music circles and performed casually in their prior groups before committing to a professional outfit. From their earliest days, the band embraced a signature visual identity, sporting matching hairstyles and flamboyant teddy boy attire—characterized by draped jackets, drainpipe trousers, and brothel creepers—to fully immerse themselves in the era's rebellious aesthetic.

Early career and breakthrough

Showaddywaddy signed with Bell Records in early 1974, having been scouted by producer Mike Hurst without an audition after their appearance on the television talent show . Hurst, a former member of and experienced producer, recognized the band's potential in the rock 'n' roll revival scene and secured the deal directly with Bell's head Dick Leahy. This contract marked their transition from local pub and club performances to professional recording artists. The band's debut single, the self-penned "Hey Rock 'n' Roll," was recorded in April 1974 at Music Centre under Hurst's production, with lead vocals handled by Buddy Gask at Hurst's direction. Released on 19 April 1974 via Bell Records (catalogue BELL 1357), it entered the UK Singles Chart on 18 May and peaked at number 2, spending 11 weeks in the top 40 and establishing the band's energetic, nostalgic sound. The single's success led to their first television exposure on in June 1974, boosting visibility and fan engagement through their distinctive teddy boy image and high-energy performances. Following this breakthrough, Showaddywaddy released their self-titled debut album on 8 November 1974, also produced by Hurst, which blended original compositions like "Temptation" and "Rollercoaster" with covers such as ' "" and John Leyton's "Johnny Remember Me." The album reached number 9 on the and stayed in the top 75 for 19 weeks, showcasing the band's versatility in reviving 1950s and early 1960s rock 'n' roll while incorporating their own material. Building momentum, their second single "Rock 'n' Roll Lady" (August 1974) charted at number 15, and the third, "Lookin' Back in Anger" (November 1974), reached number 43, both benefiting from further appearances that highlighted their synchronized stage routines. In 1975, the band navigated growing demands with dual lead vocalists Dave Bartram and Buddy Gask sharing duties to manage the vocal load during an expanding tour schedule, which included over 200 shows that year across the and . This period brought challenges, as members balanced the rigors of full-time touring—often involving long drives and multiple performances weekly—with the sudden shift from part-time gigs, though their chart traction with singles like "Sweet Music" (number 14) and "Heavenly" (number 34) solidified their breakthrough status.

Commercial success

Showaddywaddy's commercial breakthrough came with their 1976 cover of "Under the Moon of Love," originally a hit by , which topped the UK Singles Chart for three weeks in November and December that year. The single sold over 1 million copies in the UK alone, earning it million-seller status and marking the band's first number-one hit. The success of "Under the Moon of Love" propelled a series of follow-up hits that solidified their popularity in the late 1970s. "" peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart in early 1977, followed by "I Wonder Why" also reaching No. 2 later that year. In 1978, "Three Steps to Heaven" charted at No. 8, while "A Little Bit Soft" entered the Top 30 at No. 26 in 1979. These tracks, mostly covers of and classics, contributed to the band's tally of 23 UK Top 40 singles overall, with 9 reaching the Top 5. During this peak period, Showaddywaddy released several successful albums that blended rock 'n' roll covers with original material. Their 1976 album Heyday reached No. 19 on the , the same year Red Hot charted at No. 37. The release Dancin' Party also peaked at No. 19, featuring upbeat tracks that mirrored their energetic singles. Their 1979 compilation Greatest Hits (1976-1978) became their only number-one album on the . These albums helped establish the band as leading exponents of retro rock 'n' roll amid the glam era. The band's popularity extended internationally, with extensive tours across and in the late 1970s, alongside widespread media coverage praising their revival of 1950s sounds. Music weeklies like and highlighted their vibrant performances and nostalgic appeal, contributing to global sales exceeding 20 million records by the early 1980s.

Later years

By the late 1970s, Showaddywaddy's popularity began to decline as the music landscape shifted toward and new wave, genres that contrasted sharply with their rock 'n' roll revival style. Their final top 10 single, "Remember Then," peaked at No. 10 in 1979, but subsequent releases saw diminishing returns, with "I Saw Her Standing There" reaching No. 30 that year and "Why Do Lovers Break Each Others' Hearts" only No. 31 in 1980. The band switched labels to Precision Records in 1981 for the Good Times, which charted at No. 74, following the modestly successful Bright Lights (No. 33) on Arista in 1980; neither album recaptured the commercial heights of their mid-1970s output. Singles like "" (No. 33 in 1980) and "Do Ya Wanna Dance" (No. 82 in 1981) further underscored the challenges, as radio play and sales waned amid the evolving pop scene. Internal strains contributed to key departures in the mid-1980s, starting with drummer Malcolm Allured in 1984, followed by guitarist Russ Field in 1985 and vocalist Buddy Gask in 1987 after relationships within the group became strained. The original lineup's final major tour occurred in 1984, after which the band effectively restructured without a formal disbandment, releasing the compilation Let's Rock in 1985 as a nod to their legacy while continuing limited activity. Post-1985, Showaddywaddy maintained a presence through nostalgia-driven performances in the 1990s, with gig archives showing regular and European dates focused on their classic hits. In 2011, following lead singer Dave Bartram's departure to manage the group, drummer reformed the band with new members, billing it as "The Original Showaddywaddy" to emphasize continuity. Bassist Rod Deas departed in 2019. This version has sustained touring, including European dates in 2023–2025; as of November 2025, the band remains active with scheduled gigs. though tributes marked the passing of original bassist from illness in 2018. The group's influence persists in rock 'n' roll revival acts, underscoring their role in sustaining 1950s sounds into later decades.

Musical style and image

Influences and sound

Showaddywaddy's primary musical influences stemmed from 1950s rock 'n' roll pioneers such as , , , , and , as well as vocal groups that emphasized harmonious group singing. The band formed amid the 1970s British rock revival movement, sharing stylistic affinities with glam-infused retro acts like and , who similarly reinterpreted vintage sounds for contemporary audiences. Their core sound blended high-energy covers of pre-1960 hits with occasional originals, fusing riffs, harmonies, and R&B grooves into upbeat, danceable tracks driven by prominent flourishes and multi-vocalist arrangements. This approach created a lively, nostalgic yet accessible aesthetic, often built around 12-bar blues progressions, handclaps for rhythmic punch, and ad-libs that echoed the exuberance of their influences. The band's recording style evolved from a mix of faithful covers and self-penned tunes on their 1974 debut album—featuring renditions like "Bony Moronie" alongside originals such as "Hey Rock 'n' Roll"—toward greater emphasis on polished revivals in subsequent releases, incorporating glam rock sheen while retaining originals like "Dancin' Party" in 1977. Producer Mike Leander contributed to this refinement, delivering radio-optimized productions for key singles that amplified the group's harmonious, high-octane appeal without diluting its retro roots.

Stage presence and visual style

Showaddywaddy's signature visual style was rooted in a flamboyant revival of Teddy Boy , adapted to the era of the 1970s. The band members sported matching hairstyles, long drape jackets, narrow drainpipe trousers, and shoes, often in vibrant, multicolored fabrics that amplified the subculture's Edwardian-inspired elegance with a theatrical flair. This look, described as an "explosion in a paint factory" by a Radio 1 DJ, incorporated glittery materials to blend nostalgic rock 'n' roll aesthetics with contemporary pop spectacle. Their live performances were characterized by high-octane energy and meticulous , turning covers of and hits into exuberant spectacles. With synchronized dance routines, exaggerated enthusiasm, and direct audience interaction—such as encouraging crowd participation in jive moves—the band created an immersive, party-like atmosphere that appealed to Teddy Boy revivalists and mainstream pop fans alike. At their peak in the , Showaddywaddy played up to 300 gigs in a single year, earning a for the most performances by a professional band, which underscored their relentless touring schedule and dynamic stage presence. Television appearances further highlighted their visual and performative strengths, particularly in their 1979 ITV special Showtime with Showaddywaddy, where synchronized dancing and humorous skits showcased the band's charisma and retro appeal. These broadcasts, alongside frequent spots on programs like Top of the Pops and Seaside Special, helped popularize their exaggerated style within the broader rock 'n' roll revival scene, paralleling acts like The Stray Cats in emphasizing nostalgic yet amplified 1950s influences. Over time, the band's image evolved to embrace even more vivid colors in the late , shifting from subtler tones to bold, rainbow-hued Teddy Boy suits that reflected glam rock's peak extravagance. With changing lineups into the and , Showaddywaddy has maintained this nostalgic Teddy Boy theme on tours, preserving the colorful attire and choreographed energy as a hallmark of their enduring rock 'n' roll revival.

Band members

Current lineup

The current incarnation of Showaddywaddy was established in 2011 following legal disputes over the band's name rights, with drummer retaining control and assembling a new lineup to continue performing the group's classic hits in a tribute-style format. This version emphasizes continuity with the original rock 'n' roll sound through live shows featuring songs like "Under the Moon of Love" and "Three Steps to Heaven." As of November 2025, the active members are:
MemberRoleTenure
Drums1973–present
Andy PelosLead vocals, guitar2012–present
David GrahamGuitar, saxophone2020–present
Tom BullBass2020–present
Sam HollandGuitar, drums2021–present
Ed HandollKeyboards2024–present
Romeo Challenger is the sole remaining original member, providing rhythmic foundation since the band's inception. Andy Pelos handles lead vocals and contributes on guitar, bringing energy to frontman duties. David Graham, who previously toured with the band from 2009 to 2011, rejoined to play guitar and saxophone, adding brass elements to the performances. Tom Bull joined on bass guitar, supporting the low-end drive. Sam Holland provides additional guitar and drum support as a multi-instrumentalist. Ed Handoll was added in 2024 on keyboards to enhance the ensemble sound for recent tours. The band supports these core members with occasional additional touring musicians as needed for larger productions. In recent years, Showaddywaddy has been active on their 50th anniversary tour, with scheduled dates in 2024 and 2025, including performances in , , and , alongside select European shows to celebrate their legacy. These outings maintain the high-energy, nostalgic appeal that defines their live shows.

Former members

Showaddywaddy's original lineup in featured several members who eventually departed the band over the years. Buddy Gask served as a from until September 1987, contributing to the group's early rock 'n' roll covers and harmonies during their breakthrough period. Gask died in 2011. Russ Field played guitar from to 1985, helping shape the band's energetic live sound. handled bass and vocals from to 2008, adding to the group's distinctive multi-vocalist style; he died in 2018. Rod Deas provided bass support from to 2019, anchoring the rhythm section through the band's commercial peak. In the mid-1970s, personnel shifts began as the band evolved. Malcolm Allured played drums from 1973 to 1984. Ray Martinez joined as lead guitar in 1985 and remained until 1995. Danny Willson contributed lead guitar from 1995 to 2009. By the early , further additions included Paul Dixon, who played bass and guitar from 2008 to 2017. Dave Bartram served as lead vocalist from 1973 to 2011. Trevor Oakes played guitar and vocals from 1973 to 2008. After the 2011 split, various members pursued other ventures, with later lineup changes including Dean Loach (guitar, 2012–2020), Rob Hewins (guitar, 2012–2017), Ray Hatfield (guitar, 2017–2020), and Billy Norman (bass, 2018–2020). Other ex-members engaged in session musicianship or local bands, preserving the era's sound in smaller venues.

Discography

Studio albums

Showaddywaddy's primarily consisted of rock 'n' roll covers and original songs, capturing the band's energetic revival of and styles during their active years. Released mainly through Bell Records in the , the albums showcased their pompadour image and high-energy performances, contributing to their commercial success in the UK. By 1983, the band had produced eight studio albums, with later releases shifting labels and seeing diminished chart performance as their popularity waned. The following table summarizes the band's studio albums, including release dates, labels, UK chart positions, and key track highlights:
TitleRelease DateLabelUK Chart PositionKey Tracks
Showaddywaddy1974Bell RecordsNo. 9"Hey Rock 'n' Roll," ""
Step Two1975Bell RecordsNo. 7"Three Steps to Heaven," "Heartbeat"
Trocadero1976Bell RecordsNo. 41"Trocadero," "Under the Moon of Love"
Dancin' Party1977Bell RecordsNo. 19"Dancin' Party," ""
Red Star1977AristaNo. 20"When," "I Wonder Why"
Crepes and Drapes1979AristaNo. 8"," "Remember Then"
Bright Lights1980AristaNo. 33"," "Why Do Lovers Break Each Others' Hearts"
Good Times1981Precision Records-"Stranger in the Night," "Footsteps"
The debut album, Showaddywaddy, marked the band's entry into the music scene with a mix of covers like "" and their original "Hey Rock 'n' Roll," which had already become a hit single. Released on Bell Records, it achieved success, peaking at No. 9 on the . The album's production emphasized the band's raw rock 'n' roll sound, setting the template for their future releases. During their peak era in the mid-1970s, Showaddywaddy released several albums that capitalized on their growing popularity, driven by hit singles. Step Two (1975) featured covers like "Three Steps to Heaven" and "Heartbeat," reaching No. 7 on the UK Albums Chart. Trocadero (1976) included the band's first No. 1 single "Under the Moon of Love," a cover of the 1961 Curtis Lee track, peaking at No. 41. In 1977, Dancin' Party continued the momentum, hitting No. 19 with tracks like the title song and "You Got What It Takes," both of which became top singles. Red Star (1977) also charted at No. 20. These albums highlighted the band's commercial appeal, with Bell and Arista Records promoting their teddy boy aesthetic to appeal to nostalgic audiences. In the later years, as the band transitioned away from Bell Records, their output shifted toward smaller labels and less commercial focus. Crepes and Drapes (1979) peaked at No. 8, featuring singles like "A Little Bit of Soap." Bright Lights (1980) on Arista featured covers such as "Blue Moon" but peaked at No. 33, reflecting declining mainstream interest amid changing musical trends. The following year's Good Times continued this pattern, with no chart entry and a mix of standards like "Stranger in the Night." These albums prioritized the band's core sound over innovation, sustaining a dedicated fanbase despite broader market shifts. Following the release of their final studio album in 1981, the band focused on live performances and did not produce new studio material during their initial run. Upon continued activity in the with lineup changes, Showaddywaddy focused on live performances and reissues rather than original material. Releases like The Complete Studio Recordings 1973-1988 () were compilations of past work, underscoring their legacy through remastered rather than fresh recordings. This approach preserved their commercial appeal without expanding the studio catalog. As of November 2025, no new studio albums have been released.

Singles and chart performance

Showaddywaddy's early singles marked their entry into the charts, beginning with "Hey Rock 'n' Roll" in 1974, which peaked at No. 15. This was followed by "Rock 'n' Roll Lady" later that year, reaching No. 15, and "Sweet Music" in 1975, which charted at No. 14. These releases established the band's rock 'n' roll revival sound and built a foundation for greater commercial success. The band achieved their major hits between 1976 and 1978, with a total of 23 singles released and 17 entering the Top 40. "Under the Moon of Love" topped the UK Singles Chart in 1976 and was certified silver by the BPI. Subsequent releases like "" and "I Wonder Why" both reached No. 2 in 1977 and 1978, while "When" peaked at No. 3 in 1977. Later singles included "A Night at Daddy Gee's" at No. 39 and "Why Do Lovers Break Each Others' Hearts" at No. 22 in 1980. The following table summarizes key singles and their UK chart performance:
YearSingleUK Peak
1974Hey Rock 'n' Roll15
1974Rock 'n' Roll Lady15
1975Sweet Music14
1976Under the Moon of Love1
19772
1978I Wonder Why2
1977When3
1979A Night at Daddy Gee's39
1980Why Do Lovers Break Each Others' Hearts22
Source: Official Charts Company. Internationally, Showaddywaddy enjoyed hits in several markets, including "Under the Moon of Love" reaching No. 2 in Australia, along with chart success in the Netherlands and Germany. The BPI awarded certifications to several of their singles for sales achievements. The band's chart performance peaked from 1976 to 1978, aligning with a popular crossover between rock 'n' roll revival and elements that captured mainstream attention. Following 1979, their singles saw a decline in chart positions and longevity, reflecting shifting musical trends.

References

  1. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/showaddywaddy-mn0000037919
  2. https://www.goldradio.com/news/music/showaddywaddy-facts-songs-members-name/
  3. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/15032/showaddywaddy/
  4. https://www.showaddywaddy.net/biogs/biogs/history.html
  5. https://www.last.fm/music/Showaddywaddy/%2Bwiki
  6. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/455866/Showaddywaddy-s-Dave-Bartram-on-gigs-partying-with-Ozzy-Osbourne-and-world-records
  7. https://nostalgiacentral.com/music/artists-l-to-z/artists-s/showaddywaddy/
  8. https://www.showaddywaddy.net/biogs/
  9. https://chart-history.net/showaddywaddy/
  10. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/15032/showaddywaddy/#albums
  11. https://www.showaddywaddy.net/news/news1218.html
  12. https://www.showaddywaddy.net/gigs/
  13. https://www.rockawaddy.co.uk/about-showaddywaddy/Showaddywaddy-current-members
  14. https://www.bbc.co.uk/leicester/content/articles/2004/11/25/showaddywaddy_greatest_hits_qa.shtml
  15. https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/entertainment/music/368045/hey-showaddywaddy/
  16. https://www.stagedoorentertainments.co.uk/70s-band-showaddywaddy.php
  17. http://www.mikehurst.co.uk/content/biography.htm
  18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNbiL1iBBts
  19. https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/history/showaddywaddy-still-uks-hardest-working-197139
  20. https://www.showaddywaddy.net/songs/heyrockandroll.html
  21. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/showaddywaddy-hey-rock-and-roll/
  22. https://www.showaddywaddy.net/tv/tv1974.html
  23. https://www.isolationrecords.co.uk/showaddywaddy.html
  24. https://www.showaddywaddy.net/discosingles.html
  25. https://www.showaddywaddy.net/gigs/gigs/gigs1975.html
  26. https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/nov/04/uk-million-selling-singles-full-list
  27. https://www.showaddywaddy.net/songs/utmolwiki.html
  28. https://www.musicvf.com/Showaddywaddy.songs
  29. https://www.tdpromo.com/artist/showaddywaddy/
  30. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/11855
  31. https://www.showaddywaddy.net/biogs/history.html
  32. https://culturenl.co.uk/showaddywaddy/
  33. https://www.showaddywaddy.net/gigs/gigs1984.html
  34. https://www.vintagerockmag.com/2023/08/qa-dave-bartram/
  35. https://popular-number1s.com/2008/05/19/showaddywaddy-under-the-moon-of-love/
  36. https://www.showaddywaddy.net/news/news0611.html
  37. https://www.discogs.com/artist/292111-Showaddywaddy
  38. https://www.discogs.com/release/1646757-Showaddywaddy-Showaddywaddy
  39. https://everyuknumber1.com/tag/showaddywaddy/
  40. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13346672/
  41. https://www.silversurfers.com/culture/showaddywaddy-50-years-on-and-still-going-strong/
  42. http://clarkechroniclerhits.blogspot.com/2015/10/425-goodbye-showaddywaddy-who-put-bomp.html
  43. https://www.songkick.com/artists/120463-showaddywaddy
  44. https://www.facebook.com/OfficialShowaddywaddy/
  45. https://www.showaddywaddy.net/biogs/biogbuddy.html
  46. https://www.discogs.com/release/6336046-Showaddywaddy-Showaddywaddy
  47. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/showaddywaddy-showaddywaddy/
  48. https://www.discogs.com/release/15204668-Showaddywaddy-The-Studio-LP-Collection-1974-1983
  49. https://www.showaddywaddy.net/
  50. https://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Showaddywaddy
  51. https://germancharts.de/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Showaddywaddy
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