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Interview with Dave Bartram of Showaddywaddy
Showaddywaddy are one of six main acts performing on stage at this year’s Trust Thamesmead Summer Festival on Saturday 14 July in Birchmere Park, Thamesmead.
Hi Dave. Tell me, how did the group get the name Showaddywaddy?
It was influenced by the backing lines used in American do-wap songs of the 50’s: “Sho-wa- de-wa-de” and I thought it would be a great title for a band.
When did the group form?
In 1973 - we were formed out of an amalgamation of two bands who wanted to put on glitzy, animated rock n’ roll shows.
1973? Wow! You must have met a few celebs in your time…
Quite a few. Only last month (April) we were on a UK tour with the Osmonds, David Essex and David Cassidy. We had a great time. Who is the most famous person in my phone book? Probably Sting. I used to know him quite well – I sung a few backing vocals on a Police album although I can’t remember which songs.
Showaddywaddy have released 19 albums to date – what is the secret to your success?
It’s all about rock n’ roll and genuinely enjoying what you do. So many artists today are given fame and fortune on a plate and I don’t think it helps them whatsoever. It doesn’t help that all the creative people have been sucked out of the music industry and replaced by legal professionals out to make as much money as they can.
Lots of groups split up after a disagreement, how have you coped over the years?
We have been together so long - we know and respect each others good points, bad habits and when someone wants to be left alone.
What do you like most about being in the band?
Performing. To have travelled the world for the last 33-34 years doing something we love doing is amazing and of course it was fun when the fans used to try and grab us at gigs - the late 70’s were dangerous times. I remember running off stage and into a waiting mini bus which was surrounded by a hoard of fans who grabbed me by the hair and pulled me out of the van. I managed to gain control and told the drive to put his foot down.
What would you miss most if you have to give it all up tomorrow?
Performing and the adrenaline and vibe that go with it – no drug can emulate the thrill of being on stage.
Do you suffer from stage freight?
Sure. I got a few jitters before the gig we did at Wembley Arena last month (April). I usually get stage freight when I’m eager to please – when there is media, celebrities, friends or friends of friends who have turned up to see us. It would be abnormal not to suffer from stage freight. I think the day that happens you should give it all up.
What is the most memorable gig to date?
It was at Glasgow Apollo – it was an amazing venue that doesn’t exist anymore. The atmosphere used to be electric and I remember at one gig the whole of the balcony was bouncing up and down, I thought it was going to collapse.
What is the biggest crowd you have ever performed in front of?
50,000 at a summer festival in Schule in Germany, it was an awesome show.
Which artist in today’s chart do you like?
There are some immensely talented artists around – Coldplay and The Fruitellas have got real feel good sounds and I love The Claxtons.
What is the most embarrassing thing to happen whilst performing?
I used to go down on one knee and pick a lady to sing to when we played in small scampi and chip type venues, but on this particular night I had to step over a small wall to do so and as I did, I fell onto a table and it collapsed. I spent the rest of the song singing from the floor.
What do you order on your rider?
Nothing particularly exciting, just lots of Red Bull. We don’t order alcohol anymore as we like to be able to concentrate on our performance.
We are looking forward to see you perform at the Trust Thamesmead Summer Festival…
We can’t wait! There is something about performing outside - I hope it is a nice sunny day. We have seen the line-up - it is a very different bill of artists, celebrating the last 40 years of music. It is going to be interesting to see how the crowd reacts to such a diverse range of music.
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Jamelia will be headlining this year’s Trust Thamesmead Summer Festival which co-insides with Thamesmead’s 40th birthday. Keeping in theme, acts from the last four decades, including Showaddywaddy, The Real Thing, Sybil, Antony Costa, The Honeyz and Trust Thamesmead’s T Factor winners Audio Hawk will all be performing on stage.
Click here for for more details |
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