Presented here in alphabetical order is a personal
choice of websites among the many devoted to our heroes...
1. Cliff Richard & The Shadows World-Wide Discography
With what is beyond dispute the most lavishly and lovingly stocked of all
Cliff/ Shads websites, the late John Panteny devoted his considerable energies to
building up a stupendous pictorial record of vinyl (all formats) and CD product
over the years. John secured the cooperation of many enthusiasts worldwide, building up an invaluable resource. His site is now hosted by Robert Porter. Check out: http://www.cliffrichardsongs.com/john.html
2. Instrumental Review
Tony Hoffman, editor of the fanzine Shadsfax, has re-launched what promises to be a Website of prime interest to instrumental fans, with sections devoted to The Shadows, The Ventures, The Spotnicks, The Tornados, along with Duane Eddy and Chris Watts. Also online will be features on UK and European instro acts, and sound files into the bargain. Tony’s knowledge of instrumental music is vast, so we can look forward to seeing his site develop into a real treasure-trove. His record label Legacy Sounds UK is also set to spread the word by re-issuing, or issuing for the first time on CD, some carefully selected gems form the glorious 60s. Check out: http://www.instrumentalreview.com
3. Jan-Arne's Shadows record collecting page
Jan Arne Flatby’s Shadows website merits attention to see a Scandinavian
perspective. Norway, Jan’s home country, has always been a Shadows’ stronghold
and still plays host to group-related events, as reflected in the rich and
varied documentation presented here. And it is also most certainly a place for
the keen record collector to keep a close eye on! Check out:
http://home.online.no/~jaflatby
4. John Campbell's New Zealand Based Shadows Tribute Website
John Campbell’s Penumbra website demonstrates the value of focusing on a
"local" market, in this case John’s home country of New Zealand. Among the
many entries of interest is the "NZ Discography", which conjures up colour
images not only of front covers but also of record labels, including a
number of variants. In an ideal world there would be a whole network of
exemplary dedicated sites such as this. Well done Johnno! Check out:
http://www.penumbra.co.nz
5. Les Amis de Cliff Richard & The Shadows - Fan Club France
If your French is up to it, then Les amis de Cliff Richard & The Shadows is
worth visiting. The Shadows’ links with France were always strong, and support
for them is still potent. Bernard Broche continues to keep the flag flying both
with this site, with the fanzine Established 1958 and with his sterling work for
Magic Records. Check out:
http://www.cliffrichard-theshadows.com
6. Leo's Den Music Direct, specialists in Cliff Richard and the Shadows
Leo’s Den is described by John Panteny as "a great place to buy Cliff & The
Shadows records". Quite right, but there is certainly more to be said. I know
from personal experience just how knowledgeable and efficient Pat & John Read
are, and also how ungrudging they are with their wise advice. Indeed, their
website is not merely a platform for advertising merchandise (though it does
that extremely effectively), but a veritable treasure trove of info on the
current Cliff/ Shads scenes, with a fascinating curriculum vitae of the
proprietors thrown on for good measure! No excuse for failing to bookmark this
one. Check out: http://www.leosden.co.uk
7. The Shadows and Jet Harris Home page
David Dixon’s Shadows pages provide a wealth of information on The Shadows
(and close associates) not only as a group but as individuals too, and also
an annotated breakdown of the group’s career into six distinct periods; a
wealth of pics, a news section and much else render this site well worth a
regular visit. Check out:
http://www.btinternet.com/~shadows_archive
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