Dave Herbert Adds This On The Concert At The London Palladium...As with all previous nights of this tour the set list was adhered to; but tonight an air of excitement and anticipation could be felt. Sir Cliff Richard’s name had been mentioned by Hank on more than one occasion, and yes, there he was sat in the Royal Box with Cilla Black amongst his guests. The first half’s reception for the band was truly fantastic, each number was followed by thunderous applause and deafening cheers of approval. The second half followed in the same vein. I have never experienced such an overwhelming response to every single number. As Bruce introduced their vocal spot of Cliff songs, I, along with possibly almost everyone else, was expecting Cliff to come on and join them, but no, the Shads sang the numbers as before except IN THE COUNTRY was omitted. Then, as Hank played the opening bars of SUMMER HOLIDAY, out stepped Cliff, very tanned and wearing a pink jacket, black shirt and black leather trousers, and took up the vocal lead. The Palladium audience rose to its feet and just erupted; the place went wild just as in the golden days of the 50s/60s. An excellent version of BACHELOR BOY followed; not giving the applause chance to fade, he stepped forward and spoke of his association with the Shads throughput their careers and IF this was to be their last ever performance he was proud to be there and be part of it. Now Cliff and The Shadows performed THE YOUNG ONES (a one off this, as it did not fit into the aforesaid vocal set, having not been written by the Shads). Before Cliff left the stage hugs and handshakes all around, then it was back to the set list; brilliantly picked up by a blistering performance of LITTLE ‘B’ by Brian, clocking in at 13 ½ mins. The show continued to the end of the set. The Shadows left the stage to the standing ovation they truly deserved, not only for this show but their long lasting career. DCH, 2004 |
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