Review: Showaddywaddy, Wulfrun Hall

As has been customary, the band invited members of the audience on stage to get up close and personal with the stars of the show last night, belting out their own 'Hey Mr Christmas.'

Paul Dixon set that ball rolling with a festive solo on the guitar, bringing towards the end what was another pleasing offering.

There was gusto from the start, as out bounced lead singer Andy Pelos to join his comrades in front of an enthusiastic audience.

Originals Rod Deas on bass and incomparable drummer Romeo Challenger, along with Rob Hewins, Dixon and Dean Loach joined him thereafter.

The front-of-house foursome exemplified the music of their time – all capable of playing the guitar and singing in equal measure with just as must gusto as there was then.

Cover wise, the likes of ' 'Dambusters,' 'Come On Everybody,' Angel Eyes,' 'Summertime Blues' and 'Jailhouse Rock' were the cream of a bountiful crop.

Of their own hits, 'Rock'n'Roll Lady,' 'I Wonder Why,' 'Three Steps To Heaven' and 'Sweet Little Rock'n'Roller' was the pick of what they do best.

When it came to wrapping up, all of a sudden the band had donned Santa hats and beards and invited the audience- most of whom had abandoned their seats for the aisles long ago – on stage.

The purported last track of the evening was the one we had all been waiting for, the wildly popular 'Under The Moon Of Love,' their only No 1 from 1976.

There was, of course, an encore and 'Hey Rock'n'Roll' was no doubt the way to end what was a roll-back-the-years performance from the men from the 'United States of Leicester.'

By Craig Birch