Showaddywaddy formed in Leicester, from two groups, Choise and Golden Hammers. A potted history…
Showaddywaddy first performed jam sessions in 1972 as two Leicester band, Choise and Golden Hammers, played at the same venue (The Fosseway Hotel) in Leicester, before forming permanently in 1973.
Choise wrote and performed original material and at the time of the formation of Showaddywaddy featured Dave Bartram, Trevor Oakes, Al James and Romeo Challenger. Choise also played a few covers, and some of the original songs were carried over to be recorded recorded by SWW. Golden Hammers were a covers band who consisted of Buddy Gask, Russ Field, Rod Deas and Malcolm Allured.
Choise and Golden Hammers played regularly across the Midland and other parts of the UK, but both bands had a regular slot at the Fosseway pub in Leicester. After forming friendships and enjoying each other's music, during early 1972, the bands got up on stage together to play a rock 'n' roll revue, and it quickly became apparent that this arrangement was going down with the audience better than the individual bands. The guys also realised they could earn more money by having each band playing a support slot with 'Showaddywaddy' doing the headline slot.
During the summer of 1973, Showaddywaddy were asked if they wanted to be on TV - the show was "New Faces". They won one programme in the series and were runners-up in the "All Winners Final" which was broadcast between Christmas and New Year 1973. This led to various record companies, including Polydor Records racing to sign them up. However they had already signed to Bell Records, Bay City Rollers and Gary Glitter were also signed to the signed to the same label. As a result, Choise and The Hammers were permanently dissolved with Showaddywaddy becoming the sole act.
The Fosseway, Melton Road, Leicester. Seen here on 16th December 2005. Now trading as Indigos Vegetarian Indian Restaurant, it was still trading as The Fosseway Pub when current owners moved in around 2000.
The band’s first single, ‘Hey Rock And Roll’ was released on 19th April 1974 and reached number two in the UK charts. Showaddywaddy then hit the UK charts another 22 times until late 1982, nine being top-5 singles, including four #2s and one #1, racking up a total of 209 weeks in the singles chart - one of the most successful singles groups of all time.
After a run of singles that were written by the band, cover versions became the order of the day, primarily due to the success of Three Steps To Heave, Heartbeat, and Under The Moon Of Love, which were all top-10 hits, whilst singles such as Heavenly and Trocadero were not quite as successful. Romeo later quoted, "Dave and Trevor would approach the record company with a song and they would say, 'No we don't want that - you had a hit with a cover last time, you can do it again'". The cover versions were mainly pop versions of old '50s and ‘60s US rock 'n' roll songs - catchy tunes backed up by the colourful image, dance routines and numerous television appearances.
Showaddywaddy released 11 albums during their original period (1974 to 1983), with five of these reaching the top-10, and including one number one album (Greatest Hits 76-78) in 1978. In all there have been over 50 Showaddywaddy albums and CDs released to date.
The original and most famous Showaddywaddy line up had two vocalists, two guitarists, two bass players and two drummers, which gave the band great flexibility on stage with four or five members playing the instruments and the others doing the dance routines. At their peak, they were doing 200 gigs a year, often gigging 7 days a week, and playing both matinee and evening performances on the same day - the guys certainly put a lot of work in!
Malcolm Allured left the band in 1984, followed by Russ Field in 1985, and Buddy Gask departed in 1987. Buddy passed away in 2011.
2003 saw the band's 30th Anniversary, and they celebrated by completing a successful 40-date UK-wide tour along with The Rubettes and Sweet.
For many years (1987 to 2008), the line up consisted of five of the original eight members: Dave, Trevor, Al, Rod and Romeo, along with Ray Martinez on lead guitar (1985 to 1995) followed by Danny Willson on lead guitar (1995 to 2009). Al James and Trevor Oakes retired from the band in December 2008, and were replaced by Paul Dixon and Dave Graham. Al James passed away in November 2018.
By 2010, the line up consisted of three of the original 8 members - Dave Bartram, Rod Deas and Romeo Challenger. In the autumn of 2011, Dave Bartram announced his retirement from the band, and played his last gig at The Kings Hall in Ilkley in West Yorkshire on 3rd December of that year. David Graham left the band at the same time.
A revised Showaddywaddy line up went on the road from January 2012 - Romeo Challenger and Rod Deas being joined by Andy Pelos (lead vocals), Dean Loach (keyboards, guitar), and Rob Hewins (drums, guitar, vocals), along with Paul Dixon (guitar, vocals). Paul Dixon left the band in January 2017 and was replaced by Ray Hatfield. Billy Norman (bass) joined the band in January 2018 but did not replace Rod Deas, however Rod did retire from the band a year later in January 2019. This left Romeo Challenger as the sole remaining original member.
2019 saw Showaddywaddy achieve their 45th anniversary, a year which also saw the band return to the Official Album Charts for the first time since 2004 with the release of the compilation album, “Gold” (released on coloured vinyl and as a 3-CD box set) which reached number 15 and remained on the charts for 9 weeks. The made it the highest charting album since 1979, and the album with the longest chart run since 1981!
During 2021, and not content to rest on their laurels, a shakeup in personnel ensued, seeking to recreate the unique blend of vocal harmonies and dynamic rock ‘n’ roll for which the ‘Waddies’ had become known and loved the world over, a widespread search culminated in the addition of four multi-talented young musicians to the band, finally hitting the live performance trail at the back end of the year to a sensational reaction, surpassing all expectations and ensuring exciting times ahead for the new look line-up.
Showaddywaddy's credentials and versatility remain without question - concerts, corporate conventions, festivals, universities, colleges, clubs & private functions the world over still clamour to book this remarkable live show, providing proof that after almost 50 incredible years, rock & roll music is truly alive and kicking in the hands of this legendary band.
Dave Bartram continues to manage the band to this day, a role which he has undertaken since 1984.
2023/24 saw the 50th anniversary of Showaddywaddy, a feat which I'm sure no-one envisaged way back at the Fosse Way pub in 1973!
- 1964 - 1966: Golden Hammers are formed in 1964 and play under this name until 1966. Malcolm Allured played in various other bands before and after this including The Renegades, Colorados, The Tea Set and Mozzeltoff.
- 1967 - 1972: Choise, a Leicester band featuring Don Collins, Geoff Betts, Trevor Oakes and Richard Hough perform all over the Midlands and beyond.
- 1968 - 1969: Dave Bartram is playing in a local band Buttercup Jelly. This band started life in 1967, with Dave Bartram joining in October 1968. The band lasted until August 1969.
- 1969 - 1970: Dave plays in the band Amarmus from November 1969 to June 1970.
- 1971 - 1972: a 6-piece band called Danjo forms, the line up featuring Buddy Gask, Rod Deas, Russ Field and Malcolm Allured. Meanwhile, Dave Bartram is now in a band called Stallion.
- February 1972: Vocalist Don Collins leaves Choise and is replaced by Dave Bartram
- April 1972: Golden Hammers are reincarnated, now a 4-piece band featuring Buddy, Rod, Russ and Malcolm.
- May 1972: Choise and Golden Hammers play for the first time on the same bill at The Fosseway Hotel, Leicester.
- June 1972: Choise and Golden Hammers continue to play at The Fosseway - adverts start to advertise a 'big rock 'n' roll jam session' and 'Choise and Golden Hammers rock 'n' Roll show'.
- July 1972 - the name Showaddywaddy first appears in the local press - 'Choise and Golden Hammers plus amazing 8-piece Showaddywaddy'. Showaddywaddy perform regularly from hereon in.
- October 1972: Drummer Richard Hough leaves Choise and is replaced by Romeo Challenger.
- April 1973 - Showaddywaddy take part in and win the local heat of the Top Town Talent Contest in Leicester.
- August 1973: Choise and Golden Hammers perform their last gigs. Local press advertises a farewell gig for Choise and Golden Hammers at The Fosseway on 25 August. Choise play one more gig on 29 August at The Penny Farthing in Leicester. Meanwhile, Showaddywaddy perform in and win the national Top Town Talent Contest held in Leicester.
- September 1973: Showaddywaddy sign contracts and turn pro - all gigs from 1 September were Showaddywaddy only, with Choise and Golden Hammers consigned to history.
- November 1973: Showaddywaddy make their first TV performance, appearing on New Faces, winning the heat and going onto to appear and win the New Faces All Winners Final in December 1973.
- April 1974: Showaddywaddy release their debut single, Hey Rock And Roll.
- May 1974: the band plays a stadium tour to support David Cassidy, with the gigs being in Glasgow, London and Manchester.
- December 1976: the band achieves its first and only number 1 single with Under The Moon of Love.
- November 1978: Showaddywaddy perform Pretty Little Angel Eyes live at the Royal Variety Show at The Palladium in front of the Queen Mother. Pretty Little Angel Eyes becomes the band's last top-10 hit (ten top-10 singles are achieved, all but one being in the top-5).
- December 1978: Greatest Hits 1976-1978 knocks the Grease Soundtrack off no. 1 in the album charts and gives Showaddywaddy the Christmas no.1 LP.
- December 1980: the BBC broadcast the band's very own TV special, Showaddywaddyshow.
- August 1982: Who Put The Bomp becomes the band's last single to enter the singles chart, marking an achievement of 23 top-40 singles.
- January 1983: (You're My) Soul & Inspiration is the last Showaddywaddy single released an 8-piece line-up.
- August 1984: Malcolm Allured becomes the first original member to leave Showaddywaddy.
- 1984: Dave Bartram becomes the manager of Showaddywaddy.
- July 1985: Russ Field becomes the second original member to leave Showaddywaddy.
- August 1985: Guitarist Rick Willson of Diesel Park West deputises with Showaddywaddy for a few gigs before Ray Martinez joins the band as a permanent member to replace Russ Field.
- December 1985: Many years after their demise, Golden Hammers play a one-off gig at Malcolm's pub The Traveller's Rest. Line up includes Bill Gask but is unlikely to have included Russ Field.
- August 1987: Showaddywaddy make a 'comeback' with the release of a new single and various TV performances. A 'greatest hits' album and the band's first VHS video is released in time for Christmas.
- September 1987: Buddy Gask is the third original member to leave Showaddywaddy.
- Spring 1995: Ray Martinez leaves Showaddywaddy and is replaced by Danny Willson.
- 2000: The Fosseway Hotel, where Showaddywaddy formed, closes and reopens as an Indian restaurant. Later, a Leicester Civic Society display is installed outside the pub, noting the formation of the band at the venue.
- Autumn 2008: Paul Dixon plays with Showaddywaddy whilst Danny Willson is on paternity leave.
- December 2008: Al James and Trevor Oakes play their final gigs with Showaddywaddy, becoming the fourth and fifth original members to leave the band. Paul Dixon becomes a permanent member.
- July 2009: Dave Graham joins Showaddywaddy
- August 2009: Danny Willson leaves Showaddywaddy.
- June 2011: Original lead vocalist Bill 'Buddy' Gask passes away in Spain aged 65.
- July 2011: Andy Pelos, Dean Loach and Rob Hewins all start rehearsing with Showaddywaddy. Rob plays a one-off gig in August.
- December 2011: Dave Bartram retires from the band, becoming the 6th original member to leave. Dave Graham (who joined in July 2009) also leaves the band at the same time.
- January 2012: Showaddywaddy go on the road with Andy Pelos, Dean Loach and Rob Hewins alongside Romeo Challenger and Rod Deas as the remaining two original members.
- January 2017: Paul Dixon leaves the band and is replaced by Ray Hatfield.
- January 2018: Billy Norman joins the band on bass. Rod Deas remains in the band on backing vocals.
- November 2018: Original bass player Al James passes away in Market Harborough aged 72.
- January 2019: Rod Deas leaves the band becoming the 7th original member to depart leaving Romeo Challenger as the band's sole remaining original member.
- March 2020: the band are off the road due to the Covid lockdown. Dean Loach, Ray Hatfield and Billy Norman leave the band over the summer.
- August 2020: Showaddywaddy go back on the road after lockdown, with Tom Bull and Chris Savage joining the band. Andy Pelos and Rob Hewins remain in the band alongside Romeo Challenger. Chris Savage leaves after 10 gigs.
- September 2020: Dave Graham rejoins the band.
- August 2021: bass player Justin Myers plays a one-off gig with the band in place of Tom Bull who was laid low with illness.
- September 2021: Danny Willson, who left the band in 2009 after a 14 year stint, appears on stage again with the band, featuring in a number of gigs between September and November.
- October 2021: Guitarist Adam Ellis deputises with the band for a one-off gig.
- November 2021: Rob Hewins leaves the band.
- December 2021: Billy Shannon joins the band as second lead vocalist to Andy Pelos, as well as Sam Holland on guitar.
- April 2024: Showaddywaddy play a special 50th anniversary show in Leicester. Trevor Oakes and Rod Deas do not perform but appear on stage in the interval.
- November 2024: Billy Shannon leaves the band; former guitarist Danny Willson deputises with the band at various gigs in November, December and January. Adam Ellis, who played a gig with the band in October 2021, also deputises in December and January.
- December 2024: Ed Handoll joins the band to replace the outgoing Billy Shannon.
- November 2025: Original Showaddywaddy drummer Malcolm Allured appears on stage with the band for the first time in 41 years during Under The Moon of Love. Malcolm again appeared on stage with the band twice in February 2026.
- February 2026: Original lead guitarist Trevor Oakes passes away in Leicester aged 79.
Showaddywaddy first performed jam sessions in 1972 as two Leicester band, Choise and Golden Hammers, played at the same venue (The Fosseway Hotel) in Leicester, before forming permanently in 1973.
Choise wrote and performed original material and at the time of the formation of Showaddywaddy featured Dave Bartram, Trevor Oakes, Al James and Romeo Challenger. Choise also played a few covers, and some of the original songs were carried over to be recorded recorded by SWW. Golden Hammers were a covers band who consisted of Buddy Gask, Russ Field, Rod Deas and Malcolm Allured.
Choise and Golden Hammers played regularly across the Midland and other parts of the UK, but both bands had a regular slot at the Fosseway pub in Leicester. After forming friendships and enjoying each other's music, during early 1972, the bands got up on stage together to play a rock 'n' roll revue, and it quickly became apparent that this arrangement was going down with the audience better than the individual bands. The guys also realised they could earn more money by having each band playing a support slot with 'Showaddywaddy' doing the headline slot.
During the summer of 1973, Showaddywaddy were asked if they wanted to be on TV - the show was "New Faces". They won one programme in the series and were runners-up in the "All Winners Final" which was broadcast between Christmas and New Year 1973. This led to various record companies, including Polydor Records racing to sign them up. However they had already signed to Bell Records, Bay City Rollers and Gary Glitter were also signed to the signed to the same label. As a result, Choise and The Hammers were permanently dissolved with Showaddywaddy becoming the sole act.
The band’s first single, ‘Hey Rock And Roll’ was released on 19th April 1974 and reached number two in the UK charts. Showaddywaddy then hit the UK charts another 22 times until late 1982, nine being top-5 singles, including four #2s and one #1, racking up a total of 209 weeks in the singles chart - one of the most successful singles groups of all time.
After a run of singles that were written by the band, cover versions became the order of the day, primarily due to the success of Three Steps To Heave, Heartbeat, and Under The Moon Of Love, which were all top-10 hits, whilst singles such as Heavenly and Trocadero were not quite as successful. Romeo later quoted, "Dave and Trevor would approach the record company with a song and they would say, 'No we don't want that - you had a hit with a cover last time, you can do it again'". The cover versions were mainly pop versions of old '50s and ‘60s US rock 'n' roll songs - catchy tunes backed up by the colourful image, dance routines and numerous television appearances.
Showaddywaddy released 11 albums during their original period (1974 to 1983), with five of these reaching the top-10, and including one number one album (Greatest Hits 76-78) in 1978. In all there have been over 50 Showaddywaddy albums and CDs released to date.
The original and most famous Showaddywaddy line up had two vocalists, two guitarists, two bass players and two drummers, which gave the band great flexibility on stage with four or five members playing the instruments and the others doing the dance routines. At their peak, they were doing 200 gigs a year, often gigging 7 days a week, and playing both matinee and evening performances on the same day - the guys certainly put a lot of work in!
Malcolm Allured left the band in 1984, followed by Russ Field in 1985, and Buddy Gask departed in 1987. Buddy passed away in 2011.
2003 saw the band's 30th Anniversary, and they celebrated by completing a successful 40-date UK-wide tour along with The Rubettes and Sweet.
For many years (1987 to 2008), the line up consisted of five of the original eight members: Dave, Trevor, Al, Rod and Romeo, along with Ray Martinez on lead guitar (1985 to 1995) followed by Danny Willson on lead guitar (1995 to 2009). Al James and Trevor Oakes retired from the band in December 2008, and were replaced by Paul Dixon and Dave Graham. Al James passed away in November 2018.
By 2010, the line up consisted of three of the original 8 members - Dave Bartram, Rod Deas and Romeo Challenger. In the autumn of 2011, Dave Bartram announced his retirement from the band, and played his last gig at The Kings Hall in Ilkley in West Yorkshire on 3rd December of that year. David Graham left the band at the same time.
A revised Showaddywaddy line up went on the road from January 2012 - Romeo Challenger and Rod Deas being joined by Andy Pelos (lead vocals), Dean Loach (keyboards, guitar), and Rob Hewins (drums, guitar, vocals), along with Paul Dixon (guitar, vocals). Paul Dixon left the band in January 2017 and was replaced by Ray Hatfield. Billy Norman (bass) joined the band in January 2018 but did not replace Rod Deas, however Rod did retire from the band a year later in January 2019. This left Romeo Challenger as the sole remaining original member.
2019 saw Showaddywaddy achieve their 45th anniversary, a year which also saw the band return to the Official Album Charts for the first time since 2004 with the release of the compilation album, “Gold” (released on coloured vinyl and as a 3-CD box set) which reached number 15 and remained on the charts for 9 weeks. The made it the highest charting album since 1979, and the album with the longest chart run since 1981!
During 2021, and not content to rest on their laurels, a shakeup in personnel ensued, seeking to recreate the unique blend of vocal harmonies and dynamic rock ‘n’ roll for which the ‘Waddies’ had become known and loved the world over, a widespread search culminated in the addition of four multi-talented young musicians to the band, finally hitting the live performance trail at the back end of the year to a sensational reaction, surpassing all expectations and ensuring exciting times ahead for the new look line-up.
Showaddywaddy's credentials and versatility remain without question - concerts, corporate conventions, festivals, universities, colleges, clubs & private functions the world over still clamour to book this remarkable live show, providing proof that after almost 50 incredible years, rock & roll music is truly alive and kicking in the hands of this legendary band.
Dave Bartram continues to manage the band to this day, a role which he has undertaken since 1984.
2023/24 saw the 50th anniversary of Showaddywaddy, a feat which I'm sure no-one envisaged way back at the Fosse Way pub in 1973!