The Drifters have a rich heritage and a very complex history. They were originally formed in 1953 by George Treadwell and Clyde McPhatter. George Treadwell managed the group and they became one of the greatest groups of all time. Clyde McPhatter was the lead singer of the group which included many personnel changes over the years, including two other great vocalists: Johnny Moore and Ben E King. Ben E King would, of course, go on to further solo success, particularly with the classic “Stand by Me”.
After George’s passing in 1967, his widow Faye continued to manage the group and their success grew until they become a household name. The Drifters had many hits on both sides of the Atlantic and they were, quite rightly, inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ in 1988.
Further success and accolades followed. In 1993 The Drifters were requested by the President of the USA to perform at the White House and in 2004 they were listed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top 100 ‘Greatest Artists of All Time’.
Faye Treadwell passed away in May 2011 and then her daughter Tina Treadwell continued to manage The Drifters and their legacy. Tina has recently launched a new version of The Drifters and intends to take their story to the West End and Broadway. (Some of the above adapted from material on The Drifters official website).
It was this completely new version of The Drifters which I saw at Billingham Forum on Saturday night (a very appropriate evening on which to see this band). So, the members and the voices have changed many times over the years; yet the songs and the soul of the band remains constant. You know what to expect: lots of singalong, many hits which you have forgotten and a great evening of pure nostalgia and joyous entertainment.
The current members of The Drifters are: Louis Bailey – lead tenor; Stephen Brown – lead baritone; Jerome Manning – second tenor and Jeff Hall – second baritone.
That is exactly what we got. The show cleverly used video of Tina Treadwell introducing the band and their history, sections of covers of songs by Ben E King and Motown classics, all put together to ensure maximum entertainment. By the end of the evening everyone in the house was up and dancing. I knew almost every song. A few years ago, out of musical snobbery and would not have contemplated going to see this band. However today I have come to the point where I recognise music for what it is: an opportunity to get out and have some great fun.
Many thanks to Jan for taking the photos.
Setlist: (Something like) Set 1: On Broadway; Under the Boardwalk; This Magic Moment; There Goes My First Love; Come on Over to My Place; I (Who Have Nothing); Spanish Harlem; Stand by Me; Fools Fall in Love; Down on the Beach Tonight; Hello Happiness; I Count the Tears; Dance With Me; Save the Last Dance for Me.
Set 2: Kissing in the Back Row; When My Little Girl Is Smiling; My Girl; Get Ready; I Can’t Help Myself; It’s the Same Old Song; Uptight; Some Kind of Wonderful; Up on the Roof; Like Sister and Brother.
Encore: Like Sister and Brother; You’re More Than a Number in My Little Red Book; Saturday Night at the Movies.
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