The Shadows are Britain’s most successful instrumental and vocal group with a grand total of 69 (including twelve No.1’s) UK hit singles: 35 (including five No.1’s) as ‘The Shadows’ and 34 (including seven No.1’s) as ‘Cliff Richard and The Shadows’, from the 1950s to the 2000s.
They are the third most successful act in the UK singles chart, behind Elvis Presley and Cliff Richard.
Formed in 1958 as a backing band for Cliff Richard under the name the Drifters, the original members were founder Ken Pavey, Terry Smart on drums, Norman Mitham on guitar, Ian Samwell on guitar and Harry Webb (before he became Cliff Richard) on guitar and vocals.
In 1960, “Apache”, an instrumental by Jerry Lordan, topped the charts for five weeks. Further hits followed, notably “Wonderful land”, another Lordan composition with orchestral backing, at the top of the charts for eight weeks. “Kon tiki” six months earlier had also reached number one.
The Shadows disbanded in 1968 but Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch subsequently formed a vocal–guitar trio Marvin Welch & Farrar. The Shadows reformed in 1973 with Brian Bennett as a full member.
They permanently disbanded in 1990 but temporarily reformed in 2004-05 for a UK and European tour and again during 2008–10 to tour with Cliff Richard.
I never stop loving the Shadows music, awesome guitarists,& drummer
Brian Bennett was a full member of the Shadows from 1961 until the late 1970s.
BB was drummer throughout the 80,s also
Its about time before its too late that the core members of ‘The Shadows were’ knighted for their contribution to instrumental compositions that represent for many post war Brits, many different mile stones in their lives representied by their many musical hits. Few have survived this considerable test of time and universal appeal. They have OBE’S but are long overdue for real recognition since Cliff already has his Knight Hood. So who will champion this to the Queen as time is running out with one in the trio now sadly dead but could be honoured posthumously.. If the Beatles were honoured for their contribution why not The Shadows who have lasted far longer to give much pleasure over decades…
Totally agree time is running out
I enjoyed listening to the years ago an
Still do as often as i get time.
I say they deserve it and many people love and have the shadows for many years and Thier music will never die or be forgotten
Hank B was reason i start to play guitar
Cliff Richard and the shadows are irreplaceable and should be knighted for their contribution to music they are without doubt fantastic
I love the Shadows have done since the age of 5. Unfortunately the Shadows are not played on the radio any more.
I have loved listening to the Shadows for over 60 years. Their music never seems to age. I hope that those left off the Shadows get their knighthood s soon, before it is to late for them all
When i started playing drums in 1960 in a band all we did was instrumentals . The shadows were our most requested numbers.. Some of these numbers are still requested after all these years.. 6/12/2021
Midnight and Peace Pipe makes me cry….
Saw them in about 1963. I adore Hank. Anyone in the world I would like to meet, it would be Hank. I agree with all posted comments.
I agree with the praise. I have been fortunate to see the shadows on their own and also with air cliff.
Wonderfull memories. Fantastic stage presence.
Cliff Richards and The Shadows were and still are on of the greatest groups and so talented
Hope they will get back and play before it is to late
Just seen a recording of The Shadowes from their final tour. I’m an old rocker and always loved their music. Are they all still alive?