Reelin' and a Rockin arrived at Newport Riverfront on Friday evening, bringing with it five celebrated music stars from the 1960s, namely, Dave Berry, Dave Dee (of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mich and Tich) , Chip Hawkes (of The Tremeloes), Barry Ryan and Susan Maughan. All artists had sold over 30 million records between them in their heyday, but could they still deliver the goods?
The show commenced with an opening medley of Rock n Roll classics featuring all artists including such songs as Reelin and Rockin, Route 66 and Lucille.
Chip Hawkes delivered The Tremeloes hit Suddenly You Love Me, while Dave Dee, recovering from a recent bout of laryngitis, bravely tackled Zabadak. Dave Berry gave a stylish performance of The Crying Game, and Barry Ryan stole the show with his soulful power ballad Eloise.
Hawkes, Dee, Berry and Ryan would ultimately unite on several numbers throughout the evening including a Beatles medley and a moving interpretation of Silence Is Golden.
Susan Maughan also gave a rousing version of her 1962 smash Bobby's Girl, while backing musicians The Big Beat Band recreated the sixties sound with stunning performances from lead guitarist Paul and saxophonist Sophie.
Many hits and memories were revisited and as the evening ended with Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On; one felt the audience really could have continued rocking all night.
- A version of this review by Andy Howells appeared in The South Wales Argus during April 2007
