Shadows wow the Regent

The Shadows,

Ipswich Regent,

Friday, May 14

''Together Again'' - The Final Tour

Polished, professional, the best, the very best.

When a show sells out many weeks before the event is due to take place, it doesn't take a genius to know it is going to be a little bit special.

The Shadow's performance was more than special, it was truly magnificent.

Last night's crowd at the Ipswich Regent were treated to many of the group's amazing number of hits which obviously included the likes of ''Apache'' which they recorded in June 1960 two years after they set out on their road to fame

Apache, an instant classic was the start of over 30 hits which was ultimately responsible for inspiring a new generation of artists such as Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, Pete Townsend of The Who and Queen's Brian May to start playing the guitar.

Last night saw Hank, Bruce and Brian Bennett absolutely thrilled their audience from start to finish. If the truth were to be known many of the audience would still be their right now if the lads where still on stage, such is their appeal.

They even found the time to perform a medley of Sir Cliff Richard's early hits, also one of their own top five hits, which included vocals called Don't Make My Baby Blue and Brian's drum solo, probably the longest ever seen at the Regent for many years received a standing ovation.

It would be unfair not to mention the two other members of the show who also played an outstanding part, namely Cliff Hall on keyboards and Mark Griffiths on bass guitar.

At the end the entire audience rose simultaneously to give a more than well deserved standing ovation.

Last night, I can assure you, will be talked about for a lot longer than people will be asking, ''Do you remember when Norwich City last won the Division One championship''?

Need I say any more?

Bruce Wade