This show is a nostalgic trip mainly
back to the 1980’s when Shaky was at his height musically and his popularity
was paramount.
The show started with an audio-visual
projection on the stage backdrop showing a montage of images from the 1950’s
and 60’s of films, TV shows and TV artistes popular from those era’s which
evoked memories for the audience who enjoyed the look-back in time with
giggles, Ooh’s and Ahhs.
Performing as Shakin’ Stevens, Rebel
arrived on stage wearing a classic Shaky outfit of double denim with turned-up
collar on his jacket, sporting white loafers and coal back hair with a quiff.
He belted out ‘This Ole House’ much to the delight of his fans, accompanied by his
four piece band, consisting of Brad Jones (Lead Guitar), Lukey Dodd (Bass
Guitar), Eric Wight (Keyboards) and Steve Evans (Drums). The band played a
couple of solo numbers during the show featuring Shadows hits whilst Rebel ran off for costume
changes.
Rebel entertained with a medley
of Shaky’s songs whilst dancing, spinning cartwheels and gyrating to the early
hits such as ‘Shirley’, ‘It’s Late’, ‘Marie Marie’ ‘Lipstick, Powder and Paint’,
and ‘Whole Lotta Shakin Going On’.
After a quick costume change into
pink bomber jacket and black pants, Rebel recounted Shaky’s early life with his
band, The Sunsets followed by singing the Hank Williams hit, ‘Hey Good Lookin’.
Rebel charted how Shaky had supported big name acts such as The Rolling Stones, Bill
Hayley and Chuck Berry in his early career before singing, ‘Donna’ and ‘I’ll
Try’.
He went on to talk about how Jack
Good’s TV programme, ‘Oh Boy’ and his 1977 West End show, ‘Elvis’ had helped
Shaky along his musical career and how Dave Edmunds had gone on to worldwide
global success with a song Shaky had recorded without much success, ‘I Hear You
Knocking’. There was a medley of hits made famous previously by 1950’s heartthrobs,
Emile Ford and Frankie Vaughan, ‘What Do You Wanna Make Those Eyes At Me For?’
and ‘Green Door’.
Each song from Rebel is accompanied on stage by photographs via video projection of the hit record, citing the year it was produced and the number it reached in the pop song charts of the day. Some of the videos of Shaky are synchronised with Rebel and he wears the same outfits. Rebel’s mannerisms, hand movements and dancing are reminiscent of Shaky, and he dons glasses during the finale as a tribute to how Shaky looks today. Rebel also sings classic songs which were covered by Shaky from artists such as Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry, Ritchie Valens and Elvis Presley.
It was interesting to hear about
Shaky’s early life, the baby of a family of thirteen children brought up in
Wales, who is now 77 years old and to learn that Rebel’s shows are fully
endorsed by members of Shaky’s own family who often attend the shows.
The show has a good vibes/party feel,
the Brindley theatre having a very intimate atmosphere, and Rebel made an outstanding
effort to step down from the stage and interact with the audience (much to
their delight) by shaking hands with every single member of the audience (even
those in the boxes) and having photographs taken with many, some even managed
to hug him and plant kisses on his cheek.
Rebel also gave away some of his memorabilia – Shaky emblazoned scarves -
to a few Shaky fans.
There was an encore featuring, ‘You
Drive Me Crazy’ and Rebel shared never seen before personal photographs of
Shaky which had been donated by his friends and family which was a very
touching tribute and rounded off a very enjoyable show.
This show is a nostalgic commemoration
of Shaky and his musical career, jam packed with feel-good Rock ‘n’ Roll hit
numbers which had everyone singing, clapping and dancing in the aisles.
For details of tour/tickets see https://www.wholelottashakin.co.uk/tour-dates
Reviewer – Anne Pritchard
On – 31st January 2026
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