Showaddywaddy set to return for centre’s anniversary celebrations
Adam Civico
Get ready to dust down your drainpipes and crack out your creepers, as for one night only, Showaddywaddy are back in town.
Currently on an extensive tour, the rock’n’roll veterans will be visiting the isles to play a special concert on 17th April and will be accompanied by original support band No Sweat.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Clickimin Leisure Centre and it was felt that the first bands to play in the venue should mark the special occasion.
No Sweat guitarist Brian Nicholson said: “It’s a rare privilege to revisit something like this and it’s great to play with a band that’s older than wis.
“The first gig was great fun. We were on first at the first gig at the Clickimin so we felt we were breaking new ground. The atmosphere was excellent and I hope it’ll be as good this time as it was the first time.
“There was a bit of a dialect issue. None of the techies understood a word we were saying but we got on fine.”
Unfortunately, being only two years old at the time, this reporter cannot remember the concert. But one person who can, and for whom the experience had a big impact, was Shetland Arts music development officer Bryan Peterson.
He said: “I was eight when I saw Showaddywaddy at the Clickimin. It was my first gig and a life-changing experience. At that point I knew sideburns and quiffs were for me and I’ve never looked back.
“I went out the next week and bought my first ever record with my pocket money, The Best of Showaddywaddy, which I have since worn out through repeat playing.
“To this day I prance around in beetle crushers, doo-wopping and clicking my fingers while singing along to hits such as Under The Moon of Love, Three Steps to Heaven and You Got What It Takes.”
Another person looking forward to the event is Shetland Recreational Trust general manager James Johnston, who said: “I am delighted Showaddywaddy are coming back as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations. “Their concert in 1985 was the first to be held here and Clickimin certainly rocked that night. I am sure there will be plenty of folk who were in the audience that first night who will want to come along in April and turn the clock back! I know I’m looking forward it – I was working at the first concert and didn’t get much chance to enjoy the show.”
This year’s concert is sure to be entertaining and bring back memories, but hopefully that’s where the similarities will end.
Brian Nicholson said: “I don’t think we could fit into the same outfits this time. My white breeks were burnt and my cowboy boots went to the charity shop.”
As part of a competition run in association with Shetland Arts, The Shetland Times wants to see folk’s pictures and hear their stories from the first concert. Three pairs of tickets are available in return for the most entertaining photos.
What were you wearing? Who were you with? Did something memorable happen? Pictures can be emailed to [email protected] or sent in to the usual address.
Alternatively tickets are available from Shetland Box Office on (01595) 745555, priced £18 and £17.50 for concessions. Doors open at 7.30pm.
