Out Of The Shadows

Derek Brown

Read by Richard Hawley

(4.8 stars; 5 reviews)

Out of The Shadows is a celebration of The Shadows, arguably one of the most influential British groups of all time. As George Harrison pithily observed, 'No Shadows, No Beatles.' This documentary looks back at their lengthy career on the 50th anniversary of the release of their second LP.

From their beginnings in Newcastle Upon Tyne as part of the skiffle boom, the program traces their development from Cliff Richard's backing group to their own headlining status in the 1960s, when they became the first band to simultaneously top the Singles, EP, and LP charts. It examines how their highly influential sound evolved alongside their transition from young Rock'n'Roll upstarts to members of a light entertainment establishment, culminating in a late career renaissance.

Featuring newly sourced interviews with Hank Marvin, Bruce Welch, and Brian Bennett, the documentary also includes contributions from former members Brian 'Licorice' Locking and Alan Hawkshaw, as well as Jeff Beck, who represents a generation of British guitarists influenced by the group.

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.