The Shadows and The Bowl of Brooklands: An evening with Hank Marvin

On the 27th February 2010, Cliff Richard and the Shadows played the Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth. It was part of their Final Reunion tour with dates in Auckland, New Plymouth and Christchurch. At the New Plymouth show John Rowles was the special guest support act and Murray Hancox (Keyboards) and I were recruited to play in John’s backing band.

It turned out to be a great concert with both acts enjoying a beautiful Saturday Night at the Bowl. Having played together for about 50 years, the Shadows were one of music’s most well oiled machines and it showed. The performance of their early hit Move It was one of the best I’ve heard.

At the aftermatch function, I had the pleasure of a long chat with Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch from the Shadows. You could not hope to meet more genuine and truly lovely people. Hank was really open and friendly and we had a great chat about his history with John Rowles’ in the UK in the late 60’s. Bruce Welch had some interesting things to say about his role as producer, when working with his former girlfriend, Olivia Newton-John - of course what goes on tour stays on tour.

Although I had worked with John Rowles before that night, it turned out to be the beginning of quite a long association with John over the next few years including tours to Australia, the Pacific Islands and New Zealand.

(L-R) Neil Hannan, Hank Marvin, Murray Hancox

Christchurch tour poster