Stand By Me

Image Source: Olympia Theatre

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Format: Musical
Genre: Musical
Date: February 4 2017
Location: Liverpool Empire Theatre

The Drifters burst onto the American music scene in the 1950s and, over time, the group (initially led by Ben E King, who would later go solo) would be responsible for some of the most memorable songs of the 20th century, whilst also introducing both the American and worldwide audiences to their style of music at a time when the Civil Rights Movement was ongoing. The group would have several incarnations due to tragic passings of original members and the addition of a new generation of performers, whilst also enjoying ups and downs in regards to chart positions and international tours, and there are still representatives of the Drifters performing today. Their heyday was the mid-20th century, though, and that peak period forms the basis for this show, Stand By Me.

Stand By Me chronologically runs us through the history of The Drifters and the careers of those involved at various points, such as the aforementioned Ben E. King; as the title of the production implies, the opening song happens to be King's most famous number, Stand By Me. From there, via the help of a narrator, we're guided through the formation of the group, their signing with Atlantic Records, the group's early success, the unexpected and untimely deaths of Rudy Lewis and Clyde McPhatter, the changing line-ups, the group's resurgence and international expansion, the later reunions, their Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame induction in 1988, the modern-day touring of the UK by newer versions of the band and the increasing influence and authority of African-Americans on popular culture and politics, not least the election of Barack Obama as US President in 2008.

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