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.

Visit our Theatre sub-page for full article by clicking here

The Drifters come to St Helens Theatre Royal this May as part of their Rebranded Tour

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: St Helens Theatre Royal

Prism Music Group is pleased to announce that the legacy continues as The Drifters are back with their Rebranded Tour which visits St Helens Theatre Royal for one night only on Friday May 22.

Over 65 members in 62 years the legacy continues with the current line-up. After their unrivalled success on previous world tours they are back with The Rebranded Tour that is the best yet. The Drifters have seen massive chart success on both sides of the Atlantic and across the world, with over 114 million album sales and 214 million singles sales and a vast catalogue of hits, now in their 61st year the dynasty continues. The current line-up have rebranded the Drifters brand with new releases on both of their former labels Atlantic Records 2009 and Sony Music 2011.

Billed as the Rebranded Tour, the concert reflects on the brand through the decades with a two hour show of wall to wall hits and some lesser known back catalogue songs, all a part of the legacy of hits handed down over the years. In this extravaganza of musical celebration with amazing lighting show and a world-class band, a night of pure excellence will be enjoyed by all!

The concert features over 37 original tracks including Under The Boardwalk, Saturday Night At The Movies, Up On The Roof, Kissin In The Back Row, Down on the Beach, More Than A Number In My Little Red Book and some very popular new songs from their recent album ‘La Vie et La’amour’

The world tour runs through to the end of the year with dates in most cities across the UK, which includes St Helens this May!

For more information, visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com or www.theofficialdrifters.com.