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- Cliff Edmunds opened the show with some great R ‘n’ R and, in particular, outstanding versions of Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent numbers.
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- The Allisons, who included their No.1 gold disc from 1961 “Are You Sure” (which came 2nd in the Eurovision Song Contest in that year), performed together for the first time in 33 years!
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- Jiving with her father in law (how does he do it at 73!!) was former professional dancer, Shirley Ann, who tried unsuccessfully to convince me that she’s really 51 and a mother of 5 … well, OK, sure and I’m not Guy Mackenzie – my real name is Eric … Eric Clapton!
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- Garry Mills, pictured here with Amanda and Emma, performed all his hits including “Top Teen Baby” and “Look for a Star” which was, remarkably for a British record in 1961, also a hit in the States!
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- Garry Mills, definitely a highlight of the show for me as one of the first records I’d ever bought was “Treasure Island” – a song which was famously featured, along with Garry, in a film by Spike Milligan.
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- Dave Sampson, performing without “The Hunters”, sounded great and included his 1960 hit “Sweet Dreams”.
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- In the audience, on this occasion, was Danny Rivers (pictured with Amanda) …and his wife… who appeared in the film “Summer Holiday”.
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- As soon as he came off stage after 2 encores, Kingsize (Ted) Taylor was surrounded by girls – no change there!
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- Kingsize Taylor, Merseyside and Star Club, Hamburg legend, gave a storming top of the bill performance and was ably backed by the “Tales from the Woods” houseband featuring, in particular for me, Claire Hamlin on keyboards and Graham Spencely on guitar (“Dizzy Miss Lizzie” was spinetingling!).
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- Guy Mackenzie with Kingsize Taylor who, in 1961, featured a 17 year old Cilla Black in “The Dominoes” and, later, was turned down by Ringo Starr in favour of the Beatles – whatever happened to them?
And finally … mentions must go to Jackie Lynton and MC Rockin’ Ricky Stevens along with my thanks to everyone at “Tales from the Woods” especially the very courteous, Keith Woods, for organising one of the best shows I’ve attended. Roll on 2013 … I’ll be there!