The Night Cliff Sang With The Rapiers

"Who's the band? Oh, The Rapiers, I know them. Yes, no problem!"

Thus spoke Sir Cliff Richard, a surprise guest Friday at the Runnymede Hotel, Egham, Surrey, before walking on stage and singing The Young Ones with a chuffed Colin Pryce-Jones, Neil Ainsby, John Tuck and Nathan J. Hulse.

The evening, 50 Years of Cliff Richard and The Shadows, was a benefit in aid of Caron Keating Foundation, set up by television presenter and celebrity Gloria Hunniford and her sons Paul and Michael to help cancer charities.

The Rapiers were there backing Cliff impersonator Kytsun Wolfe. Lo and behold, "the man himself turned up," notes Dave Lawes. "A request was made by the organisers for him to do a number. He asked: 'Who's the band? Oh, The Rapiers, I know them. Yes, no problem!'"

"First, Cliff gave a really good speech," adds Neil Ainsby, "then did an acapella version of Miss You Nights then The Young Ones with us. Fab! He was great—signed stuff for fans (including us). Wahey!"

Neil "gave Cliff an E chord" to start Miss You Nights," says Nathan.

"It's great that after all these years, Cliff has finally seen and played with the band," says Dave.

FOREVER YOUNG ONES: Sir Cliff Richard, Colin Pryce-Jones. Photo by (no surprise) Nathan J. Hulse.

Comments

[Stuart Bailey]

Well it was about time! Well done lads.

[George Burton (The Beatcombers)]

Congratulations on this.I am so chuffed to read this news! It's the mother of all memories. A huge well done chaps!!

[Greg O.]

The Beatcombers? Are you THE BEATCOMBERS from Scotland? If so, I bought a brilliant Beatle-esque CD of yours in Edinburgh many, many years ago.

[George Burton]

the very same Greg!

[Greg O.]

George, glad for the correspondence. Tony from The Shakers says hi, too. Says you played at Atombeat together.

[George Burton]

And what a good night that was Greg!....can you pass my regards to Tony?

[Greg O.]

George, I believe Tony is a regular RAG! reader, so I think it's a done deal.

[John O'Hara]

I Used to be in a band called O'Haras PLayboys,with colin pryce jones, I have lost his address, could you furnish me with his e-mail or telephone no,or address, as I would like to return a xmas card. thankyou

[Neil]

John-Colin doesn't have a computer or any such gadgets hehe-if you link to my Facebook or Myspace page, I'll message Col's address through that avenue-Incidentally, Greg-John's band were one of the hottest live acts of the 60's/70s etc-and certainly included Colin in the line up for quite some time. I had the pleasure to meet John when we toured with the Bootleg Beatles some years back and Colin and John were having a great time recalling those halcyon days! Check out the clips of O'Hara's playboys on youtube-barnstormin' stuff-Especially their version of the Beatles B Side "I'm Down"!

[Geoff Dorsett]

HI All

Colin is on my radio show tomorrow night 29th March.

Its Expressfm.com in Portsmouth on 93.7fm and on-live @ expressfm.com 8-10pm UK time .You can listen to Colin live at 8.45pm.

Any questions via e-mail to
[email protected].

Thanks

Geoff Dorsett

Soft Rock Show

[Greg Ogarrio]

Thanks for the tip, Geoff!

Greg O.

HI All

Colin is on my radio show tomorrow night 29th March.

Its Expressfm.com in Portsmouth on 93.7fm and on-live @ expressfm.com 8-10pm UK time .You can listen to Colin live at 8.45pm.

Any questions via e-mail to
[email protected].

Thanks

Geoff Dorsett

Soft Rock Show

[Len Rowney]

Dear All,

In the sixties I new a band from Dagenham Essex called the Rapiers.
Steve Webb and Barry Johnson were two of the members and the three guitarists all played Rapier guitars-hence the name. Does anyone now if this current band is an evolution of the original ?

Regards
Len Rowney

[paul cole]

Hello Len

Are you still playing the guitar Len? I hope you are, you were a rare talent.

Best Wishes.

Paul Cole

[Sylvia]

I used to live next door to Steven Webb and my mum used to moan about the practice nights but I didn't mind