They’re still going strong more than 60 years on

THERE are not many bands who can claim they have been around for more than 60 years.

But thanks to more than 65 members since they started in 1953, soul vocal group The Drifters are still going strong and they will be at the Wyvern Theatre on July 11.

Their hits include Under The Boardwalk, There Goes My First Love and You’re More Than a Number in My Little Red Book.

And current member, Michael Williams, said it is a great feeling looking out at the crowd while they are performing them.

“Sometimes they don’t even need our help to get them up. As soon as they hear some of the songs they’re there. It’s a great vibe and I love to see that,” he said.

“It’s great to see the crowd enjoying themselves and it makes it all so worthwhile. Being in such a legendary line-up as The Drifters is fantastic anyway.

“The audience were absolutely fantastic last time we performed in Swindon so we’re looking for more of the same come the night of the show.”

The Drifters have seen massive chart success across the world with more than 114 million album sales and 214 million single sales.

The current lineup includes Michael Williams, Ryan King, Damion Charles and Daniel Bowen-Smith.

Michael started his singing career in church as a young boy.

His parents were fans of The Drifters but little did he realise that one day he would become a singer in his parents’ favourite group.

Michael joined the Drifters in 2006 as an understudy and became a lead singer (high tenor) in late in 2007.

He has recorded lead on both of The Drifters’ new tracks, which are the first recordings in over 30 years, called ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ and ‘Do You Dream of Me’.

Along with the rest of the group and two former members, Steve V King and Maurice Canon, they received gold discs from Sony for these new recordings.

The Optimum Tour, which started in July, includes all the old classics, as well as new songs too.

“It’s the best of everything. There is always a great response from the audience with the old classics like There Goes My First Love. You’re More Than a Number is always one of my favourite songs because it always goes down well with the audience. We’ve got quite a few new songs in the show too,” said Michael.

“Seeing the fans who continue to support us is fantastic and we get younger fans coming to the show singing along to songs nearly 40 years older than they are.

“It’s a joy to be up on stage and keeping The Drifters legacy alive.”

 For tickets, which are £25, phone 01793 524481
or visit www.swindon
theatres.co.uk