David Cassidy on the Web
Rewind to the '70s at the Arena
April 19, 2007
By Sarah Proffitt
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
POP bands, it seems, are like buses - you wait an age and then four Seventies pin-ups come along at once.
David Cassidy, David Essex, The Osmonds and Showaddywaddy: ah, you can almost see the dream bubble forming over your head filled with memories of a bygone era when your hairbrush led a double life as a microphone and marriage, mortgages and middle age were uncharted territories.
Back then, your teenage concerns were boys, pop music and well... more boys. Your dad's handiwork hanging that flock wallpaper was lost behind 20 posters of the devilishly handsome David Cassidy and Osmond brothers, all flashing their pearly white teeth and sporting the latest line in freshly pressed flares.
It's many years since the posters made way for framed family portraits, but that doesn't mean your can't relive your teenage days. And who can think of a better way to spend your Friday night than watching your teen heart throbs make a comeback as middle aged men belting out their greatest hits?
Maybe that didn't quite come out right{hellip} Whatever your stance, there's no denying that the billing for tonight's Once In A Lifetime: The Rewind Tour show at the M.E.N. Arena boasts a stellar cast. Between them, they've sold well over 100m records worldwide; their success makes Take That and Westlife look flashes in the pan.
The suggestion, then, is that the gig will take both the audience and the performers back in time for one night only. It's actually the second time the artists have joined forces to revisit their past... erm, prime, definitely prime, for mutual gain: the two David's and The Osmonds toured in 2005, with Teddy Boy wannabes Showaddywaddy the latest to join the revival bus.
Music endures
All four acts have been touring and promoting themselves for decades, but the passion for their music endures.
Headliners The Osmonds have had a string of chart topping hits, including Crazy Horses, Love Me For A Reason and One Bad Apple, and although Merrill, Wayne and Jay's brother Donny won't be on board for this gig, he is set to visit the city in October.
David Cassidy was the biggest selling star of his generation.
He made his name as big brother Keith on the Partridge Family before launching a successful solo career and was followed everywhere by a team of fanatical followers who often ripped strips off his clothes as he passed. He's also a published author, recently releasing his no-holds-barred memoir Could it Be Forever.
So, to recap: David Cassidy, David Essex, Showaddywaddy and The Osmonds all on one stage? Surely a once in a lifetime opportunity?
Better get down M&S for a new pair of frilly knickers, and keep your fingers crossed that the Arena has a suitable plan for gathering up the towers of tossed underwear - you wouldn't want one of your heroes to go and break a hip.
Once In A Lifetime The Rewind Tour: David Essex, The Osmonds, David Cassidy, Showaddywaddy is at the M.E.N. Arena on Friday, April 20. £37.50. Call the Box Office on 0870 060 1768 to book
