Echoes of the Past Bring a New Beat for Shaky

He was the biggestselling singles artist of the 1980s. Now Shakin’ Stevens is preparing to perform in Suffolk and Norfolk. He spoke to Rachel Banham.

- Rachel Banham.

Like many of us, Shakin’ Stevens knew very little about his family history. Then, when he began researching his ancestors, he uncovered so many interesting stories that he was inspired to create a musical tribute to his once mysterious past.

The result is his 12th studio album, Echoes Of Our Times, which sees blues, roots, Americana and classic rock take centre stage. It’s a surprising release from ‘Shaky’, but has met with great critical acclaim. East Anglian audiences will have a chance to hear his new material when he plays Ipswich Regent Theatre on April 29 and Norwich Theatre Royal on May 7.

Shaky says: “We’re going to do all the songs from the album, we’re going to do some hits and there will also be some album tracks and also songs people haven’t heard me sing before. I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait, actually.”

Shakin’ Steven’s research into his family history revealed tales of poverty and strife in the Cornish copper mines, of bravery and loss in war, of philanthropic preachers and stoic Salvationists, of children suffering and of family secrets and feuds.

The title track, Echoes Of Our Times, was inspired by Shaky’s father and uncles who fought in the First World War. His uncle Leonard was a gunner who died on January 15, 1918, and is laid to rest in Ypres.

There were also surprises. Shaky discovered that his dad had been married before and as a result he had a brother he didn’t know about.