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.
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.
This story is from the April 2017 edition of Let's Talk.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2017 edition of Let's Talk.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
STOP ME AND BUY ONE: Nigel's on the way with his 1981 Bedford
It’s something we all recall with delight. “Mum, it’s the ice cream man!” Let’s Talk’s motoring man David Clayton meets someone happy to be the owner of a Bedford ice cream van. Bring on the Strawberry Mivvis, choc ices and 99s ...
Beautiful Hill: Normandy Origin For A Name Meaning
Let’s Talk’s surnames expert Derek Palgrave, from Suffolk, researches three more of our readers’ names, the first of which probably stems from the geographical presence of a beautiful hill.
Words of wisdom about a hobby so many of us love
Let’s Talk’s gardening expert Charlotte Philcox has been trawling through some books to find words of wisdom from so many people about gardening and farming. Here she shares just a few.
Vicki remains so positive despite missing her panto
For actress Vicki Michelle, Christmas usually means performing in panto. But, due the coronavirus pandemic, this year will be different. Vicki speaks to Rachel Banham about her plans for the festive season, her outlook on life and her fond memories of filming in East Anglia.
Two centuries on Thomas would be DELIGHTED WITH HIS SUCCESS
He was a man without sight but with such vision. Derek James remembers Thomas Tawell who died 200 years ago.
TURNING 50
Here at Let’s Talk we recognise that our magazine is targeted at those aged 50 and older. So we hope we are always fair to our readers and to the older generation in general. But it seems many believe other media and businesses do not treat older people in the best way.
THE CHASE COULD BE ON FOR a Norfolk home for Bradley Walsh
He is one of the most popular celebrities on television at the moment. He’s a comedian, singer, actor, personality and probably the best quiz show host doing the rounds. David Clayton looks back to when Bradley Walsh came to Cromer.
The calendar is rolling around to the WINTER SOLSTICE
Claire Manion, of Norfolk-based Broadsky Astrology, looks at how we have always honoured the winter solstice, our shortest day.
PEACE, GOODWILL AND PROSPERITY must surely follow
In view of such uncertainty hanging over the rest of this year – and possibly well beyond – it was hard to come up with a suitable offering for December in his usual style, says Keith Skipper. So, he has decided to settle for a festive story set in 1951, that he wrote some time ago.
Friends
Readers of our short stories don’t have to have long memories to recall work by Anne Maxwell, who had a previous short story entry published in the summer.
