Cliff Richard & the Shadows: A Rock & Roll Memoir

Not a book I would recommend as the writing is somewhat immature and at times sycophantic. The book combines two of Royton Ellis' two earlier works[ 'Driftin' with Cliff Richard' (1960) and 'The Shadows' (1961). Judging by the author's list of publications over the years he has written poetry, biography, travel and fiction.I suppose he could have edited this 'Rock 'n' Roll Memoir' into a less 'he said, she said' recollection but as with all writers seemed reluctant to 'murder their babies'!There are thumbnail sketches of the Shadows with several crucial facts omitted that later laid the foundations of their initial break-up years later..However, there are a few notable anecdotes about the Fab Five but the book is of its time and on the whole it was a tab boring. We are given samples of Ellis' poetry which he used to recite while being backed by the Shadows or the then Beetles. He is the one give credit for suggesting the Liverpool lads name change from 'Beetles' to 'Beatles'. It is thought 'Paperback Writer' is dedicated to Ellis.Back to the book. For greater insight of both Cliff and the Shadows you should read Bruce Welch's 'Rock 'n' Roll - I gave you the Best Years of My Life' and 'The Story of the Shadows' by Mike Read. Both show greater insight, warts and all..One redeeming feature - it has some great b&w photos that brought back some great memories.

This nice little compilation of two previously-published books is an absolute gem and an essential purchase. Many people believe, quite erroneously, that pop music didn't begin until 1963 and the arrival of a group called the Beatles. In fact, incredibly exciting, successful and well-crafted rock 'n roll and pop had been around for several years prior to this, most notably courtesy of Cliff Richard and the Shadows. This book, written between 1959 and 1961, sheds light on these 'musical dark ages' and puts it all into perspective, via first-hand accounts by the boys themselves and a great number of photos - some published here for the first time. That there aren't more books like this is a terrible shame. All the more reason to buy this one and discover who the REAL pioneers and architects of British popular music truly were. Go on, buy it now. You'll be glad you did.

This is a must for Cliff and The Shadows fans I suppose, and some of the photos are interesting, but somehow, probably because it was a contemporary account when written, the text lacks the detail we now know about those early years, thanks to excellent later books by Bruce Welch and Mike ReadIt is written in what we would now call a Fanzine style, and is a compilation of two early such Fanzines by Royston Ellis, both of which I bought in their day. I remember that there were more interesting photographs in both, some of which have been omitted from this new publication.But I was delighted to read it, and it is - unlike the earlier two Ellis books - a quality publication on decent paper.Interesting for collectors of nostalgia, and to add to a collection. Recommended by me - the man who Hank kindly allowed to play that first red Stratocaster backstage at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh in 1959!

An interesting read, particularly as it transports you back to 1958 - 1962 by retaining the style of writing of the time; plus Royston Ellis' retrospective comments in 2014. I recommend this book to anyone like me who is a fossilised teenager.

This contains some great photos but it is very much a product of its time. The text is aimed at teenagers which is fair enough, but to me it is very dated and only the photos redeem it.

Perfect combination - two previously separate books. Have loved Cliff since1958 and pleased to find this revamped version also has extra photos.

I have a rather battered copy of the book 'The Shadows by Themselves' from 1961. It is great to have this in reprinted form along with much additional material. It gives a great insight into the Rock & Roll scene in those early days.

Takes me back to secondary school days .How life was different then this was the combo to look up to then,