by Mark Nobes, chief editor
Firstly, the video clip above features Coast To Coast performing "Do The Hucklebuck" on BBC Top of the Pops during 1981.
Although this catchy tune is hardly an 80s classic, it always went down well at parties - the ones I went to, at least! The single reached No.3 in the UK, and was originally released by Irish Showband, Brendan Bowyer & The Royal Showband - from Waterford - in the early 1960's.
The Rockabilly band's music career was short-lived and they only released one album (under the Polydor label) entitled Coastin'. However, they were spared from being a one hit wonder as the follow-up single - a cover of Brenda Lee's Let's Jump The Broomstick - reach #28 in June 1981.The British band was formed in Northamptonshire in 1977 by Bud Smith (bass) and Bob Debank (guitar). They recruited Alan Mills as lead singer and Graham Woofe on drums. Sonnie Torlot joined later on Saxophone.
There are actually two versions of the song with different vocalists. The single features Alan Mills, but he left the band before it became a hit, and Sandy Fontaine (real name Alex Giannini) was dubbed onto the album version.
The band released two further singles "Baby Why Let Go" and "Coastin", and also an EP. They split-up in 1982, although various versions of the band featuring Bud Smith and Sonnie Torlot (who own rights to the music) have performed live since then.
Both lead singers have now passed away, sadly. Sandy Fontaine died on October 2nd 2015, and Alan Mills died on July 21st 2016.
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