Dave Bartram Reflects on Showaddywaddy’s Remarkable Peak Years in New 2026 Interview
In a newly released June 2026 interview, Dave Bartram looks back on one of the most successful periods in Showaddywaddy’s history, covering the years 1977 to 1979 when the band dominated British charts and television screens.
Speaking with interviewer Paul from the Shady website, Bartram described the era as “incredible,” recalling a relentless schedule that included nine singles, three albums, and around 80 television appearances in just a few years. Seven of those singles reached the UK Top Five, cementing Showaddywaddy’s status as one of the country’s biggest pop acts.
Bartram admitted he was surprised when a recent radio interviewer told him he had become “one of the most recognizable faces of the 1970s.” He attributed the band’s popularity to their colorful image, energetic performances, choreographed routines, strong harmonies, and distinctive personalities, all of which made them particularly effective television performers.
The interview also offers a candid glimpse into the realities of sudden fame. Bartram recalled being stopped constantly by fans while shopping in Sheffield during the late 1970s, sometimes to the point that he had to retreat back to the venue. While most encounters were friendly, he also remembered occasional unpleasant incidents, including one man who attempted to provoke a confrontation in a local pub.
One major topic was Showaddywaddy’s transition from Bell Records to Arista Records in 1977. The band hoped the move would help them break into the American market, particularly as Arista had strong success in the United States. Bartram said that ambition ultimately failed to materialize, noting that label head Clive Davis was not a supporter of the group. As a result, Showaddywaddy focused instead on Europe and other international territories.
Bartram also reflected on the band’s punishing workload, estimating they performed more than 300 dates a year during parts of the 1970s. He described life as a frontman filled with constant travel, promotion, and networking, explaining that much of the socializing surrounding the music business functioned as informal career-building.
Among the interview’s highlights are Bartram’s memories of meeting major stars of the era. He spoke warmly of encounters with David Bowie, Paul McCartney, and David Soul, praising their humility and professionalism.
Now in later life, Bartram says he still keeps active and continues to sing at the piano. He revealed that he has even been asked to consider a comeback appearance with former bandmates in Ireland, adding with a smile that in the music industry, “you never say never.”