Showaddywaddy Reflects on Success in Rare 1978 Tiswas Appearance
A recently revisited recording from December 10, 1978 captures Showaddywaddy during an appearance on Tiswas, offering a warm and revealing conversation with the band at a time when they were firmly established as one of Britain’s most successful singles acts. Although the footage is considered lost for many years, the surviving interview preserves an authentic snapshot of the group’s confidence, humor, and teamwork during the height of their popularity.
At the time of the interview, Showaddywaddy was in the middle of a busy national tour, having performed in Liverpool before continuing their journey across the United Kingdom. The band explained that the tour would conclude shortly before Christmas with a hometown performance in Leicester, allowing them to enjoy the holiday with their families after months of traveling.
The discussion highlighted the remarkable commercial achievements the group had enjoyed over the previous two years. By late 1978, Showaddywaddy had recorded fifteen Top 50 singles, including ten Top 10 hits and two chart topping records. Their consistent success prompted questions about how they selected songs capable of becoming major hits. The band revealed that every release was chosen by the members themselves. They explained that they had developed a clear musical identity rooted in the rock and roll revival, making the process of finding suitable material increasingly natural.
With eight members contributing to every important decision, reaching agreement was not always simple. The musicians admitted that disagreements occasionally arose, yet those differences were ultimately resolved through discussion, reinforcing the sense of unity that defined the group throughout their career.
The interview also explored the band’s energetic stage performances. While rehearsals were not as intensive as in their earlier years, Showaddywaddy still devoted significant time to preparing new material before each tour. Choreography was largely developed collectively, with Malcolm Allured playing a leading role thanks to his background as a dance champion.
Attention then turned to the newly released compilation album Greatest Hits 76 77 78. When asked to name personal favorites from their own catalog, one member selected Three Steps to Heaven, while another chose I Wonder Why, explaining that he particularly enjoyed performing the bass vocal parts on that song. The exchange reflected the band’s genuine appreciation for the music they had created together.
Away from the stage, the members described simple ways of staying active during breaks from touring, mentioning sports such as squash and jogging as favorite pastimes that helped maintain their fitness.
The interview ended with a brief introduction to the group’s current hit single, Pretty Little Angel Eyes, before the program moved on.
One detail has naturally changed with the passing of time. Dave Bartram is no longer with Showaddywaddy, leaving Andy Pelos as the remaining longstanding member associated with the band today. Even so, this rare 1978 interview remains a valuable record of Showaddywaddy during one of the brightest chapters of their career, preserving the optimism, dedication, and camaraderie that helped define their lasting place in British popular music.