It's always great to step back into the era before the Beatles and the British Invasion.
Back in the late 50s and the early 60s, it was relatively easy to become a star in Philadelphia because Dick Clark and American Bandstand was produced there. In support of Dick, he usually let anyone with a record lipsynch it on his show.
If you were going to be an American Idol, you had to have a record in the top ten on the Billboard charts. This was true of Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, and even Fabian Forte. After 45 years of performing, they still enjoy entertaining the boomers. The music remains young(Fabian even got 20 seniors up on stage doing the twist).
There were many jokes(and laughs)about aging performers, sons, daughters and modern "Rock". The highlight of the evening to me was Bobby Rydell's tribute song(Mack The Knife)for Bobby Darin.
Lots of nostalgia sure, but also lots of fun from performers who don't take themselves too seriously. Three stars.
Bobby Rydell's Webpage
Frankie Avalon Revisited
Who's Fabian Forte?
Posted by qualteam
at 5:14 PM EDT
Updated: Friday, 27 August 2004 5:57 PM EDT
St Johns