Each month, I attend two Shadows clubs.
At one, we play exclusively Shadows music, although I'm sure no-one would mind if someone played a non-Shadows guitar instrumental; I've done so myself with no adverse comment. There are also a few who sing the odd Cliff song (I've yet to take the plunge, but you never know, one day).
Until recently it was strictly backing tracks only, but then some members put a band together and they have got stuck into learning the Shads' back catalogue. This aspect of club activities has come on well, particularly as we swap around so everyone gets to have a go on any instrument they fancy.
At the other club we have always played a mixture of backing tracks and live music. The band has been going for ages and there is a large pool of musicians to draw on. However, in recent months I have become frustrated by the lack of Shadows music. The stage seems open to anyone regardless of what they do, particularly singers performing rock and roll, country and western, and similar drivel. I mentioned to someone at the last meeting that Shadows music seemed a bit thin on the ground these days, and the reply was, "Well, if you just do that, it gets boring." I couldn't help it, I replied that if he was bored by the Shadows, perhaps he shouldn't come.
I drive a fair distance to get to this club and am beginning to wonder if it's worth it. My opinion is that it should be Shadows only, other guitar instrumentals, and if you want to sing, it should be Shadows songs, or Cliff songs, and that should be it. And anyone who doesn't like that should go elsewhere. After all, it's supposed to be a Shadows club, and it's called a Shadows club so they should know what to expect. You wouldn't turn up at a tennis club, then play cricket, would you?