Who is Bruce Welch

For forty years, missing only for a period in 1969, Bruce was the rhythm guitarist for The Shadows, aknowledged by many as a master of this genre. Many knowledgable fans will insist that Bruce's excellent rhythm playing was just as important as Hank's distinctive lead guitar work in establishing the Shadows' unique (indeed legendary) position in the history of British Rock and Roll music. Bruce's singing voice was also a distinct asset to the vocal performances of Cliff and the Shadows.

Bruce's influence has been as more than just a performer. As well as being responsible as composer of many of Cliff and the Shadows early hits, it was Bruce who 'discovered' Olivia Newton-John, became her producer and penned her million-selling US No1 single 'Please Mr Please'. Incidentally, this song was released as a solo single by Bruce in 1974 backed by Song of Yesterday but was not a commercial success for him. However the B-side is one of my most favourite songs. I find it so emotional, why not listen to it in the You-Tube selection below.

When Cliff's career was faltering in the mid 70s, Bruce was largely responsible for re-launching it by producing his 'I'm Nearly Famous' album as well as some of his most successful singles 'We Don't Talk Anymore', 'Devil Woman' and 'Miss You Nights'.

Bruce's story has been told in his autobiography 'Rock 'n' Roll I Gave You The Best Years Of My Life' in 1989. Highly recommended to anyone who hasn't yet read it! If you can get hold a copy, they are very sought after by many fans.

Finally, it should be mentioned that Bruce was always considered to be the member of the band who was "sensible and organised". Undoubtedly, The Shadows were held together by the fact that they were all marvellous musicians but somehow one gets the feeling that Bruce's leadership had something to do with their success.

Read more of Bruce's story with The Shadows at this wonderful Shadows related site fan site.

I have only just found out about an appearance by Bruce Welch in a tribute to Lonnie Donegan at the Albert Hall in 2004. There were some big names in this concert organised by Chris Barber, the Jazz musician, who was a great friend of Lonnie Donegan. According to the reports of the concert Bruce ( and friends) opened the second half of the show providing some great, authentic skiffle and rock and roll.

Bruce's first step into the music business was of course as a member of several skiffle groups, with Hank Marvin before he went on to gain fame as a member of The Shadows.

Again this year Bruce Welch is hosting Shadowmania

I am really sorry to have to miss it this year but family matters must come first. This is an event that is always enjoyed by Bruce's fans and this year a special tribute to the late Jet Harris will be celebrated.

Jet Harris one of the founders of The Shadows, died recently. A National Heritage Foundation plaque is to be unveiled in memory of Jet on the site of his birthplace.

Bruce Welch and Marty Wilde will be performing the unveiling with members of Jet's family. The unveiling will be followed by a memorial lunch with several artists including a Shadows tribute group, The Shadowers with Alan Jones; also Zoe McCulloch who is well known as a guitar player (in the style of Hank Marvin) will be performing, well known at fan conventions in the UK.