Showaddywaddy bandmate pays tribute after guitarist Trevor Oakes dies aged 79

Trevor Oakes, one of the founding members of Showaddywaddy, has died aged 79 after a long illness.

The band had breakout hits such as number one song Under the Moon of Love in 1979, with Oakes on guitar.

In a statement, his former bandmate Dave Bartram revealed the musician had died peacefully last month on February 18.

Bartram said: ‘Trevor was a unique character and a dedicated professional, without whom the band would never have quite scaled the dizzy heights we seemed destined to achieve.

‘He was also a caring and affectionate family man, with a mischievous sense of humour, which will be sadly missed by all those dear to him.’
Oakes stepped back from the group in 2009, citing ill health, having been a founding member in 1973.

Showaddywaddy formed as an amalgamation of two groups, Choise and The Golden Hammers, featuring a unique double set of singers, guitarists, and drummers.

They played covers of 50s and 60s song, spawning 10 Top 10 singles, including You Got What It Takes and Dancin’ Party.

Bartram and Oakes joined from Choise along with Al James, and Romeo Challenger, while the Golden Hammers were Buddy Gask, Russ Field, Rod Deas, and Malcolm Allured.

The group still tours, with only one original member, drummer Challenger, continuing to perform.

Bartram technically left in 2011, moving off-stage to manage the band instead of singing, while James retired in 2008.

Both James and Oakes final gigs with Showaddywaddy were at the Cheese & Grain in Frome, Somerset on December 20, 2008.

Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.