A Thank You to Showaddywaddy fans

"After much soul searching, the day has finally come for me to call time on what can only be described as an incredible career. The words of the Frank Sinatra song My Way seem appropriate at this moment, "And now the end is near and so I face the final curtain" , and indeed it will be strange no longer being on the road with Rod, Romeo & the guys in the future.

However, I've felt the need to move on for a while now, and my well being has been hampered by asthmatic problems for some time, which has taken away the pleasure I used to feel when performing.

I've had many second thoughts about taking the decision to quit, but recently at a caravan park gig in Rhyl, I realised I really didn't want to do live performances any longer, and that the magic was gone for me.

Many people think I'm retiring, this is far from the case. I will be continuing in my managerial capacity, handling the affairs of the re-modelled band, who take to the road in January totally with my blessing.

I also will be having my first book published in the near future, and will obviously keep everyone informed as to developments on that front. A second book is also in the pipeline, along with my involvement with an English speaking newspaper in Portugal. I have plans underway to form a promotions company, which will take me out on the road from time to time, which will stop me getting fidgety, so I will be busy as I ever was.

Showaddywaddy has been an absolute blast. 38 years in one of Europe's top rock & roll band's has been just wonderful, and it's been a privilege to front the band for all that time.

What has never ceased to amaze me has been the loyalty of our followers and fans, many whom I now know personally. I want to thank every single one of them for your support over so many amazing years. I've thus far received approaching 100 emails and messages from well wishers, some of which have touched me greatly, and I will treasure those words which mean the world to me.

I hope each and every one of you will continue to give the new formation every chance to keep the name of Showaddywaddy alive and kicking. I know it will seem different with a few new faces on board, but rest assured these guys are hugely talented.

Finally I just want to say how much I will miss you all, and thankyou again for making my time with the band so exciting and such a pleasure. It has been my life, and not a bad one at that."

Dave Bartram - Tuesday 18th October 2011