Band who say No to the birds! - by Douglas Marlborough

Evergreen rock 'n' rollers Showaddywaddy have one golden rule when they go on tour: No girls are allowed!
And after 10 years together, the Teddy-boy band who are famous for their crepe-soled creepers and luminous socks have no intention of bowing to the Women's Lib.

Lead singer Dave Bartram says, "Women always seem to cause problems wherever they go. After all, music is a business. A man working in a factory doesn't take his wife to work, so why should we? Even though some of the group have married, we don't want our wives or girlfriends on our tours."

Tonight, the group, former pub musicians from Leicester star on 'The Big Top Variety Show' (ITV, 8.00).

The line-up of the band hasn't changed for a decade, but what about the guys themselves? Dave, a 30-year-old bachelor admits: "We've certainly matured. The first four years when we were breaking into the charts were terribly exciting. The lasy six years have been hard work trying to keep there."
"But our followers are a loyal bunch and still pack our concerts and buy our records".

This autumn, Showaddywaddy start a three-month nationwide tour. Music is still their main occupation, but they've developed other interests too.
Dave has opened a men's boutique in Nottingham and other members have music and video shops.

On tonights show, Showaddywaddy sing their most recent single, "Who Put The Bomp", and their 1975 hit "Three Steps To Heaven".
Dave admits singing in the group can be exhausting. He says: "If I'm still doing it a 50, I'll probably look 90. But we're all wearing pretty well at present - it must be the Leicestershire air!".