In The Beginning
The idea of Wall Street Crash was formed when Keith Strachan the Musical Director and the founder members of the group were working on Jack Good's OH BOY Show in 1979 and 1980.The original members of the group were Colin Copperfield, Mary Dunne, Paul Felber, James Graeme, Shaun Harris, Ricky Piper, Jean Rich and Sharron Skelton. They rehearsed in early 1980 and had their premiere performance at the Country Cousin Club in May 1980. They were helped at this stage by the producer Richard Leyland who organised rehearsal space and publicity for the launch. Also, a big thanks goes to the groups benefactor at this time. Jean introduced the group to Melchior Baron Von Schlippenbach who donated enough money to buy costumes and pay the band etc. Schlippi, as he was known, continued to support the group during this embryonic stage and was rewarded by receiving a financial return for a number of years. Schlippi also held the distinction of having served as Rommel's batman during the North African desert conflict of World War II
Paul's Memories
Wall Street Crash was an amalgamation of talent plucked from the ranks of vocalists employed by ITV for the ‘Oh Boy!’ series in 1979; these ‘Oh Boy!’ revival shows were themselves a descendant of the Sunday night ‘Oh Boy!’ concerts which Jack Good, director of the hit musical ‘Elvis’ and of the original ‘Oh Boy!’ TV series of the fifties, put on at the Astoria Theatre in 1978.
From the large group of ‘Oh Boy Cats and Kittens’, used in the shows mainly as backing vocalists and general set dressing, Musical Director Keith Strachan approached eight individuals with the idea of creating a superior performance group, who would combine singing, dancing and acting to produce a vocally rich and original troupe with clear theatrical leanings.
Rehearsals began in late ’79, and from the outset, it quickly became clear that the concept was indeed a good one – under Keith’s guidance, the eight individuals blossomed into an outfit which displayed a huge range of talent and were capable of filling the stage of any large and prestigious venue.
The plan was simple – a showcase in London which would be followed by offers of work throughout the world; and to a great extent, this is exactly what happened.
The venue was chosen: ‘Country Cousin’s’, just off the achingly trendy Kings Road. Rehearsals continued, both at Keith’s house in South Woodford and at a hall in Parson’s Green. The only obstacle to fulfilling the dream was, as ever, money.
Several promoters expressed an interest – the group very nearly signed up with minor pop impresario Richard Leyland – but eventually the backing for the group came from an unlikely source. One of the group members, Jean Rich, had made the acquaintance of a German Baron (Melchior Baron von Schlippenbach) who, while not really wealthy, appeared to have access to funds. He invested in the group; for him, eventually it turned out to be a very profitable decision.
Opening night was Tuesday 23rd March 1980, and the group planned to perform for five nights. Eight performers, a ten-piece band, and of course MD Keith Strachan, crammed onto the tiny stage. The idea was to fill the audience with agents, bookers, promoters, record company executive – anyone who could exploit the group’s obvious potential.
In the crowd one night was legendary TV producer Ernest Maxin, who absolutely loved what he saw. Because of him, Wall Street Crash obtained an agent, a management company, a live gig, and a TV appearance. Once launched, the group did not look back.
By the Autumn, Wall Street Crash had become a well known name on the circuit. The now seven-piece outfit were chosen to support Shirley Bassey at the Apollo Victoria; it was here that Evening Standard reporter James Green spotted them and insisted that the group would walk straight into the Royal Variety Performance, which proved to be correct. By November, barely seven months from their first performance, Wall Street Crash were invited to appear before the Royal Family, were supporting Lena Horne at the London Palladium, and made the first of many appearances on the Parkinson Show. Michael Parkinson had also fallen in love with the group, and ensured that on his show they performed not one but three separate numbers, plus a long interview and even a special unaccompanied song composed for the occasion:
Nice to be here, Parky
We missed Russell Harty
‘Cos we had to go on tour (with Bassey)
But your show’s much calmer
‘Cos you’re such a charmer
Won’t get punched by Roger Moore, on the jaw…
…so don’t get stumped or bowled or caught out
Have a sort out
And bring us back next week!
These self-penned Barbershop ditties, or ‘grams’ as they were known, became a staple of the Wall Street Crash live shows. Information was gathered about any event where the group performed - trade show, product launch, festival or party – and a witty composition was set to one of the Barbershop arrangements the group had mastered. The writing of ‘The Gram’ could be a bit of a chore, but the end result was always hilarious and often close to the edge – and often, extremely politically incorrect!
The Royal Variety Performance of 1980 led directly to the first season at London’s prestigious Talk of the Town, an ideal venue for the group with its large stage, excellent orchestra and full supporting bill. Here Wall Street Crash garnered fabulous reviews in the press which ensured their popularity; it was only a matter of time before Europe beckoned.
This happened in May 1981, when the group performed at the Sporting Club in Monte Carlo for the celebrations for the Grand Prix. The race was won that year by Frenchman Alain Prost, and the winning car was right there on stage. The show was well received by this extremely discerning audience, and Wall Street Crash very soon became regulars on the Monte Carlo scene, with several seasons at Le Cabaret at the Casino.
This led directly to Wall Street Crash going to Italy, where Silvio Berlusconi was attempting to take over commercial television with his flagship shows. The group performed the ‘sigla’ or signature tune for the big Saturday night variety show Attente a Noi Due, and this, together with the different number the group performed every week, helped catapult them to the top of the Italian charts.
Simultaneously, Wall Street Crash were gaining popularity in Holland, and a series of concerts was arranged at the Stadtsschouwberg, a grand theatre in the centre of Amsterdam. Much to the group’s amazement, the audience was familiar with much of the material from the first album which had been released in 1981. This was the start of the group’s love affair with The Netherlands, and also the group’s first concert – no support act and a two hour show. Eventually, (1987 – 1992),Wall Street Crash would embark on regular concert tours of The Netherlands, and build a very large and loyal following there.
Back in England, the group were in demand for TV, radio, corporate events, all manner of celebrations, and a second Royal Variety Show in 1982.
From the large group of ‘Oh Boy Cats and Kittens’, used in the shows mainly as backing vocalists and general set dressing, Musical Director Keith Strachan approached eight individuals with the idea of creating a superior performance group, who would combine singing, dancing and acting to produce a vocally rich and original troupe with clear theatrical leanings.
Rehearsals began in late ’79, and from the outset, it quickly became clear that the concept was indeed a good one – under Keith’s guidance, the eight individuals blossomed into an outfit which displayed a huge range of talent and were capable of filling the stage of any large and prestigious venue.
The plan was simple – a showcase in London which would be followed by offers of work throughout the world; and to a great extent, this is exactly what happened.
The venue was chosen: ‘Country Cousin’s’, just off the achingly trendy Kings Road. Rehearsals continued, both at Keith’s house in South Woodford and at a hall in Parson’s Green. The only obstacle to fulfilling the dream was, as ever, money.
Several promoters expressed an interest – the group very nearly signed up with minor pop impresario Richard Leyland – but eventually the backing for the group came from an unlikely source. One of the group members, Jean Rich, had made the acquaintance of a German Baron (Melchior Baron von Schlippenbach) who, while not really wealthy, appeared to have access to funds. He invested in the group; for him, eventually it turned out to be a very profitable decision.
Opening night was Tuesday 23rd March 1980, and the group planned to perform for five nights. Eight performers, a ten-piece band, and of course MD Keith Strachan, crammed onto the tiny stage. The idea was to fill the audience with agents, bookers, promoters, record company executive – anyone who could exploit the group’s obvious potential.
In the crowd one night was legendary TV producer Ernest Maxin, who absolutely loved what he saw. Because of him, Wall Street Crash obtained an agent, a management company, a live gig, and a TV appearance. Once launched, the group did not look back.
By the Autumn, Wall Street Crash had become a well known name on the circuit. The now seven-piece outfit were chosen to support Shirley Bassey at the Apollo Victoria; it was here that Evening Standard reporter James Green spotted them and insisted that the group would walk straight into the Royal Variety Performance, which proved to be correct. By November, barely seven months from their first performance, Wall Street Crash were invited to appear before the Royal Family, were supporting Lena Horne at the London Palladium, and made the first of many appearances on the Parkinson Show. Michael Parkinson had also fallen in love with the group, and ensured that on his show they performed not one but three separate numbers, plus a long interview and even a special unaccompanied song composed for the occasion:
Nice to be here, Parky
We missed Russell Harty
‘Cos we had to go on tour (with Bassey)
But your show’s much calmer
‘Cos you’re such a charmer
Won’t get punched by Roger Moore, on the jaw…
…so don’t get stumped or bowled or caught out
Have a sort out
And bring us back next week!
These self-penned Barbershop ditties, or ‘grams’ as they were known, became a staple of the Wall Street Crash live shows. Information was gathered about any event where the group performed - trade show, product launch, festival or party – and a witty composition was set to one of the Barbershop arrangements the group had mastered. The writing of ‘The Gram’ could be a bit of a chore, but the end result was always hilarious and often close to the edge – and often, extremely politically incorrect!
The Royal Variety Performance of 1980 led directly to the first season at London’s prestigious Talk of the Town, an ideal venue for the group with its large stage, excellent orchestra and full supporting bill. Here Wall Street Crash garnered fabulous reviews in the press which ensured their popularity; it was only a matter of time before Europe beckoned.
This happened in May 1981, when the group performed at the Sporting Club in Monte Carlo for the celebrations for the Grand Prix. The race was won that year by Frenchman Alain Prost, and the winning car was right there on stage. The show was well received by this extremely discerning audience, and Wall Street Crash very soon became regulars on the Monte Carlo scene, with several seasons at Le Cabaret at the Casino.
This led directly to Wall Street Crash going to Italy, where Silvio Berlusconi was attempting to take over commercial television with his flagship shows. The group performed the ‘sigla’ or signature tune for the big Saturday night variety show Attente a Noi Due, and this, together with the different number the group performed every week, helped catapult them to the top of the Italian charts.
Simultaneously, Wall Street Crash were gaining popularity in Holland, and a series of concerts was arranged at the Stadtsschouwberg, a grand theatre in the centre of Amsterdam. Much to the group’s amazement, the audience was familiar with much of the material from the first album which had been released in 1981. This was the start of the group’s love affair with The Netherlands, and also the group’s first concert – no support act and a two hour show. Eventually, (1987 – 1992),Wall Street Crash would embark on regular concert tours of The Netherlands, and build a very large and loyal following there.
Back in England, the group were in demand for TV, radio, corporate events, all manner of celebrations, and a second Royal Variety Show in 1982.