Marty & Kim live in London: a historic event
May 28, 2007 - In April and May, Marty Wilde toured through the UK to celebrate his 50 years as a performer. Last night's concert in London was a historic event. Kim was only one of many special guests!
Taking place at Central London's Palladium, the concert started at 4pm. In two sets, one lasting an hour and one lasting for almost 90 minutes, the audience was taken through a steam course in British rock 'n' roll history.
Marty performed most of the hits that made him famous, together with his current band, consisting of Neville Marten, Bryan Fitzpatrick, Eddie Allen, John Dutton and Roger Newell.
During the London concert, there were a few special guests, which made this a very special occasion. Most important for Kim Wilde fans was the appearance of their idol. At the end of the first part of the show, she appeared on stage to perform live with her father for the very first time the song that made her famous, 'Kids in America'. Right then and there, history was being written. In the second part, Kim reappeared to sing the song that was included on Marty's recent compilation album, 'Sorry seems to be the hardest word'. It was a beautiful rendition in which the two improved on the studio version and the only other time they performed this song live, back in 1987.
Marty's other daughter Roxanne also appeared on stage, like she had all through the tour. She sang 'Freight train', 'Here comes that feeling' (originally by Brenda Lee) and, together with Marty, 'So sad' (originally by the Everly Brothers), proving that her voice suits this material just as well as the dance tracks she landed in the charts with.
However, there was more. Loads more. Marty's fans were surprised to see the original Wildcats on stage. They performed a beautifully laid-back version of 'Bad boy'.
There were also guest appearances from members of the Shadows. Hank Marvin showed off his licks before a very enthusiastic Palladium.
And finally, who could forget to mention the appearance of Justin Hayward? Marty and Joyce picked him out during auditions to form the Wilde Three in the 1960's. Justin credited Marty for his advice, to start writing songs, which made him write the song he performed together with Marty tonight: 'Nights in white satin'.
The uninitiated who were present in the Palladium must have picked up on one thing: Marty Wilde is one of the cornerstones of British music history, and it was only fitting that he should celebrate his career. At the end of the show, when everyone returned to the stage, Marty was presented a silver award for the cd 'Born to rock 'n' roll', barely three months after its release in the UK. Surrounded by his family, friends, fans and colleagues, he thanked everyone before celebrating a successful tour and the birthday of his wife Joyce. Leaving many with memories to be treasured forever!
