A classic from Darts, Duke of Earl produced by Roy Wood, stormed up to no 6 in the UK charts in the summer of 1979. This performance was first broadcast on 2nd August 1979

darts doo wop gene chandler

one of the biggest selling Darts singles was written by vocalist Griff Fender. If I remember well, it was prevented from reaching no 1 by 3 times a lady by the commodores and then dreadlock holiday by 10CC. 1978 was a competitive year with massive singles sales throughout.

darts doo wop it's raining

No 2 UK hit from 1978

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Darts first single reached no 6 in the UK charts in December 1977. Watch Den Hegarty take out the brilliant pianist Hammy Howell who sadly passed away some years ago.

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The Razors split to become Darts and Rocky Sharpe and the Replays. Both had significant commercial success, Darts especially in the UK and the Replays in Spain. Both performed music from the same era but in completely different styles with Darts writing and evolving and Rocky remaining very traditional. This is from 1975!

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Another TOTP performance from Darts. This one is from 15th December 1977 and was introduced by Elton John.

darts doo wop daddy cool elton john

Reached number 10 in February 1979. Written by saxophonist Horace Trubridge. This episode was originally broadcast on 8th Feb 1979.

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An acapella written by Griff Fender. This version is available on Charlie Gillet's Honky Tonk Demo's album and an American doo wop compilation. A slightly different version appears on their self titled first album. Great song and very popular with Darts fans.

darts doo wop

From the xmas 1978 edition of TOTP. Featuring Kenny Andrews - you will note they've replaced Den's vocal with Kenny's. George Currie looks like he has just received his first royalty cheque for Don't Let It Fade Away! Go to Pikey Butler's youtube site and you will see Griff's green suit - 30 years later and still in good nick. Must have cost a fortune.

Darts doo wop boy from new york city ad libs

This early live performance of Come Back My Love is great. It's the long version which appears on Darts self titled first album.

darts doo wop wrens come back my love

Let's Hang On. Darts last chart hit from 1980. Reached number 11.

let's hang on darts doo wop four seasons

Another song from the Revolver show. Bones, written by bass player Thump Thomson and sax player Horace Trubridge was a 'b' side to the single Boy From New York City and appeared on the album Everyone Plays Darts.

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the second single and what was to become the first of three consecutive singles to reach number 2 in the charts. Occupied the charts in February and March 1978.

darts doo wop wrens come back my love

Listen fast its up for a short time only!!!!

darts doowop daddy cool

It took me a while to realize the reason for Rita looking so terrified - it's the fact that at any moment she expected those huge hairy caterpillars to jump of Den's face onto her. Doesn't Janet look lovely?

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The first performance of Duke Of Earl on TOTP on the 19th July 1979.

darts doo wop duke of earl gene chandler

Hammy sadly passed away in 1999 but his music lives on! A brilliant pianist as you will hear. A live performance of Hammy's Boogie appeared on the album Everyone Plays Darts.

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First single from The Late Show which made it into the UK charts. Got a lot of air play. The band toured twice with Darts which helped raise their profile. Some tracks on the album Snap! were produced by Tommy Boyce and Richard Hartey who also produced Darts first two albums.

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Written by lead guitarist George Curry, Don't let it fade away managed no 18 in the UK charts in December 1979. Newly recruited bass vocalist (replacing Den Hegarty) Kenny Andrews appears on TOTP but did not sing on the track.

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The wait is over. Enjoy.

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Instrumental written by lead guitarist George Currie entitled 'Naff Off'. This was on the b side of the single Come Back My Love. The outstanding back line of Darts remains as tight as ever 30 years on as anyone who attended the gigs in late 2007 will testify.

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From the 'Revolver' show fronted by Peter Cook. Who's that knocking appeared on Darts second album, Everyone Play Darts - my favourite Darts album.

darts doo wop

wacky and brilliant b side to Duke of Earl. Horace wrote and sang this one. Roy Wood produced and no doubt played many of the intruments you can hear.

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Only Horace Trubridge could write a song about dog shit. Only Den could sing it! b side to It's Raining - useless bit of trivia, it was recorded in Stockholm whilst Darts were on tour.

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Live performance from Scotland of Come Back My Love.

doo wop darts come back my love wrens

Shotgun was co written by Thump Thomson - bass player and Big Den Hegarty - bass vocalist. This song was the b side to Darts first single Daddy Cool and appeared on their debut album.

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From the album 'Dart Attack'. Released in November 1979 Reet Petite whilst a great favourite when performed on tour failed to make a great impact on the charts. This clip is from a German TV show and has Rita looking stunning and Horace....., well have a look!

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Live performance from the Gateway Theatre Scotland of Daddy Cool.

darts doo wop daddy cool

A performance from an Australian TV show.

darts doo wop ad libs boy from new york city

Nice pics of YY show stolen from Pikey's / Dave 'Drac' Micklethwaite's facebook sites. Not very many circulating unfortunately.

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Mainliner was always a big favourite of the band and fans alike and is still included in the set list today.

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Another performance of 'Too Hot'. This is a very early recording, (unfortunately with a little missing from the beginning of the song) from an unknown transmission. Terrific performance from Rita.

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From an appearance at the Apollo Theatre in London on the 10th April 1983. 'Ragoula' was Darts first single released on their own label 'Choice Cuts'. Written by Horace Trubridge. I loved this when it was released.

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Stay Away From Them Girls was written by Griff Fender who sang lead vocals on the track. This appeared on their self titled debut album which was released in November 1977.

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Can't find SEVENTHHEAVEN'S channel so here is Can't Get Enough Of Your Love. Written by John Dummer. Featuring producer ROY WOOD on sitar.

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A Lieber and Stoller song Darts performed in the west end show Yakety Yak in which they starred alongside the McGann brothers.

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Peaches was recorded in 1981 for an album that was never to be officially released. Many theories and explanations have been offered as to why not (It is available on amazingdarts.com and is superb). In this clip, experts will note that Stan Alexander who did not sing on recording has replaced the departed Bob Fish (got married - and still happily I think!!!!!) - probably one of the reasons the album was never released! The track was co written by Tommy Boyce who co produced Darts first two albums (and the non released one!) along with Richard Hartley and was a follow up to Let's Hang On which had previously catapulted Darts back into the charts. The failure of this single to impact on the charts was possibly a defining moment in Darts history. Many great songs followed but chart success was at an end.

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Darts featured on this Alison Moyet B side, Hitch Hike. Not sure how this came about. I think Darts also worked with the Thomson Twins shortly befor ethey split.

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Enjoy - great song written by Horace.

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Another single from The Late Show.

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lily and barmy grandmother playing

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Lieber and Stoller song Darts performed in the show Yakety Yak. This performance is from a gig at the Marquee Club London. DVD is available at Amazon.com, cherryred.co.uk

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One of Darts first ever recordings. This track appeared with another track 'Love Bandit' on a BBC album entitled 'It's Rock 'n' roll' (also in Poland on Muza label) released in 1977.

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great slow version of the classic sh-boom.

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How Many Nights was the b side to Get It. Written by John Dummer, the original drummer with Darts.

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Speedo appeared on an exclusive US album release titled Across America. It contains tracks never released in the UK. Features Stan Alexander on lead vocals. Anorack time - Speedo featured as ab side to the US single release, Sad and Lonely.

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A single which was only released in Japan. From 1981. Line up at this time - Griff, Rita, Kenny, Stan, Thump, Rob, Horace, Jimmy, Nosmo.

Darts Shoola sh shoo doo wop japan kaz utsunomiya discomate records

Mixed feelings about this song as it always signalled the end of a gig! Again from Everyone Plays Darts - recorded live - anyone know where? Den causes havoc as you will see.

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A very good version of a much covered song. I think this was recorded when Darts were down to an 8 piece outfit following the departure of bass singer Kenny Andrews.

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Song from the hit west end show, Yakety Yak featuring Darts and the McGann brothers.

darts mcgann brothers yakety yak lieber and stoller astoria theatre