The Real Thing
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0800 044 8112
events@neildrover.com
Formed in 1972, The Real Thing are Britain’s longest-established – and best-loved – black group in UK entertainment history. Universally known for their legendary hits ‘You To Me Are Everything’, ‘Can’t Get By Without You’ and ‘Can You Feel the Force’, as well as their ground-breaking 1977 song, ‘Children of the Ghetto’, The Real Thing remain pioneers in soul, funk and dance music.
Original members – Chris Amoo and Dave Smith – are now celebrating over 45 incredible years in the music industry, and they’re still going strong, playing hundreds of gigs across the world.
The Real Thing invite you to come and see them live on stage!
The Real Thing today include the original vocalists Chris & Amoo & Dave Smith. They had three number one Singles in both the 70’s & 80’s.
They have an ever growing reputation in the corporate & private function market and as such they now plan to increase their band to seven piece, bringing the total on stage to 10. They are also still available for playback shows with the 3 vocalists singing live to track.
Although The Real Thing were established in Toxteth, Liverpool, L8, in 1972, the band actually has its roots in Sixties’ vocal harmony group, The Chants; Britain’s first black acapella quintet, established by Chris’ older brother Eddy. A chance meeting with Paul McCartney at a Little Richard concert at the Tower Ballroom in Birkenhead, led to The Chants being invited to audition for The Beatles at Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club.
The Beatles were so knocked out by the group’s sound that they invited the boys to appear with them that same night, much to the reluctance of their manager, Brian Epstein, who didn’t want his group being backed by anybody.
Thanks to John Lennon’s persistence, The Chants were a resounding success on stage, and for a brief time, Epstein represented them. The band was signed to Pye Records by Tony Hatch, but despite touring for 13 years The Chants were unable to achieve the same level of success as their ‘Merseybeat’ peers. Throughout his time performing with The Chants, Eddy honed his burgeoning songwriting skills, which were to stand him in good stead for his next musical collaboration. In January 1972, The Real Thing was born.