Instro Links

THE SHADOWS & RELATED
Malcolm Campbell, the author of several books about The Shadows (and Ventures) and a regular contributor to Shadsfax magazine, has a smart website dedicated to Hank and the boys. Plenty of detailed information on the group. See here
Brian Bennett's excellent website is full of interesting facts from his long and very successful career. Brian replaced Tony Meehan as Shadows drummer in 1961 and went on to become one of the UK's most respected and in demand film and TV composers.
Cliff & Shads tribute band Jerry Richards & The Evening Shadows website here

THE VENTURES & NOKIE EDWARDS
The Ventures are still touring and recording and their official site offers a wealth of information and boasts an excellent Mail Order section offering CDs, DVDs and other goods relating to America's best loved instrumental group.
Another very interesting Ventures site packed with info, trivia and discography is here
Nokie Edwards is one of rock instrumentals greatest guitarists (and a charming, down-to-earth man too) and apart from performing with The Ventures on a regular basis he also keeps busy with his own gigs and recording sessions.
Check out Nokie's official site for all the latest news from this pioneer of the rock instrumental world.

JOE MEEK
The Joe Meek Appreciation Society does a fantastic job keeping Joe Meek's name alive and members are kept up-to-date on all things Meek via newletters and the terrific 'Thunderbolt' magazine. Joe Meek introduced several instrumental groups to the world and his musical legacy lives on. Who could ever forget Telstar by The Tornados or the wondeful 'Dream Of The West' LP by The Outlaws.
Former member of The Saxons and New Tornados Robb Huxley has his own home page which is very interesting and informative.

DUANE EDDY
The twangmeister is the subject of several dedicated websites which update regularly and boast trivia galore.
In the UK Arthur Moir runs The Duane Eddy Circle and once a year fans of Duane Eddy congregate in London for an afternoon of live music, quizzes and general merriment.
The Duane Eddy Circle.
Across the pond Tony Borgosano is the web master for the really superb Duane Eddy Tribute Page and Duane's wife Deed Eddy is a regular contributor on this Gretsch forum

THE SPOTNICKS
Sweden's greatest guitar band remain very active today with original members Bo Winberg and Bob Lander still at the helm.
Catch all the latest news and releases via their website

THE ATLANTICS
The Atlantics are surely Australia's greatest ever surf band and they first got together in the early 1960s. Luckily for us they continue to make fine music and have several CDs to their name. The Atlantics are: Bosco Bosanac, Martin Cilia, Peter Hood and Jim Skiathitis.
Click here to surf their site.
See also Atlantics' guitarist Martin Cilia's own website

DAVIE ALLAN & THE ARROWS
The king of the Fuzz guitar.
Still gigging and recording in 2011
Check out Davie's website

LOS STRAITJACKETS
A tremendous band full of energy and fab guitar sounds. With several albums to their name and an electric stage show, these guys are as popular as ever.
Take a look for yourself and sample the delights of Los Straitjackets.

THE CHARADES
Taking their inspiration from The Ventures, The Charades are quite rightly hailed as one of Finland's finest instrumental groups. With a handful of CD releases already available and the promise of many more to come, the world of the guitar instrumental is in very safe hands.
Have a read of Kevin Wooten's in-depth essay on the great band here and see what The Charades are up to via their own website.

THE RAPIERS
The UK's premier rock 'n' roll band have appeared at all of Bruce Welch's Shadowmanias and are recognised as one of the finest Shadows cover bands. Whether supporting Jet Harris, John Leyton, Mike Berry or others, The Rapiers always the deliver the goods in style and with dedication and professionalism.
Greg Ogarrio takes care of The Rapiers' website.

SPACE BABES
Keyboard-based tunes with a Tornados flavour. Byron Elwell is the originator of Space Babes and has a website dedicated to his music. Visit the website and support the memory of Joe Meek and the Tornados.

THE BLACK DYNAMITES
The Black Dynamites started somewhere in the mid 50's and were best known for their raw musical sound and on stage energy combined with crazy showtimes. They are still playing to this day and of course have a website with all the news.

THE SPYTONES
A young Finnish surf instro band with a new album due in 2010.
Formerly known as Happy Times. Spytones My Space

THE LOADED 44RZ
The band members are: Troy Dering (lead), Loren Cooper (guitar & vocals), Mark Robertson (bass) and Dan Robertson (drums). Find out more by visiting their website and my space

THE RYDERS
A fab band from Sweden influenced by The Shadows, Spotnicks and other Euro instro outfits.
Some few vocals too. Website

PETER WILLIAMS
A popular UK guitarist who has released several guitar instrumental CDs including tributes to Billy Fury and John Leyton. Have a browse at his website

CAROL KAYE
One of the top session musicians (mainly bass) from the 1960s who has featured on thousands of American recordings. Still very active on the scene.
Visit her website

APOLLO 11
An authentic Spotnicks tribute band from France who actually wear space suits.
No dedicated website as yet but French Shads site here

ALAN CLARK
The Alan Clark Archives is one of the world's most complete sources of music celebrity photographs! See the website here

Pipeline is a superb instrumental magazine edited by Alan Taylor and Dave Burke. Always brimming with reviews, articles and details of our favourite music, instrumental rock.
A four issue subscription is just £14 (UK) £16 (Europe) £18 (Elsewhere).

Bim Bam Records is the UK's best instrumental mail order outlet with a vast stock of CDs (and DVDs) from all over the globe. Bob Thomas does a tremendous job at Bim Bam and his friendly professional manner ensures customers return time and time again.
Be sure to have your credit/debit card to hand . . .

Leo's Den specialise in Cliff Richard & The Shadows CDs, calendars, books and so forth.
They also offer a good selection of Shadows-related CDs including backing tracks for the budding guitarist. Take a peak at the website and be prepared to part with your money!