Drifters still going strong
The line up may have changed many times since the group formed in 1953, under the management of late jazz singer George Treadwell, but the current members remain true to the original spirit.
They have recently released an album, Five Decades And Moore, in memory of Johnny Moore, who died in 1998. Johnny was the longest serving member of The Drifters and made a significant contribution to the group's legacy.
It's this proud history that the Treadwell family is keen to protect.
Michael Williams, the latest singer to join the band, was hand-picked by Treadwell's daughter Tina after she saw him performing in a New York nightclub four-and-a-half years ago.
Since then the 30-year-old, from Birmingham, Alabama, has toured extensively with The Drifters and will perform in Hanley tomorrow night. The audience can expect such classics as Saturday Night At The Movies, Under The Boardwalk and Up On The Roof.
"I have to pinch myself sometimes," says Michael. "I remember my parents playing The Drifters as a kid.
"We're on a long UK tour and are due to finish in December. We love coming here because the audiences respond to us so well."
The Drifters will perform at the Victoria Hall in Hanley on Saturday, October 3 at 7.30pm. Telephone 0844 871 7627 for tickets and information.
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