Dave's
Biography
Like its American counterpart, British rock’n’roll has given us some memorable figures. Amongst the many artists each era has produced there have been those performers who have that special something that sets them apart transcending the era from which they came.
Sheffield’s own Rock’n’roll troubadour Dave Berry has to be one of those entertainers –a very stylised and original musical personality.
His early musical heroes were people like Chuck Berry and Gene Vincent and developing their influences into his own unique style and presentation, Dave created a stage act that has in turn gone on to influence others.
The son of a jazz drummer, Dave’s early exposure to music was through his father, leading to him becoming a musician himself Forming his first band in 1960 Dave Berry & The Cruisers quickly established themselves as a popular local outfit in and around Sheffield before expanding their popularity further a-field.
Biography 1
Like its American counterpart, British rock’n’roll has given us some memorable figures. Amongst the many artists each era has produced there have been those performers who have that special something that sets them apart transcending the era from which they came.
Sheffield’s own Rock’n’roll troubadour Dave Berry has to be one of those entertainers –a very stylised and original musical personality.
His early musical heroes were people like Chuck Berry and Gene Vincent and developing their influences into his own unique style and presentation, Dave created a stage act that has in turn gone on to influence others.
The son of a jazz drummer, Dave’s early exposure to music was through his father, leading to him becoming a musician himself Forming his first band in 1960 Dave Berry & The Cruisers quickly established themselves as a popular local outfit in and around Sheffield before expanding their popularity further a-field.
Biography 2
Dave’s most
commercial offering mama” hit the UK Top 5
again in June ‘66, completing an impressive
list of hit singles for the Sheffielder.
Amongst the hits, Dave’s other recorded output always included a selection of interesting material whether it be that of Legendary names like Buddy Holly and Muddy Waters or the work of contemporary pop writers like The Gibb Brothers and Graham Gouldman.
Reflecting the popularity and continued interest in Dave’s work on record are ‘the number of compilation albums which have been released through various collector’s labels.Promoting his records, Dave made regular appearances on such memorable TV shows as ‘Thank Your Lucky Stars’, ‘Top Of The Pops’ and ‘Ready, Steady Go!’.
It was here that Dave perhaps made his biggest impact with his unique and totally visual presentation. Whether hiding behind a stage- prop or slowly lowering a microphone down his back, audiences would be compelled to watch his every move and gesture. His hand movements, either covering his face or reaching out to some invisible object, made a lasting impression on everybody watching his curious stage mannerisms.
Amongst the hits, Dave’s other recorded output always included a selection of interesting material whether it be that of Legendary names like Buddy Holly and Muddy Waters or the work of contemporary pop writers like The Gibb Brothers and Graham Gouldman.
Reflecting the popularity and continued interest in Dave’s work on record are ‘the number of compilation albums which have been released through various collector’s labels.Promoting his records, Dave made regular appearances on such memorable TV shows as ‘Thank Your Lucky Stars’, ‘Top Of The Pops’ and ‘Ready, Steady Go!’.
It was here that Dave perhaps made his biggest impact with his unique and totally visual presentation. Whether hiding behind a stage- prop or slowly lowering a microphone down his back, audiences would be compelled to watch his every move and gesture. His hand movements, either covering his face or reaching out to some invisible object, made a lasting impression on everybody watching his curious stage mannerisms.
Biography 3
Major
nationwide package tours in the 60’s with names
like The Rolling Stones, The Ronettes and Roy Orbison
were ideal opportunities for Dave to craft his skill
as a live performer.
This proved invaluable experience when he went onto enjoy a successful and lengthy period in the 70’s on the cabaret circuit. His relevance and influence in British pop was re-evaluated in the 80’s as he received attention of audiences both young and old.
Dave’s own interest in music has certainly never dwindled as he keeps his eyes and ears constantly open to all kinds of musical development. With loyal support from his band The Cruisers, who currently sport one of the best ever line-ups in the group’s history, Dave continues to maintain a highly active career through the 90’s. He also now enjoys the benefit of combining his success as a pop entertainer together with the role he started out in, that of a stylish rhythm & blues performer.
Dave regained some much-overlooked recognition in this area when he was the surprise hit of the annual Alexis Korner Tribute in 1995. Reflecting this, his current work both onstage~ and on record comfortably embraces all aspects of Dave’s career, underlined of course by his great originality and showmanship.
This proved invaluable experience when he went onto enjoy a successful and lengthy period in the 70’s on the cabaret circuit. His relevance and influence in British pop was re-evaluated in the 80’s as he received attention of audiences both young and old.
Dave’s own interest in music has certainly never dwindled as he keeps his eyes and ears constantly open to all kinds of musical development. With loyal support from his band The Cruisers, who currently sport one of the best ever line-ups in the group’s history, Dave continues to maintain a highly active career through the 90’s. He also now enjoys the benefit of combining his success as a pop entertainer together with the role he started out in, that of a stylish rhythm & blues performer.
Dave regained some much-overlooked recognition in this area when he was the surprise hit of the annual Alexis Korner Tribute in 1995. Reflecting this, his current work both onstage~ and on record comfortably embraces all aspects of Dave’s career, underlined of course by his great originality and showmanship.
Timeline 60s
1963
Dave's first record is released -Memphis.
Tennessee- and enters UK Top Twenty
1964 Record of The Crying Game- reaches number 5 in British pop charts Undertakes major UK tour with Rolling Stones.
1965 Record of "Little Things" reaches number five in UK charts Dave's performance is the highlight of the Grand Gala Du Disque ' 65 concert in Amsterdam, alongside names like The Everly Brothers, The Supremes and Cilla Black.
1965 This Strange Effect- reaches number one in both Holland and Belgium
1965 Dave represents England in Knokke Song Festival and receives the Press Prize for his performance
1966 Dave enjoys another UK top five hit with his record of “Mama”
1970 Appears with James Brown and The Animals at the Paris Olympia
1964 Record of The Crying Game- reaches number 5 in British pop charts Undertakes major UK tour with Rolling Stones.
1965 Record of "Little Things" reaches number five in UK charts Dave's performance is the highlight of the Grand Gala Du Disque ' 65 concert in Amsterdam, alongside names like The Everly Brothers, The Supremes and Cilla Black.
1965 This Strange Effect- reaches number one in both Holland and Belgium
1965 Dave represents England in Knokke Song Festival and receives the Press Prize for his performance
1966 Dave enjoys another UK top five hit with his record of “Mama”
1970 Appears with James Brown and The Animals at the Paris Olympia
Timeline 70s
1970
Appears with James Brown and The Animals at the
Paris Olympia
1972 Appears alongside The Small Faces at the Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
1974 Six weeks tour in Salisbury, South Africa.
1979 Major tours of USA and Canada
1972 Appears alongside The Small Faces at the Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
1974 Six weeks tour in Salisbury, South Africa.
1979 Major tours of USA and Canada