Julie Small speaks to David Bartram, former lead singer of Showaddywaddy and now the band’s manager.

IN preparation for Showaddywaddy’s appearance in Watford, David Bartram went to watch Watford FC lose to his home team, Leicester City.

He has another fond memory of the town when he visited Bailey’s nightclub in the 70s to watch local hero Elton John.

Showaddywaddy’s current tour includes the Watford Colosseum on Friday, March 14, and then the O2 Arena in June, to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Just this month, they appeared at the Beck Theatre in Hayes. At each venue, they play all of their best known hits, including Under the Moon of Love.

Two members of the original line-up, Romeo Challenger and Rod Deas will be joined by new members Andy Pelos, Dean Loach, Ron Hewins and Paul Dixon.

Keeping the band together – despite line-up changes over the years – has been a challenge as people have developed in different ways, but David says there’s always been a togetherness within the band.

Anyone who remembers seeing him glide across the stage like a funky John Lennon will recall his stage presence and voice.

He has not ruled out a return to the stage and still feels a strong attachment to the band.

"You never know - it has been mentioned. Never say never," he told me.

He says younger acts, like One Direction, have it a lot easier than Showaddywaddy did. Today, they have the benefits of YouTube and social networking to keep fans up to date.

David remembers being on Top of the Pops on a Wednesday night and leaving for another venue straight after the show. Showaddywaddy's original line-up toured nearly every city in the UK and many worldwide - and they maintain that strong work ethic today.

He now gets a buzz from being a celebrated author instead.

"I hung up my crepe sole shoes to focus on writing," he insists.

He is working on a new book which documents his travels across the UK with Showaddywaddy. The follow-up to his debut book, The Boys of Summer, will include anecdotes such as when he had a cup of tea with Bing Crosby.

Fame has been something Showaddywaddy is accustomed to after selling nearly 20 million records. Though the pandemonium of the early years is no longer there, the fans, he says, are incredibly loyal and keenly interested in their activities.

He recalls a memorable performance in 1974 at White City when Showaddywaddy supported David Cassidy.

Emotions swayed from an incredible reaction by screaming fans to their first chart hit to a huge sadness when a fan was crushed in the crowds.

He admits that touring with Cassidy did have its moments.

"David Cassidy was a bit of a Justin Bieber at times," he said. "He was quite fond of himself."

It’s clear from the excited reaction to their performance at the Beck this month that fans can rightly claim You Got What It Takes to keep them dancing.

Tickets are available now from the Watford Colosseum. Call the box office on 0845 075 3993.