Cliff and Friends

The Shadows performing their rendition of “Apache”, released originally in July, 1960.

It reached #1 on the Ireland (Evening Herald) chart, #4 on the Australia (Kent Music Report) chart, #6 on the Germany (Official German Charts) chart, #10 on the Netherlands (Single Top 100) chart, #1 on the New Zealand (Lever Hit Parade) chart, and #1 on the UK Singles Chart.

In March 2005, Q magazine placed “Apache” by the Shadows at number 96 on its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks.

It was written by English songwriter and composer Jerry Lordan and first recorded by Bert Weedon. Lordan played the song on ukulele to the Shadows while on tour, and liking the song, the group released their own version which topped the UK Singles Chart for five weeks in mid-1960.

Lordan came up with the tune in the late 1950s. Lordan was inspired to write the song after watching the 1954 American western film Apache, saying that he “wanted something noble and dramatic, reflecting the courage and savagery of the Indian Apache warrior Massai, played by Burt Lancaster.

It was originally recorded by British guitarist Bert Weedon in early 1960, but remained unreleased for several months due to promotion and release problems. However, Lordan did not like Weedon’s version of the song, as he thought it was too jaunty.

For this reason, whilst on tour with Cliff Richard and the Shadows, Lordan played the song on his ukulele to the Shadows, who liked the song and recorded it in June, quickly releasing it in July, 1960.

Singer-guitarist Joe Brown had bought an Italian-built tape echo unit that he did not like and gave it to The Shadows’ guitarist Hank Marvin, who developed a distinctive sound using it and the tremolo arm of his Fender Stratocaster.

Bruce Welch borrowed an acoustic Gibson J-200 guitar from Cliff Richard, the heavy melodic bass was performed by Jet Harris, and drums by Tony Meehan. Richard himself played a Chinese drum at the beginning and end to provide an atmosphere of stereotypically Native American music.

Stereo mix by @radiowollaton8521

Enjoy more of the best 1960s Music Digitally Remastered in 4K: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLncUCZkpIEBI9d65pVNRrhP-QGMEj-jFp

Listen to The Shadows online:
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcjz131E-j2SQhQ_mO8eY5w
Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/artist/the-shadows/14125865
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/03hfAxVdAWj7kxDnSG0fLD?autoplay=true

Classic Hits Studio is a specialized digital remastering studio based in New Zealand. We are dedicated to restoring and enhancing classic music performances and music videos. We are passionate about music and committed to delivering high-quality results.

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