Trevor Oakes, a founding member of the British rock and roll band Showaddywaddy, has died at age 79. Dave Bartram, a former bandmate, said Oakes died peacefully. Oakes, who played guitar in Showaddywaddy, stepped back from the band in 2009 due to ill health.
According to Dave Bartram, Oakes was a unique character and a dedicated professional. The specific long illness that led to his departure has not been disclosed, and details about where he died or the cause of death remain unknown. His final gig with the band, along with fellow original member Al James, was at the Cheese & Grain in Frome, Somerset on December 20, 2008.
Showaddywaddy formed as an amalgamation of two groups: Choise and The Golden Hammers. From Choise, Dave Bartram, Trevor Oakes, Al James, and Romeo Challenger joined Showaddywaddy, while from The Golden Hammers, Buddy Gask, Russ Field, Rod Deas, and Malcolm Allured joined. The band featured a unique double set of singers, guitarists, and drummers.
Musically, Showaddywaddy played covers of 50s and 60s songs and achieved significant commercial success. The band had a number one song called Under the Moon of Love in 1979 and racked up 10 Top 10 singles, including You Got What It Takes and Dancin’ Party. Today, Showaddywaddy still tours, but only one original member, drummer Romeo Challenger, continues to perform.
Dave Bartram technically left the band in 2011, moving off-stage to manage it instead of singing, and Al James retired from Showaddywaddy in 2008. According to Dave Bartram, Oakes was also a caring and affectionate family man, with a mischievous sense of humour. Bartram added that he could write a book about the incredible memories they’ve shared over the past fifty-seven years.
Funeral or memorial arrangements have not been announced, and Oakes's role beyond guitar, such as in songwriting or management, is unclear. The band's formation from two distinct groups contributed to its unique lineup and sound, which helped it stand out in the 1970s music scene. Showaddywaddy's success with covers and original hits like Under the Moon of Love cemented its place in British pop history, appealing to fans of nostalgic rock and roll.