“Come On Let’s Go”: A Nostalgic Burst of Rock & Roll Energy and Unadulterated Fun.
For those of us who navigated the vibrant, often eclectic, musical landscape of the 1970s, the name Showaddywaddy immediately conjures images of brightly colored Teddy Boy suits, slicked-back hair, and an infectious, joyous embrace of rock & roll’s foundational spirit. In an era increasingly dominated by disco and punk, this Leicester-based band offered a delightful, nostalgic counterpoint, reminding audiences of the raw, unpretentious energy that first set teenagers dancing decades prior. Their 1977 single, “Come On Let’s Go,” perfectly encapsulates this ethos – it’s not merely a song, but an invitation to shed inhibitions, tap into youthful exuberance, and revel in the timeless thrill of a good old-fashioned rock & roll party. For older readers, it’s a direct conduit to memories of dance halls, juke boxes, and the liberating simplicity of pure, unadulterated fun.
Upon its release as a single in October 1977, “Come On Let’s Go” quickly became another testament to Showaddywaddy’s consistent appeal and their unique niche in the British music scene. It achieved significant commercial success in the UK, soaring to number 2 on the Official UK Singles Chart in November 1977. This cemented its place as one of the band’s most recognizable and enduring hits, alongside tracks like “Under the Moon of Love” and “When.” While Showaddywaddy’s chart presence was predominantly a UK phenomenon, their influence stretched to other European countries, where their brand of retro rock & roll was equally adored. For those of us who lived through that period, “Come On Let’s Go” was ubiquitous on the radio, at school discos, and in every youth club, a guarantee that the dance floor would instantly erupt with energy.
The story behind “Come On Let’s Go” is, in essence, the story of Showaddywaddy themselves. The band, formed in 1973 from two existing Leicester groups, decided to fully commit to a revivalist rock & roll act, drawing inspiration from the late 1950s and early 1960s. They weren’t just covering old songs; they were reinterpreting them with their own distinctive energy, stage presence, and a dual-drumming setup that gave their sound an extra punch. “Come On Let’s Go” itself is a cover version of a classic track originally written and recorded by the legendary American rock & roll pioneer Ritchie Valens in 1958. Valens’ original was a vibrant, youthful declaration of intent, capturing the burgeoning spirit of rock & roll.
Showaddywaddy’s decision to cover Valens’ track, rather than penning an original, was a deliberate and shrewd move that typified their approach. They excelled at taking beloved, foundational rock & roll songs and infusing them with their own unique blend of polished musicianship, enthusiastic harmonies, and an irresistible showmanship. Their version of “Come On Let’s Go” is faithful to the spirit of the original but injected with a theatrical flair and robust sound that made it uniquely their own. The band – consisting of Dave Bartram, Buddy Gask, Malcolm Allured, Romeo Challenger, Al James, Rod Deas, Trevor Oakes, and Russ Field – collectively brought an undeniable energy to every performance and recording, turning simple covers into vibrant new experiences.
The meaning of “Come On Let’s Go” is wonderfully straightforward and unapologetically joyful. It’s an anthem of pure, uninhibited desire to have a good time, to dance, and to connect through the shared energy of music. The lyrics are simple, direct calls to action: “Come on let’s go, let’s go, let’s go, little darling,” urging a partner to join in the fun. There are no hidden metaphors or complex narratives; it is a celebration of the moment, of youth, and of the exhilarating freedom found on the dance floor. For older readers, this song is a potent nostalgia trip, transporting them back to an era when music was often about pure escapism and collective exuberance. It evokes memories of simpler times, of dressing up, of the thrill of a Friday night out, and the sheer, unadulterated pleasure of losing oneself in the rhythm. “Come On Let’s Go” is a vibrant testament to Showaddywaddy’s enduring legacy: a band that reminded us that sometimes, all we need is a good beat, a catchy tune, and an enthusiastic invitation to simply “come on, let’s go!”