Brian Bennett's excellent website is full of interesting facts from his long and very successful career. Brian replaced Tony Meehan as Shadows drummer in 1961 and went on to become one of the UK's most respected and in demand film and TV composers.
Sir Cliff Richard - For all the latest news and views I suggest you take a trip to William Hoopers pages. Lots of detail and very nicely put together, it is a must for Cliff fans.
THE VENTURES & NOKIE EDWARDS
The Ventures are still touring and recording and their official site (soon to be upgraded) features a wealth of information and boasts an excellent Mail Order section offering CDs, DVDs and other goods relating to America's best loved instrumental group.
Click on photo.
Nokie Edwards is one of rock instrumentals greatest guitarists (and a charming, down-to-earth man too) and apart from performing with The Ventures on a regular basis he also keeps busy with his own gigs and recording sessions.
Check out Nokie's official site for all the latest news from this pioneer of the rock instrumental world.
JOE MEEK
The Joe Meek Appreciation Society does a fantastic job keeping Joe Meek's name alive and members are kept up-to-date on all things Meek via newletters and the terrific 'Thunderbolt' magazine. Joe Meek introduced several instrumental groups to the world and his musical legacy lives on. Who could ever forget Telstar by The Tornados or the wondeful 'Dream Of The West' LP by The Outlaws.
Former member of The Saxons and New Tornados Robb Huxley has his own home page which is very interesting and informative.
DUANE EDDY
The twangmeister is the worthy subject on a couple of dedicated websites which update regularly and boast trivia galore.
In the UK Arthur Moir runs The Duane Eddy Circle and once a year fans of Duane Eddy congregate in London for an afternoon of live music, quizzes and general merriment.
The Duane Eddy Circle.
Across the pond Tony Borgosano Is the webmaster for the really superb Duane Eddy Tribute Page.
INSTRO LINKS - VARIOUS ARTISTS
THE ATLANTICS
The Atlantics are surely Australia's greatest ever surf band and they first got together in the early 1960s. Luckily for us they continue to make fine music and have several CDs to their name.
The Atlantics are: Bosco Bosanac, Martin Cilia, Peter Hood and Jim Skiathitis.
Click on the picture and surf their site.
LOS STRAITJACKETS
A tremendous band full of energy and fab guitar sounds. With several albums to their name and an electric stage show, these guys are as popular as ever.
Take a look for yourself and sample the delights of Los Straitjackets.
THE CHARADES
Taking their inspiration from The Ventures, The Charades are quite rightly hailed as one of Finland's finest instrumental groups. With a handful of CD releases already available and the promise of many more to come, the world of the guitar instrumental is in very safe hands.
Have a read of Kevin Wooten's in-depth essay on the great band here and see what the band are up to via their own website.
THE RAPIERS
The Uk's premier rock 'n' roll band have been asked to appear at all 10 of Bruce Welch's Shadowmanias and are recognised as one of the finest Shadows cover bands. Whether supporting Jet Harris, John Leyton, Mike Berry or others, The Rapiers always the deliver the goods in style and with dedication and professionalism. Greg Ogarrio takes care of The Rapiers' website which will soon be online.
SPACE BABES
Keyboard-based tunes with a Tornados flavour. Byron Elwell is the originator of Space Babes and has a website dedicated to his music. Visit the website and support the memory of Joe Meek and the Tornados.
CHRIS WATTS
Chris has long been a supporter of my own music and his encouragement always brought the best out of me. He also was invaluable when setting up Instro World so it is a pleasure to be able to mention his own new website (Nov 2008) which gives full details and availability of his latest album plus much more. Take a peak here
Pipeline is a superb instrumental magazine edited by Alan Taylor and Dave Burke. Always brimming with reviews, articles and details of our favourite music, instrumental rock.
A four issue subscription is just £14 (UK) £16 (Europe) £18 (Elsewhere).
Bim Bam Records is the UK's best instrumental mail order outlet with a vast stock of CDs (and DVDs) from all over the globe. Bob Thomas does a tremendous job at Bim Bam and his friendly professional manner ensures customers return time and time again.
Be sure to have your credit/debit card to hand . . .
Leo's Den specialise in Cliff Richard & The Shadows CDs, calendars, books and so forth.
They also offer a good selection of Shadows-related CDs including backing tracks for the budding guitarist. Take a peak at the website and be prepared to part with your money!
THE SHADOWS & RELATED
Malcolm Campbell, the author of several books about The Shadows and a regular contributor to Shadsfax magazine, has a smart website dedicated to Hank and the boys.
Plenty of detailed information and regular updates makes this one of the best Shadows sites on the Net. Check it out.
Cazz Firth's Shadows Fan Site is another excellent place to visit and includes interviews with the multi-talented Warren Bennett, lots of photos and many interesting features.
I N S T R U M E N T A L L I N K S