The Rewind to the Seventies concert at the Assembly Hall last night, featuring The Rubettes, Alvin Stardust and Slade raised an impressive £20,000 for The National Autistic Society.
Former Radio One DJ Mike Read introduced the acts to an excited audience who were quickly on their feet dancing to the famous tunes from the ‘glam rock’ decade.
First on stage were The Rubettes featuring three of the original band members, Lead Singer Alan Williams, Bass Player Mick Clarke and Drummer John Richardson. The white suited band opened with Alan’s favourite ‘Foe Dee O Dee’ then ‘Juke Box Jive’ and a host of their top ten hits, including ‘I can do it,’ which probably should have been entitled ‘I can STILL do it’ and they certainly proved that they can; ‘from their heads right down to their blue suede shoes.’
Of course, no Rubettes performance would be complete without their most famous hit, which was recently voted the best Oldie ever in Germany; ‘Sugar Baby Love.’
Mike Read then returned to the stage and played a 70s ‘Top of the Pops’ on the big screen which included the Capital’s own Bay City Rollers as the set was being prepared for Alvin Stardust who came on to a thunderous reception from the audience.
Dressed in his trademark black gear, the 71 year old blew the place apart with several of his own hits such as ‘Jealous Mind’ which reached number one and ‘Red Dress,’ as well as a host of rock and roll classics.
As with the Rubettes, no Alvin concert would be complete without ‘My Coo Ca Choo’ and no-one was left seated as his iconic hit blared out from the giant speakers.
Alvin then left the stage, but was ‘persuaded’ to return for one more song which was ‘Johnny B Goode’ and by that stage, even the statue of John Knox outside in the courtyard was singing along.
Another break and another Top of the Pops before Mike drew the winning ticket for the raffle and a lucky audience member won a Fender guitar signed by all performers which was presented by Alan Williams.
Slade then pumped up the volume if that was possible starting off the ‘Goodbye to Jane.’ The fact that Noddy Holder was not there was soon forgotten as replacement Mal McNulty’ blasted out the lyrics of hit song after hit song, along with the former Mud bass guitarist John Berry and of course the legends Dave Hill and Don Powell.
Dave danced around the stage like a 21 year old, whilst Don showed that he had lost none of his drumming skills.
No-one was sitting down by this time, and the security announcement about dancing too close to the stage was ignored by delirious fans, who to be honest were old enough to know better.
After ‘Cum on Feel the Noize’ Dave sneaked off stage but returned wearing a Santa hat, and as he exclusively revealed in the Edinburgh reporter on Friday belted out ‘Merry Xmas Everybody.’
Before he did so however, the organisers, Sue Wilson and Sandra Davidson were invited onto the stage and presented with bouquets of flowers whilst being given a standing ovation by a grateful audience.
No one cared that it was two months premature, and Slade were joined on-stage by Alvin and the Rubettes for a sensational finale.
At the end, Alvin announced that ‘Cocoa’ was being served in the bar, and Alan raised the roof when he promised that they would be back next year.
Richard Wilson OBE Ambassador of the National Autistic Society Scotland said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have as out stars tonight, the incomparable Slade, Alvin Stardust, The Rubettes and Mike Read. Thank you so much to all of tonight’s legendry singers and musicians for giving up their time to entertain us.
“Another huge thank you must go to Sue Wilson, Sandra Davidson and David Harness, the brains behind the series of ‘Rewind to the Seventies’ fundraising events that have taken place across the country culminating in tonight’s star studded extravaganza in Edinburgh.
“Sue, Sandra and Dave have worked extremely hard to organise Rewind to the Seventies and bring you all together this evening. Without them we wouldn’t have the event, and on behalf of everyone at the National Autistic Society Scotland, I want them to know how immensely grateful we are to them for their support.
“In my capacity as NAS Ambassador, I am always touched by how generous people are, whether by devoting their time and energy or by joining in NAS fundraising activities. On behalf of all those with autism and their families, thank you so much to all of you for being here to support us at ‘Rewind to the Seventies.’
“There are an estimated 58,000 people with autism in Scotland. Autism is known as the ‘invisible disability’ because those with the condition can appear to be outwardly functioning well, while often experiencing severe challenges in communication and social situations.
“Many people with autism can experience isolation and loneliness, and struggle to understand the world around them. But it absolutely doesn’t have to be like this. With the right support at the right time, many people with autism can have real quality of life and become valued members of the communities. We hope that between us all we can raise a significant amount tonight and make a real positive.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
