Fans of 1960s pop music are already buzzing as internationally-acclaimed musical sensation, the Solid Silver 60s Show, gets set to swing into Malta later this month. Jo Caruana gets in the groove.

If you are a fan of The Beatles, big hair, white gloves and platform shoes, then chances are you’ve got a thing for the Swinging Sixties.

It is absolutely ideal for people who want a musical reminder of happier, ­more carefree times

Iconic for so many wonderful reasons, the decade gave us a plethora of fabulous elements – including the definite evolution of rock ’n’ roll and some truly unforgettable music stars such as Aretha, Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan.

And now, the sound of stars just like them will ring out into the night as the Solid Silver 60s Show swings into Malta for a very special performance on Saturday.

“In terms of the inspiration, I came up with the idea for the show in 1985, to celebrate the 25th anniversary since the beginning of the 1960s,” says Derek Nicol, the show’s producer. “I was aware that the artists who made that decade prolific were still gigging up and down the UK and that a huge appetite for their music lived on. I knew there was the potential for larger audiences, so I went for it.”

Nicol’s hunch proved to be correct and now, 27 years later, this seated, two-hour concert has toured extensively with a host of 1960s artists in various combinations. Having impressed spectators around the world, those behind the show are now looking forward to wowing local fans of the era.

“It will give them the chance to turn the clock back and relive the incredible vibe that that decade is famous for. It’s all about letting the good times roll and having fun through the music of some of the biggest-ever 1960 stars. It’s a wonderful party atmosphere and people always leave us in a fantastic mood,” he says.

With over 16 UK top 10 hits between them and many millions of records sold, the stars of the Solid Silver 60s Show are big names in their own right. The performance will incorporate the talents of Mike Pender (the original voice of The Searchers), Dave Berry (from The Cruisers), Wayne Fontana (from The Mindbenders), Brian Poole (from The Tremeloes) and Vanity Fare. The result of their talent combined with a lively set of brilliant 1960s music certainly promises a breath-taking couple of hours.

And for those wondering what sort of songs to expect, the show has something for everything including numbers such as Sweets for My Sweet, Sugar and Spice, Don’t Throw Your Love Away, Little Things, Twist and Shout and Do You Love Me.

Pender, the singer of cult hit Needles and Pins, which made it to the charts in March 1964, promises to sing it on the night, too. “It’ll be in there,” he grins, “as will so many other massive numbers.

“In the early days of its existence, it was the people who bought the 1960s records that flocked to watch this show but, as time has gone on, it has attracted all sorts of people. Today we love seeing the children of our original audiences coming back and bringing their friends. It is absolutely ideal for people who want a musical reminder of happier, more carefree times. It’s not a lecture and there’s no message – it’s just a really great night out with timeless songs they’ll understand.”

And to round off the two-hour set, audiences can look forward to all of the performers coming together for a big rendition of some numbers they are not expecting. “I think it is one of the highlights, especially as the rapport between us is brilliant and our friendship evident. We all enjoy being up there together and I think it makes the music even more fabulous,” Pender says.

He adds that even though he has performed across the globe for the past 50 years or so, he’s still looking forward to singing somewhere new. “I have visited Malta many times on holiday but never actually performed there. Being on stage with my old mates will be a real thrill and I am so looking forward to it. Get ready to rock and roll, Malta!”

The Solid Silver 60s Show will be held at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali on Saturday. Tickets are available on 2144 1604, 7983 5410.

www.showsmalta.com