The Tornados® featuring Dave Watts test
Experience the authentic sound of The Tornados with original equipment, including a Ludwig drum kit, Fender guitars, and a Clavioline, alongside vintage film reels that transport you back to the legendary days at 304 Holloway Road, London—the heart of Joe Meek’s iconic studio.
Formed in 1962, the band includes Dave Watts, a former member of The Tornados®, Shaun Corrigan from The Symbols, and Pete Gill from The Rebounds, alongside Tristan Long and Jamie Thurston. Together, they bring the spirit and energy of the original instrumental group that achieved worldwide fame with Telstar, which hit No. 1 in 57 countries, making The Tornados the first British band to top the charts in the U.S.
This unique lineup celebrates the legacy of the 1960s Tornados with a faithful reproduction of the sound that made them legends.
2 x 45-minute sets or 1 x 90-minute set featuring the iconic hits of The Tornados—not just the instrumental classics they are best known for, but also the vocal tracks they famously backed, including songs by Billy Fury, Heinz, Johnny Leyton, and many others. This unique performance captures the authentic sound of the Joe Meek-produced hits, recorded in his legendary studio at 304 Holloway Road, London.
Dave Watts – Keyboards
Dave’s musical journey began at the London College of Music and Goldsmiths University of London. Over the years, he has performed with some of the biggest names in music, including the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, David Bowie, Geno Washington’s Ram Jam Band, and The Searchers, to name just a few. He’s also played with The Rebounds, The Midnight’s, The Symbols, Goldie and the Gingerbreads, Screaming Lord Sutch’s Savages, Cliff Richard, Heinz and the Wildboys, the Lions of Judah, Marty Wilde, Adam Faith, and Billy Fury, among many others.
Dave’s career also includes stints with ‘Affinity’, where he was a regular performer at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s club. His on-screen appearances include roles in the film You Must Be Joking, starring Terry Thomas and Clive Dunn, and he played a German soldier in the 1960s comedy series Bakers Half Dozen. Additionally, Dave starred as Ricky Ticky Taylor in the TV series The Cherokees.
A key figure in the history of British rock, Dave has a close association with the pioneering record producer Joe Meek, who was behind the groundbreaking Telstar by The Tornados. This track made history as the first single by a British band to hit number 1 in the United States, and it became a chart-topping sensation in 57 countries. Dave’s expertise and experience bring an unrivaled authenticity to the sound of the Tornados, ensuring an unforgettable musical experience.
Review The Tornados.