Showaddywaddy Guitarist Trevor Oakes Remembered as a True Musical Innovator
Trevor Oakes, the talented guitarist of 1970s rock and roll legends Showaddywaddy, has passed away aged 79 following a lengthy illness.
Showaddywaddy Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Guitarist Trevor Oakes
The world of British rock and roll has lost one of its most gifted contributors. Trevor Oakes, celebrated guitarist of the iconic 1970s band Showaddywaddy, passed away on 18 February following a prolonged illness. He was 79 years old. The news was shared through an official statement on the band's website, with the announcement made "with great sadness."
From Leicester Roots to Rock and Roll Stardom
Born and raised in Leicester, Oakes was originally a sheet metal worker before music became his life's calling. He was a key member of a local group called Choise, which merged with another Leicester band, Golden Hammers, to give birth to Showaddywaddy in 1973. That union would go on to become one of the most beloved acts of the decade.
The band wasted no time making their mark, releasing their debut hit single Hey Rock and Roll in 1974. Over the course of the 1970s, Showaddywaddy accumulated an impressive 15 UK Top 20 singles, selling millions of records worldwide. Among their biggest chart successes were top five hits including Under the Moon of Love, You Got What It Takes, and Three Steps to Heaven.
Bandmates Honor a Unique and Irreplaceable Talent
Former frontman Dave Bartram was among the first to publicly mourn Oakes' passing, describing him as "an innovator and a fantastic asset to the band." In a heartfelt tribute posted to the band's official website, Bartram recalled first crossing paths with Oakes at a Leicester hotel in 1969, noting that the two "instantly hit it off."
"Trevor was a unique character and a dedicated professional, without whom the band would never have scaled the dizzy heights we seemed destined to achieve," Bartram wrote. He also remembered Oakes as a warm and devoted family man with a playful sense of humour, adding: "I could write a book about the incredible memories we've shared over the past fifty-seven years, but most of all I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his unwavering friendship."
Speaking directly to the BBC, Bartram reflected on the special chemistry the band shared during their peak years. "The chemistry was so right between the band when we took off," he said. "We hit on this rock and roll thing and the reaction we were getting was quite startling. We thought we had hit on a winning formula."
Tributes From Fellow Musicians
Oakes' passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from those who performed alongside him. Drummer Romeo Challenger praised him as a "brilliant songwriter," saying he "will be in my heart forever." Former guitarist Russ Field highlighted Oakes' "uncanny natural talent to write catchy melodies and lyrics," a quality that helped define the Showaddywaddy sound.
Former drummer Malcolm Allured also shared fond words, recalling the close friendship they maintained even after their time together in the band. "Thank you for the great memories Trevor, and for the songs, especially Trocadero," he wrote.
A Legacy That Endures
Trevor Oakes played his final show with Showaddywaddy in 2008, before relocating to Devon where he continued performing on the local pub circuit. He later retired from music and returned to his hometown of Leicester, where he spent his final years.
His contribution to one of Britain's most entertaining live acts remains undeniable. As Bartram put it, Oakes was "an extraordinarily important component to the band" — a sentiment echoed by every musician who had the privilege of sharing a stage with him.
