You're gonna love joining in with this cracking and catchy cover!
Oh so quiet he is not! Rock Radio UK DJ, musician, and all-round mega personality Griff Griffiths is back with a joyful cover of one of his all-time favorite songs, ‘Twist and Shout‘. Teaming up once more with Sunshine Corner Studios producer Steve ‘Smiley’ Barnard (Robbie Williams, Joe Strummer), who also plays drums on the track, and Darren Beale from the Boomtown Rats on guitar, the song and video celebrate music, family and fun.
‘Twist and Shout‘ is the perfect antidote to your end-of-summer blues! Griff’s voice is ideally suited to this stomping 60’s hit, which he, Smiley and Darren have taken to a whole new level. We’re proud to present the video premiere of their cheery cover, which features four generations of ‘Griffs’; Griff himself, his son Sam, baby grandson Avery, and 89-year-old father John:
Richard Jobson of The Skids agrees – he says this cover version has “Fantastic Energy!” Following Griff’s New Dawn FM Revival Chart number one hits, ‘Christmas Smile’ and ‘54-46’ (Toots & The Maytals), the unstoppable force that is Griff Griffiths clearly enjoyed recording this particular song. The video also features members of his band, Circa79, and his partner Michele with one ‘L’. We love the upbeat Ska and Mod tones introduced in Griff & Smiley’s version, and Darren’s guitar work adds exciting new dimensions to a classic tune. ‘Twist and Shout‘ was originally written by the Top Notes, and later made famous by The Isley Brothers, and then The Beatles.
Born and raised in a close-knit Notting Hill family, Ian ‘Griff’ Griffiths has lived a full and varied life – as a market trader, tyre fitter, professional musician, artist, entrepreneur, comedian, songwriter, author (I Was the King of Spain), father, and lifelong mental health advocate. He also co-produced and directed the feature-length documentary Are They Hostile?, voted 3rd best film of 2022 by Vive Le Rock, chronicling the Croydon Punk and New Wave scene, 1977–1980.
Griff & Smiley’s ‘Twist and Shout‘ is available to stream from tomorrow, Friday 29th August – pre-save it HERE
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Usually found jumping around down the front at gigs, I also relish taking photos and videos, singing, speaking with fellow music fans, and asking musicians the questions nobody else does. Writing about my favourite bands and connecting with people who love music too keeps me more-or-less sane! I’ve worked for over 25 years at a video production company, mainly filming live music events, therefore I have an additional backstage perspective on the scene.
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