Gerry Brooke looks back on performances by Elvis Costello, Neil Sedaka and Kim Wilde

In October 1982 a whole plethora of stars was descending on Bristol – Elvis Costello, Neil Sedaka, Kim Wilde, Joan Jett, Helen Reddy, John Martyn and Hawkwind.

And let’s not leave out Harry Secombe.

Showaddywaddy were also booked for the Colston Hall but then cancelled.

But more of that later – let’s hear what the Post’s Mark Adams had to say about Elvis Costello.

“Utilising his well thumbed songbook the singer/songwriter treated last night’s audience to an object lesson in the power and worth of the two minute pop song” said Mark.

“Unquestionably one of the country’s deftest exponents of the short, sharp song, he strung what must have been over thirty number into his Bristol showpiece.

“It was non stop Costello cabaret with hardly a word spoken as the numbers were practically dove tailed together.

“The show – which included much new material – went through three powerful encores.

“ Everyone sang along with “Alison” – a number which has now surely become a standard – and the down tempo, “ It’s been a good year for the roses” was also impressive.

“So far, this has to be Bristol’s best, most stimulating concert of the year.”

Steve Knight opted to review the ever green US singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka.

“No one could have stayed at the top for so long without knowing exactly what the public want” he enthused the next day.

“And last night Neil Sedaka proved what a superb professional he is as he launched his new concert tour in Bristol’s Colston Hall.

“His show was full of vitality and the audience were left in no doubt that Sedaka was the star from the moment he made his entrance.

“Rock and Roll numbers from the 1950s and 60s combined with haunting ballads such as Solitaire and Castles in the Air.

“We had the well tried songs – “All the need is the Music” and “Laughter in the Rain” – but Sedaka included enough new numbers for his performance to come over as fresh and exciting.”

Penny Underwood, at the same venue to see Kim Wilde, had this to say.

“This 21 year old blonde dazzler, who first made the headlines last year with Kids in America, wanted to prove that she was ready for a gruelling 18 city tour.

“She certainly did.

“From her first song, Conquered Love, to her last she danced, joked and loved every minute.

“Her fans went wild. It mattered little to them that her father, Marty, had been a 1950s hero.

“Last night – backed by her brother Rocky on keyboards and guitar – Kim Wilde came into her own.

Showaddywaddy fans were let down badly when the band cancelled their Colston Hall concert at the last moment.

The reason? Their latest release, “Who put the Bomp,” had dropped down in the charts.

Another concert, said their tour promoter, was being re -arranged for a few months time.

Meanwhile the 1950s revival band were heading back to the recording studio.

Showaddywaddy, still touring today, had ten hit singles including the million seller, “Under the Moon of Love”

Lastly, former Rovers player and fast rising star, 21 year old Gary Mabbutt, had been named for an England squad to play a friendly against West Germany at Wembley

Signed for Spurs after an £105,000 deal, Mabbutt had quickly made his name in the first division.

His mother, Avis Mabbutt from Winterbourne, told the Post,

“ I am absolutely elated. I shall be there.”