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{{short description|British pop band}}
{{short description|British pop band}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Multiple issues|
{{more citations needed|date=April 2020}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2020}}
{{Fan POV|date=April 2023}}
{{Fan POV|date=April 2023}}}}
}}
{{EngvarB|date=December 2017}}
{{EngvarB|date=December 2017}}
{{use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
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| origin =
| origin =
| genre = [[novelty song|Novelty]], [[Pop music|pop]]
| genre = [[novelty song|Novelty]], [[Pop music|pop]]
| years_active = {{Start date|1975}}–2024
| years_active = {{Start date|1973}}–2024
| label =
| label =
| associated_acts =
| associated_acts =
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}}
}}


'''Black Lace''' were a British pop band, best known for [[novelty song|novelty]] party records, including their biggest hit, "[[Agadoo]]". The band first came to the public eye after being selected to represent the UK in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 1979|1979 Eurovision Song Contest]], in which they finished seventh with the song [[Mary Ann (Black Lace song)|"Mary Ann"]]. With numerous line-up changes (the only original member being Colin Gibb), Black Lace went on to have success with novelty party anthems such as "[[Superman (Black Lace song)|Superman]]" and "Do the Conga".
'''Black Lace''' were a British pop band, best known for [[novelty song|novelty]] party records, including their biggest hit, "[[Agadoo]]". The band first came to the public eye after being selected to represent the UK in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 1979|1979 Eurovision Song Contest]], in which they finished seventh with the song [[Mary Ann (Black Lace song)|"Mary Ann"]]. The band had numerous line-up changes, with Colin Gibb being the longest serving original member, until retiring in 2024. Black Lace went on to have success with novelty party anthems such as "[[Superman (Black Lace song)|Superman]]" and "Do the Conga".


Over the years, Black Lace toured around the world. Playing party shows throughout Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Canada and the US.
Over the years, Black Lace toured around the world. Playing party shows throughout Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Canada and the US.


== Pre-Black Lace (1973–1975) ==
== Pre-Black Lace (1969–1973) ==
[[Terry Dobson (singer)|Terry Dobson]] and school friend Ian Howarth formed The Impact as a five-piece pop group in 1969, with [[Alan Barton]], Steve Scholey and Nigel Scott. The group also performed under the names Penny Arcade and Love or Confusion.
[[Terry Dobson (singer)|Terry Dobson]] and school friend Ian Howarth formed The Impact as a five-piece pop group in 1969, with [[Alan Barton]], Steve Scholey and Nigel Scott. The group also performed under the names Penny Arcade and Love or Confusion.


Ian Howarth left the band for a short while but returned to the line-up in 1974, and Dobson also left, to be replaced briefly by Neil Hardcastle. Dobson then re-joined, and Scott left in 1975, that same year the band adopted the name Black Lace. Ian Howarth left the band for good in 1976, and was replaced by Colin Gibb (born Colin Routh, 8 December 1953).<ref name="AMG">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p477088/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title=Biography by Sharon Mawer|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=27 July 2011}}</ref>
Ian Howarth left the band for a short while but returned to the line-up in 1973, and Dobson also left, to be replaced briefly by Neil Hardcastle. Dobson then re-joined, and Scott left in 1973, that same year the band adopted the name Black Lace. Ian Howarth left the band for good in 1976, and was replaced by [[Colin Gibb]] (born Colin Routh, 8 December 1953).<ref name="AMG">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p477088/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title=Biography by Sharon Mawer|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=27 July 2011}}</ref>


== Black Lace (1976–1981) ==
== Black Lace (1976–1981) ==
After turning professional at the beginning of 1976, the band toured the majority of the UK, managed by Keith Mills, commencing their first summer season at the Skegness Bier Garten. The following year their summer season would take them to [[Butlin's Filey|Butlins in Filey, North Yorkshire]] and [[Butlins Skegness|Skegness, Lincolnshire]]. An [[Extended play|EP]] was recorded and produced by comedian [[Freddie Davies|Freddie 'Parrot face' Davies]] at his studio, which was to be sold at their shows. The group were voted Yorkshire Band of the Year by [[BBC Radio Leeds]], and best clubland group playing at the [[Winter Gardens, Blackpool]].
Ian Howarth was replaced by Colin Gibb during late spring of 1976 and after turning professional, the band toured the majority of the UK, managed by Keith Mills, commencing their first summer season at the Skegness Central Pier Bier.
The following year their summer season would take them to [[Butlin's Filey|Butlins in Filey, North Yorkshire]] and [[Butlins Skegness|Skegness, Lincolnshire]]. An [[Extended play|EP]] was recorded and produced by comedian [[Freddie Davies|Freddie 'Parrot face' Davies]] at his studio, which was to be sold at their shows. The group were voted Yorkshire Band of the Year by [[BBC Radio Leeds]], and best clubland group playing at the [[Winter Gardens, Blackpool]].


In 1979, Black Lace recorded their first single, "Mary Ann", for [[ATV Music|ATV music]] and a recording contract followed with [[EMI]]. As the song required a more 'throaty' vocal, Alan Barton was moved to being lead singer, with Steve Scholey on backing vocals for the band's recordings, but remaining as lead singer on live performances. The song won the [[BBC Television]]'s [[Eurovision: Your Country Needs You|''A Song For Europe'']] and the band went on to represent the UK at the 1979 [[Eurovision Song Contest]] held in Israel, with the band finishing seventh. Other television appearances around this time included ''[[Nationwide (TV programme)|Nationwide]]'', ''[[Multi-Coloured Swap Shop]]'', ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' and ''[[Juke Box Jury]]''. "Mary Ann" reached No. 42 in the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="AMG" /><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book|first=David|last=Roberts|year=2006|title=[[British Hit Singles & Albums]]|edition=19th|publisher=Guinness World Records Limited|location=London|isbn=1-904994-10-5|page=60}}</ref>
In 1979, Black Lace recorded their first single, "Mary Ann", for [[ATV Music|ATV music]] and a recording contract followed with [[EMI]]. As the song required a more 'throaty' vocal, Alan Barton was moved to being lead singer, with Steve Scholey on backing vocals for the band's recordings, but remaining as lead singer on live performances. The song won the [[BBC Television]]'s [[Eurovision: Your Country Needs You|''A Song For Europe'']] and the band went on to represent the UK at the 1979 [[Eurovision Song Contest]] held in Israel, with the band finishing seventh. Other television appearances around this time included ''[[Nationwide (TV programme)|Nationwide]]'', ''[[Multi-Coloured Swap Shop]]'', ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' and ''[[Juke Box Jury]]''. "Mary Ann" reached No. 42 in the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="AMG" /><ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book|first=David|last=Roberts|year=2006|title=[[British Hit Singles & Albums]]|edition=19th|publisher=Guinness World Records Limited|location=London|isbn=1-904994-10-5|page=60}}</ref>
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==Chart success (1981–1987)==
==Chart success (1981–1987)==
In 1981, the band split. Dobson joined the [[Castleford]] rock band Stormer, who had a recording contract with [[Ringo Starr]]. Scholey departed, leaving the others to settle huge debts incurred whilst touring. The band became a duo, consisting of Gibb and Barton.<ref name="AMG"/> It was this line-up that would give the band its biggest [[Record chart|chart]] success.
In 1981, the band split. Dobson joined the [[Castleford]] rock band Stormer, who had a recording contract with [[Ringo Starr]]. Scholey departed and the band had to settle huge debts incurred whilst touring. The band became a duo, consisting of Gibb and Barton.<ref name="AMG"/> It was this line-up that would give the band its biggest [[Record chart|chart]] success.


The duo played the [[Working men's club|Northern club circuit]] using pre-recorded backing tracks, which was controversial at the time. Initially, they used the name Lace, but soon reverted to Black Lace and recruited a new manager, John Wagstaff. They recorded an instrumental single based on the "[[Chicken Dance]]", released as "Birds Dance" in 1981 (using the name Buzby<ref>{{cite web |title=Buzby record release |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/2769532-Buzby-2 |website=Discos |access-date=3 March 2023}}</ref> instead of Black Lace).<ref>{{Cite book|title=Wired for Sound: Now That's What I Call An Eighties Music Childhood|last=Bromley|first=Tom|publisher=Simon and Schuster|year=2012|isbn=9780857203236}}</ref> However, the record was beaten to the charts by another version of the song by The Tweets, released as "The Birdie Song". "Birds Dance" has since been retitled "The Birdie Song" and included on Black Lace albums.
The duo played the [[Working men's club|Northern club circuit]] using pre-recorded backing tracks, which was controversial at the time. Initially, they used the name Lace, but soon reverted to Black Lace and recruited a new manager, John Wagstaff. They recorded an instrumental single based on the "[[Chicken Dance]]", released as "Birds Dance" in 1981 (using the name Buzby<ref>{{cite web |title=Buzby record release |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/2769532-Buzby-2 |website=Discos |access-date=3 March 2023}}</ref> instead of Black Lace).<ref>{{Cite book|title=Wired for Sound: Now That's What I Call An Eighties Music Childhood|last=Bromley|first=Tom|publisher=Simon and Schuster|year=2012|isbn=9780857203236}}</ref> However, the record was beaten to the charts by another version of the song by The Tweets, released as "The Birdie Song". "Birds Dance" has since been retitled "The Birdie Song" and included on Black Lace albums.
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Another single, "Wig Wam Bam", (featuring Barton, Gibb and Michael) reached No. 63 in the UK chart,<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/> but "Viva La Mexico", which was released to capitalise on the [[1986 FIFA World Cup]] football competition, flopped when [[England national football team|England]] were knocked out. Black Lace (Barton and Michael) appeared as themselves in the 1987 film ''[[Rita, Sue and Bob Too]]'' performing "Gang Bang", which had been recorded by Barton and Gibb the previous year. The pair were also immortalised as caricatures in the TV show ''[[Spitting Image]]'' and the hit single "[[The Chicken Song]]". The band had a UK hit with their album ''Party Crazy''.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/>
Another single, "Wig Wam Bam", (featuring Barton, Gibb and Michael) reached No. 63 in the UK chart,<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/> but "Viva La Mexico", which was released to capitalise on the [[1986 FIFA World Cup]] football competition, flopped when [[England national football team|England]] were knocked out. Black Lace (Barton and Michael) appeared as themselves in the 1987 film ''[[Rita, Sue and Bob Too]]'' performing "Gang Bang", which had been recorded by Barton and Gibb the previous year. The pair were also immortalised as caricatures in the TV show ''[[Spitting Image]]'' and the hit single "[[The Chicken Song]]". The band had a UK hit with their album ''Party Crazy''.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/>


==Later career (1987–present)==
==Later career (1987–2024)==
September 1987 saw a switch round: Gibb returned 'full-time' with the band, whilst Barton left to join [[Smokie (band)|Smokie]].<ref name="AMG"/> Michael became a full-time member of Black Lace, and he and Gibb released the single "Jammin' the Sixties" under the name Barracuda. The record was BBC Radio One's Record of the Week, but it failed to chart.
September 1987 saw a switch round: Gibb returned 'full-time' with the band, whilst Barton left to join [[Smokie (band)|Smokie]].<ref name="AMG"/> Michael became a full-time member of Black Lace, and he and Gibb released the single "Jammin' the Sixties" under the name Barracuda. The record was BBC Radio One's Record of the Week, but it failed to chart.


A summer season at the [[Blackpool Tower]] followed in 1989 and 1990, plus performances at the [[Radio 1 Roadshow|BBC Radio One Roadshow]] in the town, along with the release of the single [[The Music Man (song)|"I Am The Music Man]]" which peaked at No. 52 in the UK.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums" /><ref name="AMG" />
A summer season at the [[Blackpool Tower]] followed in 1989 and 1990, plus performances at the [[Radio 1 Roadshow|BBC Radio One Roadshow]] in the town, along with the release of the single [[The Music Man (song)|"I Am The Music Man]]" which peaked at No. 52 in the UK.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums" /><ref name="AMG" />


In 1991, due to personal and professional issues, Michael was forced to leave the band, to be replaced by Rob Hopcraft.
The pair released the single "Penny Arcade," penned by close friend Sammy King, which had originally been a hit for [[Roy Orbison]] in 1979. The band also appeared on the BBC's ''[[Children in Need]]'' programme. Under an agreement with Gibb and Wagstaff not to use the Black Lace name, Michael formed a new band and used the name Barracuda (a pseudonym previously used by Black Lace for the single "Jammin' the 60's") but they disbanded shortly afterwards.

In 1992, Black Lace toured Australia; Hopcraft was unhappy with a hits album released by an Australian record company, as it featured a photograph of his predecessor Dene Michael.

1994 saw the release of the single "Bullshit (Cotton Eyed Joe)", but the race for the charts was won by the Swedish band [[Rednex]] with another version of the same song. An album, ''Saturday Night'', followed.
[[File:Gibb & Hopcraft 1994.jpg|thumb|Gibb and Hopcraft in 1994]]
[[File:Gibb & Hopcraft 1994.jpg|thumb|Gibb and Hopcraft in 1994]]


In 1995, Barton died as a result of a coach crash in Germany while touring with Smokie.<ref>{{cite news|author=Pierre Perrone|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-alan-barton-1616108.html|title=Obituary: Alan Barton|work=The Independent|date=18 April 1995|access-date=21 November 2012}}</ref> That year, Black Lace shot a promotional video for the single "Electric Slide" in [[Benidorm]], the first video not to be filmed in the UK, and played on British breakfast station [[GMTV]] live from [[Torremolinos]] in Spain.
In 1995, Barton died as a result of a coach crash in Germany while touring with Smokie.<ref>{{cite news|author=Pierre Perrone|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-alan-barton-1616108.html|title=Obituary: Alan Barton|work=The Independent|date=18 April 1995|access-date=21 November 2012}}</ref>


Black Lace played one-off shows in 1996 at DJ conventions in Canada and [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], United States. They also released the ''Action Party'' and ''Best Of'' albums that year. Gibb was presented with a special Agadoo guitar to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary, but he was also made bankrupt by the [[Inland Revenue]].<ref name="Goliath">{{cite web|url=http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-8527665/The-awful-curse-of-Agadoo.html|title=The awful curse of Agadoo; |publisher=Goliath.ecnext.com|date=14 December 1996|access-date=21 November 2012}}</ref>
Black Lace played one-off shows in 1996 at DJ conventions in Canada and [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], United States. They also released the ''Action Party'' and ''Best Of'' albums that year. Gibb was presented with a special Agadoo guitar to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary, but he was also made bankrupt by the [[Inland Revenue]].<ref name="Goliath">{{cite web|url=http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-8527665/The-awful-curse-of-Agadoo.html|title=The awful curse of Agadoo; |publisher=Goliath.ecnext.com|date=14 December 1996|access-date=21 November 2012}}</ref>
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15 August 1997 was dubbed Agadoo Day. Black Lace played 20 shows in 24 hours in Manchester, London, Watford, Northampton, Sheffield, Barnsley, Wakefield and Leeds, finishing at the Frontier Club, Batley. The event raised over £25,000 for [[Marie Curie Cancer Care]]. [[Peugeot]] used "Agadoo" in a TV advertisement for the new [[Peugeot 106|106]] car, and Black Lace re-recorded the track, renaming it "Agadoo 106 mix", donating all their royalties to [[Marie Curie (charity)|Marie Curie Cancer Care]]. The record spent a week in the UK chart.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/>
15 August 1997 was dubbed Agadoo Day. Black Lace played 20 shows in 24 hours in Manchester, London, Watford, Northampton, Sheffield, Barnsley, Wakefield and Leeds, finishing at the Frontier Club, Batley. The event raised over £25,000 for [[Marie Curie Cancer Care]]. [[Peugeot]] used "Agadoo" in a TV advertisement for the new [[Peugeot 106|106]] car, and Black Lace re-recorded the track, renaming it "Agadoo 106 mix", donating all their royalties to [[Marie Curie (charity)|Marie Curie Cancer Care]]. The record spent a week in the UK chart.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/>


In 2002, Colin Gibb took the original Black Lace show to Tenerife, playing the now internationally famous 'party shows' in hotels and restaurants on the island, occasionally visiting the UK for TV appearances.<ref name="AMG" />
In 1998, Michael released a studio solo album, entitled ''This Is the Moment''. It has been out of print ever since.

A 1999 Black Lace charity reunion concert was organised by their former drummer, Terry Dobson, to celebrate 20 years since the band represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. Live television interviews took place with ITV's ''[[ITV News Calendar|Calendar]]'' and the BBC's regional news programmes on the day of the event. The late Alan Barton's son, Dean, took Alan's place in the band, but original member Steve Scholey declined to attend.

In 2000, Black Lace became the first band to play at the [[Millennium Dome]].

2001 brought a totally different line up style, as Hopcraft was replaced by female vocalist/dancer Camille Wagstaff, and the single "Follow the Leader" was released before they disbanded.

In 2002 Yorkshire TV filmed and aired "Agadoo The Search for a New Black Lace" a talent show searching for a new line-up for Black Lace. The judges include, Black lace's manager, John Wagstaff and original member Colin Gibb.The 5 Piece group formed, released "Celebration," a remix of Cool and the Gang's original, before disbanding a short time later.

In 2002, Colin Gibb took the original Black Lace show to Tenerife, playing the now internationally famous 'party shows' in hotels and restaurants on the island, occasionally visiting the UK for TV appearances.<ref name="AMG" /> In 2003, an adult-themed album called ''Blue'' (originally recorded in the UK years previously by Gibb and Dene Michael, and 'banned' by their own record label) was released. In 2004, Gibb took the Black Lace show to mainland Spain to appear alongside [[Elvis Presley]] tribute artiste Mike Young and other guest acts at The King Lives On cabaret bar on the [[Costa Blanca]], returning to Tenerife for contracted shows in 2005. In 2007, Gibb married in the UK his long-time girlfriend Sue Kelly. The following year, Gibb was invited to play bass with the Tenerife-based five-piece rock band The Phoenix, along with the duos To The Limit and Just One More. He latterly played in the blues rock band Traveler, in addition to performing the Black Lace Show.

In 2007, Michael started performing again as Black Lace (contradicting an agreement with Gibb and record company/management NOW Music, stating that he would never use the title Black Lace) alongside a new addition, the Liverpudlian singer Ian Robinson. They released a new mambo version of "Agadoo". In the accompanying video, [[Bruce Jones (actor)|Bruce Jones]] played a cameo role and directed the event. [[Roy "Chubby" Brown]] and [[Kevin Kennedy (actor)|Kevin Kennedy]] also made cameo appearances in the video, as did several members of the cast of the ITV situation comedy ''[[Benidorm (British TV series)|Benidorm]]''. On 4 November 2009, the 'new' incarnation of Black Lace was filmed by the British airline [[easyJet]], performing a re-written version of "Agadoo" for release on the video-sharing website [[YouTube]], launching a new air service between [[Gatwick Airport]] and [[Agadir]] in Morocco. Dobson's book, ''And Then Came Agadoo'', was published by Authorhouse in November 2009.

Michael and Robinson recorded a new version of "I Am The Music Man" for the BBC ''Children in Need'' appeal in 2009. In 2010, they recorded yet another version of the song, this time entitled "We Are The England Fans", as an unofficial England supporters' song to coincide with the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], which also included the future Black Lace member Craig Harper. In 2011, Michael and Robinson recorded a television advertisement for [[Trainline|Thetrainline.com]] which led to a new recording of "Do The Conga". In December that year, Michael teamed up with [[Crissy Rock]] to record a single, "Christmas Time", and an accompanying video. In 2012, Michael released two solo records, "Lifeforce" and "The First Christmas Light".

In 2014, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of "Agadoo", a limited edition ''Black Lace Live'' album was released, which was recorded and mixed in Tenerife.

In 2015, 'Original' Black Lace member Colin Gibb released "Agadoo (Space Mix)" an updated remix of the "Agadoo 106 mix".


A television advertisement for [[Walkers (snack foods)|Walkers crisps]] was shown on British TV, featuring Michael and Robinson (under the name 'Old Lace') performing alongside [[Gary Lineker]] singing along to "Agadoo".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvadsongs.uk/walkers-crisps-advert-music-2015-agadoo-black-lace/ |title=Walkers Crisps Advert – 2015 'Agadoo' Bring It Back Commercial &#124; TV Ad Songs |website=Tvadsongs.uk |access-date=14 March 2016}}</ref>
A television advertisement for [[Walkers (snack foods)|Walkers crisps]] was shown on British TV, featuring Michael and Robinson (under the name 'Old Lace') performing alongside [[Gary Lineker]] singing along to "Agadoo".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvadsongs.uk/walkers-crisps-advert-music-2015-agadoo-black-lace/ |title=Walkers Crisps Advert – 2015 'Agadoo' Bring It Back Commercial &#124; TV Ad Songs |website=Tvadsongs.uk |access-date=14 March 2016}}</ref>

In 2015, Gibb, celebrating 40 years since Black Lace were formed, teamed up with guitarist and vocalist Gordon King for live shows, keeping the style and tradition of the original format: loud guitars, even louder shirts, cheesy dance routines, and 'tongue in cheek', sometimes 'risqué' comedy.

In 2016, Dene Michael was charged with fraud, and jailed for six months for claiming 25,000 pounds in
disability benefits.

In 2018, Dene Michael teamed up with a contestant from Britain's Got Talent to form an 'alternative' Black Lace a.k.a. Black Lace's Conga Party. They played at many of the UK's 80s 'revival' festivals, performing at holiday centres around the country.

Black Lace (Gibb and King) were nominated at the Tenerife Entertainment Awards for Best Group.


In 2019, Black Lace (Gibb and King) became associated with UK dressage team The Agadoo Girls, consisting of seven members, with Gibb's cousin Debbie Cox as team captain. They came top at their debut Team Quest competition at Richmond Equestrian Centre in June that year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://britishdressage.online/event_results/102281|title=Richmond Equestrian Centre TQ Results|date=23 June 2019|website=British Dressage|access-date=6 September 2019}}</ref>
In 2019, Black Lace (Gibb and King) became associated with UK dressage team The Agadoo Girls, consisting of seven members, with Gibb's cousin Debbie Cox as team captain. They came top at their debut Team Quest competition at Richmond Equestrian Centre in June that year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://britishdressage.online/event_results/102281|title=Richmond Equestrian Centre TQ Results|date=23 June 2019|website=British Dressage|access-date=6 September 2019}}</ref>


==Colin Gibb - retirement and death==
The Original Black Lace (Gibb/King) concluded 2019 having performed 278 shows in 221 days.
On 13 May 2024, Colin Gibb announced his retirement on Facebook. His last performance was at the San Eugenio Villa Adeje Beach Hotel in Spain, on 16 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/colingibb.blacklace|title=Colin Gibb Black Lace |website=Facebook.com}}</ref> On 3 June 2024, the band, alongside Gibb's wife, revealed Gibb had died aged 70 the previous day.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://metro.co.uk/2024/06/03/eurovision-black-lace-singer-colin-gibb-dies-aged-70-20958521/amp/|title= Eurovision and Black Lace singer Colin Gibb dies aged 70|date=3 June 2024|website=Metro.co.uk|access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref>

On 8 May 2020, Rob Hopcraft died, thought to be the result of a fall.

In June 2020, in remembrance of Alan Barton, who had died 25 years previously, the Black Lace 'Reunion' band, consisting of Ian Howarth, Terry Dobson, Colin Gibb and Dean Barton (Alan's son), remade a music video for the band's 1979 Eurovision hit "Mary Ann" (under strict lockdown conditions, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 pandemic]]). The recording was done individually from their respective homes in the UK, Tenerife and Gozo, then mixed together by Howarth in the UK.

In 2022, due to severe back issues, Gordon King stepped down from the band.

In 2022, Dene Michael reached number 1 with his solo record "It's All Been Done Before" on the folk charts on iTunes.

In 2023, Dene Michael was fired by management/record company, due to professional differences

In 2023 former member of "The New Black Lace" Phil Temple joins Craig Harper in Black Lace's Conga Party.

On 13 May 2024, Gibb announced his retirement on [[Facebook]]. His last performance was at the San Eugenio Villa Adeje Beach Hotel in [[Spain]], on 16 May.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/colingibb.blacklace</ref>

==In popular culture==
The group were famously lampooned in the UK No. 1 chart single "[[The Chicken Song]]", recorded as part of the ''[[Spitting Image]]'' programme. A parody of Black Lace's style, it contained a specific reference to the band members Barton and Gibb with the line "those two wet gits with their girly curly hair".

Black Lace records have also been voted in the top five all time 'Best Party' songs, 'Best Holiday' songs and 'Worst Records of all time'.


==Personnel==
==Personnel==
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;Former members
;Former members
*[[Alan Barton]] (d. 1995) – guitar, lead and backing vocals <small>(1973–1987)</small>
*[[Alan Barton]] – guitar, lead and backing vocals <small>(1973–1987; died 1995)</small>
*[[Terry Dobson (singer)|Terry Dobson]] – drums, backing vocals <small>(1973–1981)</small>
*[[Terry Dobson (singer)|Terry Dobson]] – drums, backing vocals <small>(1973–1981)</small>
*Colin Gibb – guitar, lead vocals <small>(1976–2024)</small>
*[[Colin Gibb]] – guitar – lead vocals <small>(1976–2024; died 2024)</small>
*Ian Howarth – lead guitar, bass guitar <small>(1973–1974)</small>
* Ian Howarth – lead guitar, bass guitar, vocals <small>(1973–1976)</small>
*Steve Scholey – lead vocals <small>(1973–1981)</small>
*Steve Scholey – lead vocals <small>(1973–1981)</small>
*Dene Michael – lead vocals <small>(1987–1991)</small>
*Dene Michael – lead vocals <small>(1987–1991)</small>
*Rob Hopcraft (d. 2020) – lead vocals <small>(1991–2000)</small>
*Rob Hopcraft – lead vocals <small>(1991–2000; died 2020)</small>


==Discography==
==Discography==
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* 2013: ''The Blue Album'' – Banned in the UK – 're-release' [world-wide distribution]<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/>
* 2013: ''The Blue Album'' – Banned in the UK – 're-release' [world-wide distribution]<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/>
* 2014: ''Black Lace 'Live Beach Party''' (limited edition)
* 2014: ''Black Lace 'Live Beach Party''' (limited edition)
* 2023: The Party Album (24 All Time Party Favourites)
* 2023: ''The Party Album (24 All Time Party Favourites)''


===Singles===
===Singles===
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| rowspan="3" |2009
| rowspan="3" |2009
| align="left" |"Mega-Mega Mix" (Spain-only release)
| align="left" |"Mega-Mega Mix" (Spain-only release)
|
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
| align="left" |"Agadoo Mambo" (Dene Michael)
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
| align="left" |"Music Man 2009" (Dene Michael)
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
|2010
| align="left" |"We Are the England Fans" (Dene Michael)
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
|2011
| align="left" |"Do the Conga (Trainline Mix)" (Dene Michael)<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums" />
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|—
|-
| rowspan="2" |2015
| rowspan="2" |2015
| align="left" |"Agadoo 2015 (Crisp Mix)" (Dene Michael)
| align="left" |"Agadoo 2015 (Crisp Mix)" (Dene Michael)
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* [http://www.denemichael.co.uk Denemichael.co.uk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101101721/http://www.denemichael.co.uk/ |date=1 November 2020 }}
* [http://www.denemichael.co.uk Denemichael.co.uk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101101721/http://www.denemichael.co.uk/ |date=1 November 2020 }}
* [http://www.ianhowarth.co.uk Ianhowarth.co.uk]
* [http://www.ianhowarth.co.uk Ianhowarth.co.uk]
* {{discogs artist|Black Lace}}
* {{imdb name|1569146}}


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[[Category:Sonet Records artists]]
[[Category:Sonet Records artists]]
[[Category:Telstar Records artists]]
[[Category:Telstar Records artists]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1975]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2024]]
[[Category:1975 establishments in England]]
[[Category:2024 disestablishments in England]]

Latest revision as of 07:13, 20 October 2024

Black Lace
Black Lace in 1979. Colin Gibb, Alan Barton, Terry Dobson and Steve Scholey
Background information
GenresNovelty, pop
Years active1973 (1973)–2024

Black Lace were a British pop band, best known for novelty party records, including their biggest hit, "Agadoo". The band first came to the public eye after being selected to represent the UK in the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest, in which they finished seventh with the song "Mary Ann". The band had numerous line-up changes, with Colin Gibb being the longest serving original member, until retiring in 2024. Black Lace went on to have success with novelty party anthems such as "Superman" and "Do the Conga".

Over the years, Black Lace toured around the world. Playing party shows throughout Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Canada and the US.

Pre-Black Lace (1969–1973)

[edit]

Terry Dobson and school friend Ian Howarth formed The Impact as a five-piece pop group in 1969, with Alan Barton, Steve Scholey and Nigel Scott. The group also performed under the names Penny Arcade and Love or Confusion.

Ian Howarth left the band for a short while but returned to the line-up in 1973, and Dobson also left, to be replaced briefly by Neil Hardcastle. Dobson then re-joined, and Scott left in 1973, that same year the band adopted the name Black Lace. Ian Howarth left the band for good in 1976, and was replaced by Colin Gibb (born Colin Routh, 8 December 1953).[1]

Black Lace (1976–1981)

[edit]

Ian Howarth was replaced by Colin Gibb during late spring of 1976 and after turning professional, the band toured the majority of the UK, managed by Keith Mills, commencing their first summer season at the Skegness Central Pier Bier.

The following year their summer season would take them to Butlins in Filey, North Yorkshire and Skegness, Lincolnshire. An EP was recorded and produced by comedian Freddie 'Parrot face' Davies at his studio, which was to be sold at their shows. The group were voted Yorkshire Band of the Year by BBC Radio Leeds, and best clubland group playing at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

In 1979, Black Lace recorded their first single, "Mary Ann", for ATV music and a recording contract followed with EMI. As the song required a more 'throaty' vocal, Alan Barton was moved to being lead singer, with Steve Scholey on backing vocals for the band's recordings, but remaining as lead singer on live performances. The song won the BBC Television's A Song For Europe and the band went on to represent the UK at the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest held in Israel, with the band finishing seventh. Other television appearances around this time included Nationwide, Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, Top of the Pops and Juke Box Jury. "Mary Ann" reached No. 42 in the UK Singles Chart.[1][2]

The band's follow-up single, "So Long Suzy Baby", failed to chart in the UK (as EMI could not decide on which track should be used, and delayed the planned release date), but achieved success in Europe. Black Lace found success with live performances and TV shows, notably the Sopot International Song Festival in Poland, the Golden Orpheus festival in Bulgaria, and on TV in East Germany, West Germany and Spain.

The band toured Denmark in 1980, supporting Suzi Quatro and working with Tommy Seebach, a Danish entertainer. Black Lace and Seebach recorded "Hey Hey Jock McRay" for the Danish singles market, but an intended 1980 tour of Poland was called off because of political unrest in the country.

Chart success (1981–1987)

[edit]

In 1981, the band split. Dobson joined the Castleford rock band Stormer, who had a recording contract with Ringo Starr. Scholey departed and the band had to settle huge debts incurred whilst touring. The band became a duo, consisting of Gibb and Barton.[1] It was this line-up that would give the band its biggest chart success.

The duo played the Northern club circuit using pre-recorded backing tracks, which was controversial at the time. Initially, they used the name Lace, but soon reverted to Black Lace and recruited a new manager, John Wagstaff. They recorded an instrumental single based on the "Chicken Dance", released as "Birds Dance" in 1981 (using the name Buzby[3] instead of Black Lace).[4] However, the record was beaten to the charts by another version of the song by The Tweets, released as "The Birdie Song". "Birds Dance" has since been retitled "The Birdie Song" and included on Black Lace albums.

Black Lace's 1983 "Superman" single was their first one under their own name on the Flair label,[1] and a promotional video was shot at Casanova's nightclub in Wakefield. One of the hired dancers was the then unknown singer Jane McDonald. "Superman" reached No. 9 in the UK chart,[2] but an attempt at a follow-up single, "Hey You!", failed to chart, despite being BBC Radio One's Record of the Week. Black Lace received a silver disc for sales of "Superman". They proceeded to tour Denmark with Danish stars Laban and Snapshots.

The band's biggest success came in 1984 with the single "Agadoo", selling over one million copies worldwide, and reaching No. 2 in the UK chart.[5][6] "Agadoo" was a hit in Europe, South Africa and Australia. Having been presented with a gold disc for sales in the UK, radio interview presenter Richard Whiteley forgot Gibb's name and referred to him as 'Mr Agadoo' (the name Dene Michael later adopted for himself, despite having no connection to the record). The duo recorded their first album, Black Lace, at Stuck Ranch studios in Denmark. Around this time, their record distribution company Pinnacle went into receivership, leading to Black Lace and their record company losing an estimated quarter of a million pounds in unpaid royalties for "Agadoo".

The band's follow-up single, "Do The Conga", reached No. 10 in the UK chart,[2] and the accompanying album Party Party – 16 Great Party Icebreakers sold over 650,000 copies in the first five weeks, reaching double platinum status and leading to the band doing TV shows in Germany, Luxembourg, France and Denmark.[1]

In 1985, another single, "El Vino Collapso", was released, with the video shot in Skegness. It failed to reach the top 40, stalling at No. 42 in the UK Singles Chart due to it being 'banned' by the BBC in the wake of the Heysel Stadium disaster. As it had references to "drinking whilst abroad", it was deemed unsuitable for radio play.[2] Further releases "I Speaka Da Lingo" and "Hokey Cokey" reached No. 49 and No. 31 respectively.[2]

Black Lace in 1985

Black Lace also participated in the recording of the UK No. 1 hit "You'll Never Walk Alone" as part of the charity ensemble, The Crowd (which included members of 10cc, Thin Lizzy, Motörhead, The Hollies, Argent, The Who, The Nolans, The Searchers, Smokie, Gerry and the Pacemakers, plus many more) to raise funds for the families of the victims of the Bradford City stadium fire.[1][7]

Black Lace's second album Party Party 2 was released for Christmas 1985, and television appearances included The Old Grey Whistle Test, 3-2-1, ITV Telethon, Miss Yorkshire Television, International Disco Dance Championship, Pebble Mill at One and the Top of the Pops Christmas Special. Because of such a demanding work schedule, Barton and Gibb found it necessary to charter a private aircraft to meet the deadlines, but the band's success led to a tax demand in excess of £100,000.

In 1986, Dene Michael replaced Gibb, who took time out of live work with Black Lace (remaining an official member of the band) to concentrate on other projects, including promoting pop act Party Party and participating in two tours of Germany, concentrating on a part-time photography business, setting up a food retail outlet, and a music equipment retail and installation business.

Another single, "Wig Wam Bam", (featuring Barton, Gibb and Michael) reached No. 63 in the UK chart,[2] but "Viva La Mexico", which was released to capitalise on the 1986 FIFA World Cup football competition, flopped when England were knocked out. Black Lace (Barton and Michael) appeared as themselves in the 1987 film Rita, Sue and Bob Too performing "Gang Bang", which had been recorded by Barton and Gibb the previous year. The pair were also immortalised as caricatures in the TV show Spitting Image and the hit single "The Chicken Song". The band had a UK hit with their album Party Crazy.[2]

Later career (1987–2024)

[edit]

September 1987 saw a switch round: Gibb returned 'full-time' with the band, whilst Barton left to join Smokie.[1] Michael became a full-time member of Black Lace, and he and Gibb released the single "Jammin' the Sixties" under the name Barracuda. The record was BBC Radio One's Record of the Week, but it failed to chart.

A summer season at the Blackpool Tower followed in 1989 and 1990, plus performances at the BBC Radio One Roadshow in the town, along with the release of the single "I Am The Music Man" which peaked at No. 52 in the UK.[2][1]

Gibb and Hopcraft in 1994

In 1995, Barton died as a result of a coach crash in Germany while touring with Smokie.[8]

Black Lace played one-off shows in 1996 at DJ conventions in Canada and Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States. They also released the Action Party and Best Of albums that year. Gibb was presented with a special Agadoo guitar to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary, but he was also made bankrupt by the Inland Revenue.[9]

15 August 1997 was dubbed Agadoo Day. Black Lace played 20 shows in 24 hours in Manchester, London, Watford, Northampton, Sheffield, Barnsley, Wakefield and Leeds, finishing at the Frontier Club, Batley. The event raised over £25,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Peugeot used "Agadoo" in a TV advertisement for the new 106 car, and Black Lace re-recorded the track, renaming it "Agadoo 106 mix", donating all their royalties to Marie Curie Cancer Care. The record spent a week in the UK chart.[2]

In 2002, Colin Gibb took the original Black Lace show to Tenerife, playing the now internationally famous 'party shows' in hotels and restaurants on the island, occasionally visiting the UK for TV appearances.[1]

A television advertisement for Walkers crisps was shown on British TV, featuring Michael and Robinson (under the name 'Old Lace') performing alongside Gary Lineker singing along to "Agadoo".[10]

In 2019, Black Lace (Gibb and King) became associated with UK dressage team The Agadoo Girls, consisting of seven members, with Gibb's cousin Debbie Cox as team captain. They came top at their debut Team Quest competition at Richmond Equestrian Centre in June that year.[11]

Colin Gibb - retirement and death

[edit]

On 13 May 2024, Colin Gibb announced his retirement on Facebook. His last performance was at the San Eugenio Villa Adeje Beach Hotel in Spain, on 16 May.[12] On 3 June 2024, the band, alongside Gibb's wife, revealed Gibb had died aged 70 the previous day.[13]

Personnel

[edit]
Current members
  • Craig Harper (Black Lace Conga Party)
  • Phil Temple (Black Lace Conga Party)
Former members
  • Alan Barton – guitar, lead and backing vocals (1973–1987; died 1995)
  • Terry Dobson – drums, backing vocals (1973–1981)
  • Colin Gibb – guitar – lead vocals (1976–2024; died 2024)
  • Ian Howarth – lead guitar, bass guitar, vocals (1973–1976)
  • Steve Scholey – lead vocals (1973–1981)
  • Dene Michael – lead vocals (1987–1991)
  • Rob Hopcraft – lead vocals (1991–2000; died 2020)

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  • 1984: Black Lace
  • 1984: Party Party – 16 Great Party Icebreakers (UK No. 4)
  • 1985: Party Party 2 (UK No. 18)
  • 1986: Party Crazy (UK No. 58)
  • 1987: 16 Greatest Party Hits
  • 1989: 20 All Time Party Favourites
  • 1993: Action Party
  • 1995: Saturday Night
  • 1997: Greatest Hits
  • 1998: What a Party
  • 2000: Black Lace's Greatest Ever Party Album
  • 2006: Black Lace: Greatest Hits
  • 2010: The Blue Album – Banned in the UK [world-wide distribution]
  • 2013: The Blue Album – Banned in the UK – 're-release' [world-wide distribution][2]
  • 2014: Black Lace 'Live Beach Party' (limited edition)
  • 2023: The Party Album (24 All Time Party Favourites)

Singles

[edit]
Year Single Peak chart positions
AUS[14] FRA[15] IRE[16] NZ[17] SA[18] UK[19]
1979 "Mary Ann" — — 19 — — 42
"So Long Suzi Baby" — — — — — —
1980 "Hey Hey Jock McRay" (Denmark-only release) — — — — — —
1982 "Birds Dance" (aka "The Birdie Song") (As 'Buzby') — — — — — —
1983 "Superman (Gioca Jouer)" — — 25 — — 9
"Hey You" — — — — — —
1984 "Agadoo" 16 48 5 9 3 2
"Do the Conga" — — 12 — — 10
1985 "El Vino Collapso" — — — — — 42
"I Speaka da Lingo" — — — — — 49
"Hokey Cokey" — — — — — 31
1986 "Viva la Mexico" — — — — — 79
"Wig-Wam Bam" — — — — — 63
1989 "I Am the Music Man" — — — — — 52
1990 "Gang Bang" — — — — — 90
"Jammin' the 60's" (as 'Barracuda') — — — — — —
1992 "Penny Arcade" — — — — — —
1994 "Bullsh*t (Cotton-Eyed Joe)" — — — — — 83
1996 "The Electric Slide" (featuring The Electric Boogie Line Dance) — — — — — 83
1997 "Macarena" — — — — — —
1998 "Agadoo (106 Dance Mix)" (re-recording) — — — — — 64
2000 "Follow the Leader" — — — — — —
2009 "Mega-Mega Mix" (Spain-only release) — — — — — —
"Agadoo Mambo" (Dene Michael) — — — — — —
"Music Man 2009" (Dene Michael) — — — — — —
2010 "We Are the England Fans" (Dene Michael) — — — — — —
2011 "Do the Conga (Trainline Mix)" (Dene Michael)[2] — — — — — —
2015 "Agadoo 2015 (Crisp Mix)" (Dene Michael) — — — — — —
"Agadoo (The Space Mix)" — — — — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Biography by Sharon Mawer". AllMusic. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 60. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  3. ^ "Buzby record release". Discos. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  4. ^ Bromley, Tom (2012). Wired for Sound: Now That's What I Call An Eighties Music Childhood. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9780857203236.
  5. ^ Miles, Tina (26 March 2009). "Merseyside dad hopes for chart success with Black Lace hit Agadoo". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  6. ^ EveryHit.com - search for "Black Lace" as "Name of artist" and "Agadoo" as "Title of song"
  7. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 128. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  8. ^ Pierre Perrone (18 April 1995). "Obituary: Alan Barton". The Independent. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  9. ^ "The awful curse of Agadoo;". Goliath.ecnext.com. 14 December 1996. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  10. ^ "Walkers Crisps Advert – 2015 'Agadoo' Bring It Back Commercial | TV Ad Songs". Tvadsongs.uk. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  11. ^ "Richmond Equestrian Centre TQ Results". British Dressage. 23 June 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  12. ^ "Colin Gibb Black Lace". Facebook.com.
  13. ^ "Eurovision and Black Lace singer Colin Gibb dies aged 70". Metro.co.uk. 3 June 2024. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  14. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  15. ^ "lescharts.com - Les charts français". lescharts.com. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  16. ^ "The Irish Charts - All there is to know". irishcharts.ie. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  17. ^ "charts.org.nz - New Zealand charts portal". charts.nz. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  18. ^ "South African Rock Lists Website - SA Charts 1969 - 1989 Acts (B)". www.rock.co.za. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  19. ^ "BLACK LACE | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
[edit]
Awards and achievements
Preceded by UK in the Eurovision Song Contest
1979 		Succeeded by
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