The Shadows were an English instrumental rock group, who dominated the British popular music charts in the pre-Beatles era from the late 1950s to the early 1960s. They served as the backing band for Cliff Richard from 1958 to 1968, and have joined him for several reunion tours.
The Shadows performing in Denmark, featuring long-time members from left Bruce Welch (far left), Mark Griffiths and Hank Marvin; Brian Bennett featured in background on drums.
Hank Marvin, lead guitarist of the Shadows
Bruce Welch, rhythm guitarist of the Shadows
Brian Bennett, the band's long time drummer
A backup band or backing band is a musical ensemble that typically accompanies a single artist who is the featured performer. The situation may be a live performance or in a recording session, and the group may or may not have its own name, such as "The Heartbreakers", or "Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys" in the 1930s. Often, backup bands contain sidemen who are skilled but not known to the public; these musicians may be replaced or substituted at any time without noticeable impact on the performance.
Bob Dylan and the Band performing in Chicago in 1974