Freddy Shawcross

Fred learnt to play drums at the age of 6 and featured in the Shawcross Family Band with his parents and brother. After military service in the UK, he joined the Metronomes (a semi-pro jazz orchestra) and was spotted by the leader of The Les Howard Orchestra. Fred now professional, held residences in The Empress Club (Bolton), The Poco-A-Poco (Stockport), Park Hall (Charnock Richard, Chorley) and Fagins (Manchester). Throughout the 1960/70's he worked with some huge stars including Salena Jones, Elaine Delmar, Matt Monro, Vince Hill, Guy Mitchell and Neil Sedaka. He toured with Wilma Reading, The Fantastics, Tony Monopoly, José Feliciano and spent years at Sea on the P&O Princess, leading his own trio. At 83 in 2017 Fred still performs, leading a six piece jazz band called Jeriatric Jazz and backing a Duo in a Manchester Social Club