Fixed version of a couple of Pan’s People rarities, first posted in 2016.
Here’s an early Christmas present, courtesy of forum regular Gaz: two extremely rare clips of Pan’s People performances from BBC2 Light Entertainment show “Night Club”.
Both routines show evidence of the complex choreographic Flick Colby was capable of with enough preparation and rehearsal time, outwith the constant mad dash of TOTP production.
1. Nothing Can Stop Me Now by Barry Crocker
17 August 1972: recorded at The Talk of the Town, London
This showstopper from 1965 musical “The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd” sees Pan’s people in Corset & Bodice outfits, during an energetic, complicated routine with skipping ropes while Barry Crocker (now probably best know for this) sings.
2. Theme From Shaft
20 November 1972: recorded in Munich
Pan’s People dance to Isaac Heyes classic film theme in suits.
I’ve no information as to the identity of the orchestra, but I presume, given the venue, that they’re German. And on the whole, they give a good account of themselves with this performance, but with one glaring exception: the bass guitarist. It’s pretty clear from his performance (and in “Shaft” the bass is at times the lead instrument) that he has never heard the original piece of music he’s playing. I think he’s probably sight-reading the music, Particularly at the dramatic central rapid triplet motif (“Baddle-it! Baddle-it! Baddle-it! Bam!) This guy gets the emphasis totally wrong (“Dah-de-doo! Dah-de-doo! Dah-de-doo! Duh!). pretty much ruining the performance for me I’m afraid.
Aside from my moans about the bass player, these are two top quality (in performance terms, if not reproduction) routines by Pan’s People. Many thanks to Gaz for unearthing and contributing them, and to Ryan for organising getting them to me.
