PROMOTING their new Stand By Me album, The Drifters’ Rebranded Tour 2015 is making its way across the country, showcasing the history of the legendary group through their music, past and present, along with newer songs from their latterday recordings.

Originally formed in 1953, the group has had more than 65 members in 62 years,as The Drifters continue to this day, preserving a genre-defining musical legacy few others can match.

The first half got off to a good start as the lights dimmed and the current Drifters took to the stage, the grand swell of the music promising the audience an evening to remember. Michael Williams, Ryan King, Daniel Bowen-Smith and Damion Charles are all talented singers in their own right, and seeing them all working together was something genuinely special as they performed fondly remembered songs such as On Broadway, Under The Boardwalk and Stand By Me.

Things only got more interesting in the second half, however. Opening with a cover of U2’s Vertigo, the singers then turned their attention to songs from other artists – including Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline and Burt Bacharach’s Always Something There To Remind Me – showing a great diversity of styles and talent.

A special mention should also be made of understudy Jerome Bucknor whose contributions, though small, allowed him to show his talent and skill.

The Drifters of 2015 more than live up to their prestigious predecessors, showing respect and reverence for the group’s storied history while also looking to the future.