Dream comes true for Justin

A Somerset musician's dream of playing guitar with his heroes has come true after recruiting a former member of legendary group The Shadows into his band.

Justin Daish, 23, of Yeovil, was inspired to pick up the instrument as an eight-year-old boy, when his parents, Monty and Guinevere, took him to see The Shadows. Fifteen years after he was inspired by Cliff Richard's former backing group, he has formed a tribute act and is playing alongside his heroes. Alan Jones, who played bass with The Shadows in the 1970s and 1980s, is a member of Justin's band The Shadowers.

Later this month they will share a gig in Yeovil with Brian 'Licorice' Locking, the Shadows' second bass player, who appeared in Summer Holiday and performed on many of Cliff Richard's greatest hits, including Summer Holiday, Bachelor Boy and The Next Time.

Justin started listening to The Shadows when he found a tape belonging to his parents.

A few years later his parents took him and his younger brother Ethan to see the band in Bristol.

Justin said: "That was it for me. As soon as I saw them, I had caught the bug. From then on I was making cardboard cut-outs of Fender Stratocaster guitars and miming to the tape. My dad ended up buying me a cheap electric guitar and I started lessons at the Gryphon School."

Justin learned the basics at school, but says the majority of his playing is self-taught.

"They call the original Shadows' sound the holy grail," he added. "It is so hard to replicate, it is down to the way of playing and also the old equipment. I have collected some vintage equipment to help create the sound."

Originally formed in the 1950s as a backing group to Cliff Richard, The Shadows went on to be one of the UK's most successful bands in terms of hit singles. Dominated by melodic instrumental music, the band inspired a generation of guitarists. A regular performer at Shadows events, Justin was invited to join a tribute band, the Foot Tappers.

He said: "I started off by playing along with backing tracks at Shadows events, which is what a lot of people do. I was happy doing that for a while, but in the back of my mind I wanted to form a group."

Through the community of fans, he has met most of the original Shadows band members and played alongside many of his heroes.

Justin gave up his day job in the call centre at Screwfix in Yeovil last November to concentrate full-time on his band. The Shadowers play the Exchange in Sturminster Newton tomorrow and Westland Leisure Complex, Yeovil on Friday.