Paper Lace is one of Nottingham’s most-famous bands who rose to fame with a string of chart-topping hits that have seen them perform on the stage and screen. A must for any private function, retro club night or corporate dinner, they are not to be missed.
Paper Lace is a famous pop group who first formed in 1967 as Music Box. The quartet consisted of Cliff Fish, Roy White, Dave Manders and Phil Wright performing Beach Boy covers. Their success in clubs and pubs led to reformation as Paper Lace. They started recording their own material and soon embarked on a journey of the club circuit impressing audiences around the country. Notable venues in these early days include a season at Tiffany’s in Rochdale and The Birdcage in Ashton-Under-Lyne.
The live band wowed wherever they went and eventually received an invitation to appear on the sensational talent show Opportunity Knocks. The evergreen talent show was a mainstay of British entertainment running from 1949 to 1990 in various forms. It proved to be the launching pad for famous artists such as Freddie Starr and the Delmonts, Paul Daniels, Su Pollard, Les Dawson, Bonnie Langford and Tony Monopoly.
Paper Lace entered the show which saw viewing figures of seven million and became an overnight sensation. They dominated the show for five weeks and were subsequently signed to Polydor Records. Their first single “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” was a smash hit and went straight to number one on the UK Singles Charts. It would spend a total of 14 weeks in the charts with three of those at the pinnacle. Their next hit, ‘The Night Chicago Died’, was also a massive success. It spent 11 weeks on the charts and reached number three. Their third single of the year entitled ‘The Black-Eyed Boys’ would also chart and reached number 11 in late 1974.
Their success was echoed across the pond where ‘The Night Chicago Died’ topped the Billboard Hot 100. The single sold over three million copies and won Paper Lace a gold disc from the R.I.A.A.
Paper Lace has since gone through various line-up changes but has maintained their award-winning sound throughout. They have released several albums and even played for the Queen Mother at the Royal Variety Performance. Their unique pop sound and stellar stage presence have kept this band evergreen marking them as the perfect entertainment for any occasion.
