There are those who say rock'n'roll from the '50s and early '60s makes modern pop music seem bland and tuneless.

The De Valence Pavilion in Tenby will put this to the test on October 17.

John Lennon once said: "Before Elvis there was nobody." Some critics of today's rock and roll would take it further and say, 'There was nobody after Elvis, either.'

The De Valence recognises this view, though it would never agree with it. They put on all sorts of rollicking entertainment in this popular venue - from up to date pop music right through to the older styles of the rocking art form.

Unlike the American superstars, British rock 'n' roll was rather looked down upon in the late '50s. But one UK band which was hugely respected was Lord Rockingham's 11.

Sounds like a soccer team, but this innovative rocking band was a hit parade topper and star of an astounding ITV show called 'Oh Boy.'

This was a huge fast-moving blockbuster of a rock'n'roll show, knocking the BBC's rival 6 - 5 special into a cocked hat. It introduced Cliff Richard, Billy Fury and Marty Wilde to an eager audience of screaming fans. Backing these thrilling new British stars was Lord Rockingham's 11.

This audience for 'Oh Boy' is now in its 60s. But it will remember with affection the pounding beat of Lord Rockingham's 11, especially their number one hit, Hoots Mon. Playing sax on that record was Stuart McDonald.

Stuart will be presenting and starring in a show called 'You were Made for Me' at the De Valance, Tenby, on October 17.

About five years after the fabulous 'Hoots Mon' hit, a Liverpool-style group called Freddie and the Dreamers zoomed up in the charts. They had huge hits with 'You Were Made for Me,' the title of Tenby's De Valance show on October 17.

Fans will also remember 'I'm telling You Now' and 'If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody,' as well as other smash hits.

Sadly, Freddie Garrity, the lead singer, passed away two years ago, but his Dreamers rock on - and have managed to capture exactly the same sound, with which they'll rock the De Valance in October.

And together with the sound of the Swinging Sixties, the nostalgia show will add its '50s flavour with early hits of the Everly Brothers. Not the real brothers this time, but the Temple Brothers.

Though you could hardly tell the difference from the real act, given the brilliant harmonising that the Temple Brothers achieve.

To see two original rock 'n' roll acts and one superb tribute duo, tickets are available now at the De Valence in Upper Frog Street, Tenby, at £12 each. More details at http://www.devalence.co.uk">www.devalence.co.uk

Malcolm Stacey