The crowd went wild as Sha Na Na burst onto the Midnight Special stage in 1974, decked out in their signature gold lamé suits and slicked-back hair. These guys weren’t just playing rock and roll – they were living, breathing 1950s nostalgia in all its over-the-top glory.
‘Rock Around the Clock’ had already been a massive hit for Bill Haley & His Comets back in ’54, but Sha Na Na breathed new life into the classic tune. Their exaggerated dance moves and theatrical performances took things to a whole new level of entertainment. It wasn’t just about the music – it was a full-on spectacle.
The band had come a long way since their surprise appearance at Woodstock in ’69. By ’74, they were riding high with their own TV show and bringing doo-wop back into the spotlight. Their take on ‘Rock Around the Clock’ showcased everything that made Sha Na Na unique – pitch-perfect harmonies, killer musicianship, and enough energy to power a small city.
Lenny’s moves stole the show.
Lenny Baker, the group’s saxophonist, was a force of nature on that Midnight Special stage. His wild gyrations and manic energy had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. You couldn’t take your eyes off him, even with all the other craziness happening on stage.
The choreography was absolutely bonkers. These guys weren’t content to just stand there and play – they were pulling out every trick in the book. Synchronized spins, knee drops, and enough hip shaking to make Elvis blush. It was like watching a 1950s sockhop cranked up to eleven.
Bowzer, with his deep voice and muscle flexing, was the perfect foil to the more frenetic members of the group. His deadpan expressions and tough-guy persona added another layer to the performance. Meanwhile, the rest of the band was giving it their all, belting out those iconic lyrics and nailing every note.
You can’t help but smile watching these guys in action. Sure, it might seem a little cheesy by today’s standards, but back then, Sha Na Na was keeping the spirit of early rock and roll alive. They weren’t trying to be cool or edgy – they were having fun and inviting the audience along for the ride.
If you dug that Sha Na Na performance, check out Bill Haley:
Share this blast from the past with your friends because Rock Around The Clock is too good to keep to yourself.
