As one of the biggest selling bands of all time, The Drifters have had more than 50 hits and sold more than 214 million singles and more than 114 million albums.

The Guide spoke to singer Michael Williams, pictured second from right, about his time in the band and their new album.

Five Decades And Moore pays tribute to Johnny Moore, who was a Drifter for more than 25 years before his death in 1998.

"We thought it was fitting to name the album after him," explains Williams.

"There's quite a few covers on the album; we've done a version of the U2 track I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.

"We've given it a completely different feel, we've slowed it down and given a gospel feel to it.

"It's a great track and I had the pleasure of recording it."

The record features other songs by bands and artists including The Bee Gees and Prince.

"We've been around for 55 years and for the first album back it was planned to have some great songs from over the past 50 years," he adds.

The Drifters were formed in 1953 by Clyde McPhatter, lead singer of the Dominoes, and founder of Atlantic Records Ahmet Ertegun, under the management of former jazz singer George Treadwell.

Since forming the line-up has featured more than 55 singers, including icons such as Ben E King, Rudy Lewis and Charlie Thomas – each of whom were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

Williams has been a Drifter for about four years and spent a year as an understudy for the band.

He was spotted by George's daughter, Tina Treadwell.

"I was at a New York nightclub doing a solo spot and she happened to be there and asked me if I wanted to be an understudy.

"I thought at first she was kidding but it was true," Williams explains.
"When Roy Hemmings left I took over his spot."

A fan of Motown and Michael Jackson, Williams grew up dancing to the Drifters songs his parents would play.

He says: "Every now and then I have to pinch myself and say 'I'm really here, I'm really part of this group which has lasted for so long and with a legacy that is so big and so fantastic'.

"Everywhere we go all over the world the audience are spellbound."

The group have also recorded their own version of Elton John's hit Sacrifice, which will be released as a charity single in aid of Princess Diana's HIV/Aids charity Mildmay.

Williams revealed that while the band's new album covers some of the biggest songs of the past 50 years, members are already working on new material.

"It's always been the plan to start recording new tracks," he explains.

"It's all fine and well going over the old stuff – and the old songs will never die – but there comes a time when we have to try something different and something new.

"We want to reach out to the young fans so they have something to follow.

"I was talking to a friend of mine who thought he didn't know any of The Drifters' songs.

"I started naming them – Kissing In The Back Row of the Movies, There Goes My First Love – every song I mentioned he knew without realising it and that's what its about; great songs that stick in the mind."

Tonight's gig will also feature other classics including Saturday Night At The Movies, Under The Boardwalk and Come On Over To My Place.

It will also include unseen Drifters footage from the last 50 years.

Ticket cost £21 and doors open at 7.30pm.

For more information call 01604 624 811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk.