The other fab four

4:17pm Thursday 12th June 2008

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More than 50 hit singles, at least 14 million singles sold worldwide, and in excess of 114 million albums sold globally.

All are impressive statistics but perhaps the most startling figure in the Drifters' illustrious 55-year lifetime is that the group has incorporated more than 55 different singers.

Originally formed in 1953, the band was shaped under the tutelage of Ahmet Ertegun and George Treadwell, who put forward the name of the Drifters as a way of characterising the here today, gone tomorrow attitude to the line-up.

Over the years, vocalists such as Ben E King, Rudy Lewis and Charlie Thomas spent stints in the band, producing such classic tracks as Under the Boardwalk, Saturday Night At the Movies, There Goes My Baby, and many more.

One current member, Steve V King, explains how he got to make his mark in musical history.

He says, "I was in the American military for about 10 years and, while I was there, played the piano and got to work on the stage shows that travelled around for the troops.

"I stayed in music after I left the military and saw an audition asking for American vocalists so I went along.

"I knew a guy who had been with the Drifters and, at the audition, I got to meet Tina Treadwell (daughter of George) - then I just got lucky."

King has been with The Drifters for close to four years and admits he is relishing his time as part of the legendary line-up.

And, with a new album on the horizon, he is quick to brush aside any talk of merely cashing in.

He adds: "I was aware of a number of Drifters acts doing the rounds so I asked what made them different.

"Tina was quick to explain it was her father who set up the band and that we are a continuation of the brand.

"It is exciting - I'm not part of a tribute act, I am part of the Drifters legacy."

The current show is a glossy mix of music both new and old and previously unseen archive footage.

And the Miami-based singer reveals there is a lot of pressure to contend with: "There is a lot of history and there are a lot of songs to learn."

"They are always trying to keep the image of the group going so they never lose the look'. But it does make you nervous that you could be the one who may be replaced!"

The Drifters, Rose Theatre, June 15, 7.30pm, £10/£15/£20, 0871 2301552.