It’s always good to see an act returning to play at a venue. And many do. Often. Marty Wilde is the latest to return to Dunfermline’s Alhambra after a short gap, well 51 years ago as a rock ’n’ roller barely in his twenties he played a three night season in the venue.

Wilde of today brought his  ‘Born to Rock ‘n’ Roll’ tour into town backed as always by The Wild Cats and with guest appearances from Eden Kane, Jet Harris and his youngest daughter Roxy Wilde.

The 500 strong audience were probably of a similar vintage to the stars, I don’t know about them being ‘A Teenager in Love’ perhaps a ‘Septuagenarian in Love’ may be more apt in most cases, but Wilde, and they had a great time from the off. He opened the gig himself giving one and all a selection of both his own material together with that of some of his contemporaries prior to introducing daughter Roxy to continue the 50’s & 60’s feel with her take on songs from twenty years before she was born. Like her older brother Ricky and sister Kim, Roxy has obviously inherited a large chunk of her parents singing talent, her mother was a Vernon Girl in case you were unaware and it was pleasing to see the family tradition was alive and well.

Back came Wilde with some further numbers before the next guest Eden Kane, a relative spring chicken at only 69, took over for a set including his biggest hits coupled with a selection of other songs of the time. Although I was aware of a couple of his hits, I was surprised that I knew so manyof the songs this California based performer was involved with.

After the break, the fare was similar, Marty belying his years and singing as well if not better than I remember, royally entertaining one and all, Roxy returned for a few numbers including a duet with her father, before the diminutive form of Jet Harris took to the stage armed with a guitar nearly as big as him. Harris of course was once bassist with the Shadows and of course had a number of hit singles with another former Shad Tony Meehan. Now on lead guitar Harris played a selection of numbers from his repertoire with the Shadows and his own stuff, even finding time to play a tribute to Duane Eddy also.

A few more songs then followed from Mr Wilde, including a return of Eden Kane and Roxy for a further couple of numbers, including a tribute to Elvis.

After a shade over two hours 15 Marty drew the evening to a conclusion, but of course there was an encore with all performers from an excellent evenings entertainment involved.

I knew I would probably like this show, but I have it admit it totally exceeded my expectations. Everybody involved from the excellent sound and lighting engineers to the very talented Wild Cats, from the guests to the main man exuded professionalism and I can only hope to be in as good a shape as them when I reach their age, err that’s not including Roxy whose age I passed a while ago.

To see if this show is touring near you check out www.martywilde.com and for all future gigs at The Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline check out www.alhambradunfermline.com