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Nottingham group enjoyed brief international career

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 03/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Formed in a city with a tradition of lace manufacturing, Paper lace got their big break in 1974 via the TV talent show Opportunity knocks. Their debut single, Billy don't be a hero (about a brave soldier who died in combat) gave them their only UK number one hit. Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods covered hit and had an American hit with the song, preventing Paper lace from repeating their British success in America.



The next single, The night Chicago died (set in the era of prohibition), was a top three UK hit. Without competition from any cover version, it gave them a number one American hit.



Paper Lace's third 1974 single, The black eyed boys, just missed the UK top ten, after which they disappeared from the charts although they made a one-off return in 1978 as backing group for the Nottingham Forest football club with We've got the whole world in our hands.



The single with Nottingham Forest is not included, but their three big hits are all here together with covers of Ragamuffin man (Manfred Mann) and Hitching a ride (Vanity Fare) as well as many other fine songs.



If you enjoy mainstream pop music of the mid-seventies, you might like the music of Paper Lace."