Black Lace

Black Lace formed in Bradford in 1979, with Alan Barton, Colin Gibb, and Ian Robinson starting out playing pubs with a mix of original songs and covers. They had a knack for turning simple tunes into party anthems, which led to their 1981 single 'Hokey Cokey' topping the UK chart. That song, along with later hits like 'Agadoo' and 'Do The Conga', became staples at weddings and holiday camps, known for getting crowds moving.

Their live shows were built around flamboyant costumes and energetic, sometimes cheeky, performances that drew criticism from some corners. The band kept touring through the 80s and 90s, maintaining a presence on the novelty and party circuit with songs like 'I Am the Music' and 'Do You Love Me'.

Over time, the lineup shifted, but the core idea of delivering straightforward, danceable fun remained. They never strayed far from the formula that made 'Hokey Cokey' a hit, sticking to what worked for their audience.