An upbeat rock and roll anthem for lost love and memories
The late 1970s was a decade of seismic shifts in popular music. Disco balls spun in a haze of glitter, punk rock snarled with raw energy, and arena rock bands filled stadiums with pyrotechnics and power chords. Yet, amidst this sonic maelstrom, a Leicester-based band with a penchant for teddy boy aesthetics and a sound steeped in the golden age of rock and roll carved out a unique and enduring niche. That band was Showaddywaddy, and in 1975, they delivered a nostalgic jolt to the UK charts with their cover of “Three Steps To Heaven.”
Originally a 1960 hit for the American rock and roll icon Eddie Cochran, Showaddywaddy‘s rendition became an even greater success in their homeland. It was a testament to their ability to capture the innocent joy and infectious rhythm of the 1950s and early ’60s. The song soared up the UK charts, peaking at a remarkable No. 2, and becoming one of the most beloved and recognizable hits of their career. It was a time when the band’s carefully crafted retro image and high-energy live performances were at their peak, cementing their status as household names.
The story behind this particular song is imbued with a bittersweet poignancy that adds a layer of depth to its seemingly simple lyrics. Eddie Cochran‘s original was released just before his tragic death in a car accident in 1960, a few years after the similarly tragic death of Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. The song, with its optimistic and romantic lyrics about taking “three steps to heaven” to be with the one you love, became a eulogy of sorts for a young life cut short. When Showaddywaddy covered it, they were not just reinterpreting a classic; they were paying homage to a fallen hero of the genre they so deeply admired. Their version, with its tight harmonies, driving beat, and celebratory energy, felt less like a mournful tribute and more like a joyful remembrance, a way of keeping the spirit of rock and roll—and its pioneers—alive and kicking.
For those of us who came of age in that era, hearing “Three Steps To Heaven” today is a time-travel machine. It’s a song that conjures up images of school discos and youth club dances, of awkward slow dances and the first, heady flush of romance. The lyrics, “Just three steps to heaven / That’s where you are and I’ll be there,” resonate with a youthful optimism that feels both distant and immediate. It’s a feeling of pure, uncomplicated love, the kind that believes any obstacle can be overcome with a little rhythm and a lot of heart. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to tap into this universal human experience, wrapped in a package of irresistible melodies and toe-tapping beats.
Beyond the nostalgia, Showaddywaddy‘s version of “Three Steps To Heaven” is a masterclass in musical interpretation. They took a song that was already great and made it their own, infusing it with their signature flair. The polished production, the vibrant energy of the band members, and the sheer joy radiating from every note made it a chart sensation. It was part of an era when Showaddywaddy released a string of hits, including their other chart-topper “Under the Moon of Love,” and their album ‘Trocadero’, showcasing their undeniable talent and their deep-seated love for a bygone era of music. It’s a song that proves that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to look back, and that the timeless melodies of the past can still sound fresh and exciting in the present. It’s more than just a song; it’s a moment in time, a memory set to music, and a vibrant reminder of the power of a great tune to bring people together.