WE thought it was all over - and after this weekend it will be. Music legends The Shadows play the final two shows of their European farewell tour at Birmingham NIA tomorrow and Sunday. But their dates at Symphony Hall last June were billed as their last ever Birmingham concerts - so what's going on? "After 2004's UK tour we had no intention of doing any more shows," says guitarist Hank Marvin. "But we received so many letters from fans in Europe who were disappointed at missing out we agreed to 16 extra shows on the Continent, then 20, then 25 - which is when I put a cap on it and said 'no more'. "But when we were lining them up my manager said there were so many British fans that couldn't get tickets it would be a good idea to return to the UK for more shows. "We said we'd already done the British farewell tour but he suggested we do them at the NIA and call them the Encore concerts. "I think performing at the NIA will be a fitting way to finish - and fans who have followed the tour say we're playing better than ever. We're now match fit! "Birmingham has always been a great place for us - a stronghold for Cliff Richard and the Shadows. I have terrific memories of playing at the Town Hall, the Odeon, Symphony Hall, the NIA and the NEC." The 63-year-old musician explains that the band's farewell tour was originally conceived because the Shadows had never said a proper goodbye to their fans. Hank, Bruce Welch and Brian Bennett reconvened just for the tour. "We hadn't worked together for 14 years," says Hank, who lives in Perth, Australia. "In 1990 we just stopped working and nobody had any warning that we weren't going to tour again. "We thought we'd get back together one last time for the fans while we had the chance and to get rid of any myths that there was still bad feeling between Bruce and I. Yes, there were problems between us but they were blown out of all proportion and they're in the past so we've decided to let them go." Last year's London Palladium show was supposed to have been The Shadows' last ever UK concert, prompting a surprise guest appearance by Sir Cliff Richard. "I don't know what his itinerary is but it would be nice if he turned up for the Birmingham shows - he'd be more than welcome," says Hank. "Whenever he performs in Perth he asks me to appear on stage with him for three or four numbers. It's supposed to be a surprise but as I've done it for his last few tours nobody's really that shocked when I come on!" Hank, who quit touring solo three years ago, is happy to have very little in his diary once The Shadows finally hang up their touring gear for good. "Any time I have to spare I use wisely." | 
