'We cover everything from the time original band members got drunk before a performance at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem and were sacked, to the time they were stopped by the state police and suspected of robbing a loan company. 'We had 65 years to condense into a two-hour show, so it was difficult deciding what to keep in and what to keep out,' Williams says, 'but I believe we have struck the right balance of light and shade. The death scene (Lewis was found dead in a hotel room in Harlem in 1964, aged just 27) is just one of many dramatic stops in the Drifters story, as covered by Stand By Me which comprises a cast of 16 and includes screen clips, singing, sketches, dancing and anecdotes, not to mention over 100 costumes. 'I love the vibe and energy in Northern Ireland, so we booked an apartment in Belfast and got writing – we wrote a couple of the major scenes from our room, including the tragic death of former Drifter, Rudy Lewis.' 'We needed inspiration and could think of nowhere better to come and write,' Williams says. In fact, Williams and Kathy Mashadi, co-writer of new musical revue, Stand By Me: A celebration of Ben E King and The Drifters – which rolls into town on January 19 for two shows at Belfast's Grand Opera House – travelled to Northern Ireland four years ago specifically to write a number of its scenes.

He has been here before and he likes us because we 'sure like to party' – and are quick to get on our feet and interact with the music on stage.

DAPPER in a sharp black suit and looking more like a friendly bouncer than former singer with world-renowned band, The Drifters' Michael Williams was easy to pick out among the locals hanging out in a Belfast hotel at Friday lunch-time.īut belying his huge presence – literally and figuratively – it is a gentle Alabama voice which politely greets me and one ever-ready to sing the praises of a Northern Ireland audience, it seems.

Stand by me music