The Fabulous Shadows rock the boats during last performance
<p>Fabulous Shadows lead singer Jim Frame leads the 600 cruise attendees in singing the classic rock song “Gloria” as the boat returns to the Independence Point dock to end the evening. The song lasted about 30 minutes and has been the traditional ending to all of the Shadows' cruises over the past three decades. Left to right: Mike Bolan, lead guitar; Dr. Jack Fulwiller, sax; Frame; Pete Shepperd, bass guitar; and Dexter Yates, keyboards.</p>
<p>The Fabulous Shadows play a sunset set Wednesday during their double-boat float finale on a Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruise. Left to right: Mike Bolan, Dr. Jack Fullwiler, Jim Frame, Pete Shepperd, Doug Wanamaker (drums) and Dexter Yates.</p>
COEUR d’ALENE — Just as expected, the Fabulous Shadows did not fail to give a farewell performance that will go down in history.
"We got to get up on the stage one last time," Fabulous Shadows keyboardist Dexter Yates said Friday morning. "It was real emotional for us because we knew it was the last time we would play."
The Fabulous Shadows' final performance was on a "double-boat float" cruise on Lake Coeur d'Alene Wednesday evening. The two boats were tied together for a big party that 600 people enjoyed. It was a sold-out show, and the tickets sold immediately when the community heard it was the Fab Shadows' last ride.
"It was unbelieveable," Yates said. "I don't even have words to describe it. You had to be there."
In true Fabulous Shadows fashion, the eight original members — Mike Bolan, Tom Dotzler, Dr. Jack Fulwiler, Jim Frame, Glen Smith, Pete Shepperd, Doug Wanamaker and Yates — made an extravagent entrance that gave people something to talk about for years to come.
With sirens blaring, firehoses blasting and the excitement mounting, the Shadows appeared on the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department's fire boat, dressed as firemen and ready to rock.
"We thought that would be a great way to come in," Yates said. "We've done a lot of crazy things through the years."
The Fabulous Shadows formed in Coeur d'Alene in 1963, played for about five years, reunited for a big show in 1980, retired and were called out of retirement by their loyal longtime fans.
"To see these guys that are all 70 years old and still rocking the boat is encouraging for us," said Rhythm Dawgs band member Jim Gray. "Watching these guys and watching the crowd interact with them, what a blast. People had a great time."
The Rhythm Dawgs, also a popular Lake City band, performed first that evening and enjoyed the show among the audience when the Shadows took the stage.
"We got to open for the Shadows, the Fabulous Shadows," Gray said. "Not only have they been together 53 years, but they're the same guys. That's part of their magic. It's the same group of guys. I think it's absolutely incredible. It's extremely unique and it's something to be celebrated."
Hagadone Hospitality president and co-founder Jerry Jaeger, who helped facilitate the event, said it was a "big success."
"Our Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises team, the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, Broods Seaplanes and all involved did an outstanding job," Jaeger said. "The Fabulous Shadows and the Rhythm Dawgs were both just great. It was really fun working with Dexter again. The Shadows truly are Fabulous!"
Yates said it was a happy night and an emotional night, but it was a perfect finale that could never be topped.
"Our dream came true that we were able to go out on a high note," Yates said. "The only wish we didn't fulfil was we didn't outlast the Rolling Stones."