David Essex

David Essex started his musical career as a drummer before joining a repertory company to perform in a show called The Fantasticks, before moving on to the starring role of Jesus in Godspell. While performing in the rock musical, he was offered the leading role in the movie That'll Be The Day. He was given two months leave from Godspell to complete the filming and kick started his solo career with singles Rock On and Lamplight.

By May 1974, David had a third smash hit single, America, and his first LP, Rock On. He also embarked on a successful 14-day promotional tour of the USA.

Offered the sequel to That'll Be The Day, he continued the story of young Jim Maclaine - the lad from the East End who wanted to reach the top of the pop music world in the 1960s - in Stardust.

With his cocksure grin and knowing twinkle in his eye, Essex was the 70s Robbie Williams. As his 1973 debut Rock On demonstrates, he wasn't sure whether to compete with Marc Bolan (Lamplight) or Charles Aznavour (On and On), but there is no denying the surreal splendour of that debut single.