IT WAS the moment that shook the world. 1956. No – not when Tesco opened its first self-service stores in St Albans or when Parliament passed the Clean Air Act in response to the Great Smog of 1952. 

No, it’s importance was so significant that it left the establishment in tatters and seeking answers.

Marty Wilde was in the centre of the storm when, as a sprightly teen idol, he rode the crest of a rock’n’roll wave destined for the top. 

The singer caught up with The Gazette before his appearance in The Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll Show at The Anvil.

Many argue about the defining moment of rock’n’roll, but for most it was when a quiffed up rebel cried out Well, Since My Baby Left Me, erupting through the tinny speakers of a milkshake jukebox in 1956 that the movement was truly formed. Parents, Parliament, guardians and governments were rattled. 

Elvis who? Never before had a man bought such hysteria – teenagers were finally given a voice and from that rebellion formed and the world as we knew it changed.

At the centre of this explosion of adolescent angst was singer-songwriter Marty Wilde. 

Across a career that celebrates its diamond jubilee next year, the 77-year-old south Londoner communicated with a vast group of youngsters in the UK looking for direction and hope after two world wars decimated the hope of their elders.

“There was just this enormous appeal to the music and at the time it had a phenomenal impact on our country,” Marty told The Gazette. 

“It was like ripples in the pool, once it started it just kept going and I believed, even back then, that the rock’n’roll legacy would live on for decades – I was right.

“It had an edge and because it was heavily influenced by styles, country and western and blues music, it had an enormous appeal to it.

“Teenagers needed something to dance to and we gave them a fresh sound to do it to.”

It’s unsurprising to hear the voice behind hits A Teenager in Love and Rubber Ball envisions a future where rock’n’roll will live on.

He even bet a journalist at the time it would. 

“We work in a nostalgia business and it’s huge for everyone – look at The Eagles when they reformed, it’s the most natural thing in the world for people to want to listen to,” Marty continued.

“Music evokes memories of the past and what has gone with it, so whatever happens there will be a yearn to listen to those older songs that have special places for people.

“Take that song by Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling – it’s going to last forever because I, like everyone, put it on and it gives me a buzz, and it’s those classics that stay forever.”

For his show the Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll Show, Marty will be joined by an array of fellow former idols – a bill which looks as if it could be reunion tour of a late 1950s version of X Factor. 

Backed by his former band The Wildcats, Marty’s compatriots for the night include 1960s hitmaker Mike Berry, Well I Ask You singer Eden Kane and Venus in Blue Jeans melody-maker Mark Wynter. 

“I’ve known them all for years and it’s an absolute laugh being back with them, especially now at our age,” Marty added.

“Together we showed them all that rock’n’roll would last and that it is all about the memories.

“So when we come to Basingstoke, people will bring their memories but we’ll also make some new ones.”

The show comes to The Anvil on October 21 at 7.45pm.

Tickets start at £28.50. For details visit: anvilarts.org.uk