Highly Likely - Whatever Happened To You (1973)

The Likely Lads is a 1960's, black and white British sitcom, broadcast by the BBC and written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. It starred James Bolam and Rodney Bewes as two working class, life long friends, Terry and Bob and was set in the industrial backdrop of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. The show's humour was based around Terry's cynical personality versus Bob's ambition and need to better himself.

Bolam & Bewes aka Terry & Bob

The show returned to the BBC in 1973 as "Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads", this time in colour and with a catchy new theme tune. "Whatever Happened To You (Likely Lads Theme)" is a nostalgia laden singalong with lyrics penned by La Frenais and music scored by ex Manfred Mann multi instrumentalist Mike Hugg. Vocals are provided by Bite It Deep favourite Tony Rivers. Production is handled by Hugg and David Heath Hadfield. It was released as a single on the BBC Records label under the name of Highly Likely.

Mike Hugg

The b-side, "God Bless Everyone" is also worth a mention. This time with Hugg and Rodney Bewes sharing a song writing credit. Not the most natural of singers, Bewes takes the lead vocal, which while it is not as good as his previous single, the fab popsike rarity from 1970, "Dear Mother, Love Albert" b/w "Meter Maid" it is a good effort.

Now, pour yourself an ale and reminisce about the good old days...