THE SHANGRI-LAS' '89 REUNION CONCERT- By Juan Casiano

Dedicated to Raymond Casiano

The year 1989 was a very special year for me because it was the year of a dream come true. Back in 1967 Betty of the Shangri-Las wrote in my autograph book, upon my graduating from Sacred Heart Grammar School (which the Shangri-Las previously attended) “may at least half my dreams come true”. Little did we know then that she along with Mary and Marge made one of my dreams come true at their reunion concert in 1989 which was to be their last performance together.

The story of the Shangri-Las is a fabulous tale in the history of Rock & Roll. They left their mark in the 3 years they were on the charts. My brother Raymond and I moved to Cambria Heights in 1962. We lived around the corner from sisters Mary and Betty and several blocks down from the twins Marge and MaryAnn on 219th Street. He was 12 years old at the time and I was 9. We became dedicated fans of the Shangri-Las in 1964 when they first hit the charts with their first hit “Remember (Walkin’ In The Sand)”. By 1966 Ray was becoming an aspiring artist whose favorite subject was the Shangri-Las. He drew many sketches of the group, which I would take to the girls’ houses to have autographed. We got to see the girls behind the name. They were always thankful, gracious and appreciative to their fans. They definitely left an impression. By 1971 I moved to Florida and Ray stayed in New York becoming a commercial artist. I vowed to myself if I ever became aware of any performance by the Shangri-Las I would travel to the ends of the earth to see them perform. I only saw them perform live once at a Murray The K Easter Show at the Brooklyn Fox Theater.

Sometime around the mid 70’s Ray informed me that the Shangri-Las were to perform at a nightclub in New Jersey. I immediately hopped on the next flight for the occasion. A phony group duped us. I was mortified to see 3 unknowns claiming to be the original Shangri-Las. We protested to no avail.

The years went by without any word about the original Shangri-Las. Now, the TV program Entertainment Tonight aired on weeknights at 7:30 in the evening, which I faithfully watched every night. They switched the show to 1:30 in the early morning. Obviously I stopped watching the program. About a year later I decided to tape the show to see what was happening in the entertainment world. This was now March of ’89. Some folks might think this pure luck, a miracle or a coincidence. I say it was just meant to be but on the show the next night was an interview the Shangri-Las did for ET. They were suing to stop another group from using their name. In the interview you could see the pain they felt and the hurt. Marge was most upset while viewing a tape of the phony group claiming to be the originals. I was also outraged and wrote a letter in support of the original Shangri-Las. Ray later informed me that the original Shangri-Las were to perform at Cousin Brucie’s Palisades Park Reunion Concert to be held in June. I got a copy of my letter to the producer of the show Richard Nader’s assistant. She marveled at the letter of support and would get back to me. She later informed me that one of the member’s of the Shangri-Las remembered Ray and myself and we would be allowed to meet with them after the show.

On June 3, 1989 Ray, his wife and myself went to the show at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Also performing on the bill were Lesley Gore, Little Anthony, The Tokens, The Chimes, Freddy Cannon and Bobby Rydell. Mr. Nader’s assistant before the show greeted us. The hours ticked away. My heart pounding with the anticipation of seeing the Shangri-Las performing. Ray was not feeling well but was holding his own. He had a history of diabetes and now was in need of a kidney transplant. The Shangri-Las were the last act to take to the stage late into the evening.

They looked fantastic. Each member was dressed in black. They performed their hits including “Remember (Walkin’ In The Sand)”, “Give Him A Great Big Kiss”, “I Can Never Go Home Anymore”, and “Out In The Streets”. They left the stage only to return on motorcycles for their encore performance of “Leader Of The Pack”. They sounded great. A night to remember!

After their performance we went backstage to meet with Mary, Liz and Marge. Mr. Nader’s assistant informed us the ladies would be out after they changed. Soon they appeared. I was mesmerized. We greeted them handing them a bouquet of roses each and a petition I had gathered in support for their justice. I could not believe, after all these years I was standing before the Shangri-Las. After some quick photos and autographs so many other people were also there to see them mobbed the ladies. The time flew by so fast that I really didn’t get a chance to thank them for the music they gave their fans. That night I also met Richard Nader, Cousin Brucie and the “Shadow” George Morton who had flown in from California for the show. The evening ended and we said our good-byes. The one thing I took away with me that evening was that the Shangri-Las were just as thankful, gracious and appreciative as I remembered them to be.

Since that special night in June 1989 Raymond and Marge have passed away. One common bond between Ray and I was our luv for the Shangri-Las. He is deeply missed. Mary and Liz have gotten on with their lives. We can only thank them for the music and wish them peace and happiness. As for myself, I still listen to their music with the fondest of memories.

Dedicated to Raymond Casiano