One of the UK’s most successful soul groups from the 1970s and 80s is being honoured in their hometown of Liverpool.
The Real Thing, known for a string of hit songs, received the prestigious Roll of Citizen of Honour of the City of Liverpool during a ceremony at St George's Hall.
Founders Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, the only surviving members of the original four-member group from Toxteth, were presented with commemorative scrolls to celebrate the recognition. The late members, Chris Amoo's older brother Eddie, who passed away six years ago, and Ray Lake, who died in 2000, were represented by their families at the event.
The Merseyside band achieved international fame with their hit "You To Me Are Everything," becoming the first all-Black British band to top the UK charts.
Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside, Amoo reflected: "When Dave and I formed the band, singing to our favourite records in our living rooms, we never imagined that, along with Eddie and Ray, we would experience a day like this. We just wanted to sing, that’s all we ever wanted to do, and now we are receiving this award, which makes us so proud." He added, "We are very proud to be from Liverpool. People used to think we were from America, but now they know we’re from Toxteth."
Among their most famous tracks, "You To Me Are Everything" topped the charts in 1976 and re-entered the charts a decade later, reaching number five. The group followed up with other major hits like "Can You Feel The Force" and "Can't Get By Without You."
In 2005, French house duo The Freeloaders brought The Real Thing back into the charts by sampling their song "Love's Such a Wonderful Thing." Additionally, their track "Children of the Ghetto" has been covered by several artists, including Philip Bailey, formerly of Earth, Wind & Fire, and R&B star Mary J. Blige.