Born in the British Leeward Islands,[1] Romeo Alexander Challenger moved to the United Kingdom as an infant.

In 1962, he was taught how to play the drums[2] and after a stint in the satanic group Black Widow[3][4] left to join Choise who in 1973 met The Golden Hammers and became Showaddywaddy.

[2] Challenger played in the Leicester Boys' football team with Peter Shilton and Jeff Blockley,[6] who both went on to enjoy professional careers.

In October 1972, he left Black Widow and replaced Richard Hough in the cover band Choise, which also had Dave Bartram (vocals), Trevor Oakes (guitar), and Al James (bass).

Challenger is the only of the original eight members of Showaddywaddy who still tours in the current version of the band, since bassist Rod Deas retired in January 2019.

[12] Challenger no longer wears the bands trademark Teddy boy drape jacket when performing anymore, as it restricts his playing.