Rockabilly "Shoot Out"

[Jitterbug]

In just one day, at a place called the Gully, the rockabilly “mobsters” have shot to pieces the hard earned reputation of Melbourne as the serene, cultural capital of Australia. Yes, we still have the museum and the arts centre with regular ballet and theatrical performances. But after witnessing the totally wild rockabilly “Shoot Out” at the Ferntree Gully hotel today, even a hard core gangster like Al Capone would find it hard to match the “take no prisoners” full blown intensity & passion to celebrate rockabilly music, dance & fashion. The message from the Gully today is unmistakably loud and clear – Rockabilly Music Rule. It was a music fest that Melbourne would be proud to call its own. There was glamour galore and an excitement plus atmosphere for all. And the punters voted with their feet, and totally love it.

We had the Rockabilly “Meltdown” and the Rockabilly “Rumble”. And this arvo, we rivalled if not surpassed all with the Rockabilly “Shoot Out”. What an awesome event this afternoon! What a crowd with Baby Boomers mingling easily with Gen X & Y! What fantastic rockabilly music from 9 great Ozzie bands headed by Doug Wilshire & the Tail Spinners from Queensland! It wouldn't even surprise me if one day we see an overseas rockabilly band as part of the line up, and I don't just mean one from across Tasmania either. What a fantastic time for the dancers! If only we had a dance floor as vast as the wide open spaces of the MCG for dancing ............

There were hot rods, Kustoms cars & motor bikes on display. Also the speciality merchandise stalls. If you love retro 1950’s sub culture, there was a rockabilly fashion catwalk sponsored by Vivien of Holloway. Don’t the guys love the Pin-up girl parade! There was an opportunity for aficionados to flash their tatts, and even a male Bop dance challenge. Just about the only thing missing was burlesque but I am sure that will come one day too.

Cliff & Maryann and their band of helpers have done it again. Rockabilly music & culture seemingly run in their veins. Just cannot thank them enough for on their ongoing passion and drive to show case rockabilly music and culture in Melbourne. And thanks to the 9 bands that participated today. Whether it's pumpin' pure Southern Fried or Hi Octane rockabilly, 1950's rock & roll, Country Rock and Rockin' Blues, their music rock! It's what made the punters feeling happy & blessed after celebrating mass at the Gully rockabilly church. I think the rockabilly gods smiled on us today .........

[Foxy]

Hey Jitts
What a great day. I was priviledged to be there from start to finish & loved every minute of it. The only thing I wanted to add was.... When's the next one? Thanks again Cliff, Maryann, Jazz great job once again xx

[FIGJAM]

Thanks for the review Paul. There is no denying now, the event was living proof that Melbourne does have a Rockabilly scene. I thought I was at the Stray Cats gig again.

Others may have different views but I personally can see a defining of a Melbourne Rockabilly style that is different to rockabilly bands from other countries and states. Maybe its our unusual climate, competitive spirit, hunger for live music or the fresh enthusiasm of the bands like the lineup Sunday, Who knows, there is definately an edge of aggression or dynamics in each band that's different. Having said that, the Tail spinners from Qld slotted in like a dream and great bunch of guys to boot. Poor Paul on Double Bass caught Swine Flu off me I think. He was in a real bad state for the flight home Monday.

In the crowd were key committee members from from 3 of the biggest Hot Rod Events in Australia and also events personel from 2 councils. It is encouraging to know that people with power have an interest in this scene and what is happening and are viewing it with favourable, wider eyes.

It was wall to wall people. If I was another kilo bigger I would never have walked through the crowd.

The burlesque troupe had to cancel at the last minute due to the theft of costumes. If anyone finds a tiny black bag containing a hand full of sequins and some small red feathers please let us know.
No-one was disappointed though as Rosie jumped on stage and performed some burlesque style moves to a receptive Cliff I'm told.

If anyone has photos, can you send me some.


This has been Jazz, Cliff and my 4th attempt at bringing some buzz and excitement to Melbourne Rockabilly and Rocka'n'Roll in a different way to what everyone else does. It is not without hard work, worry and risk and in hindsight there are always things we'd do and will do differently. eg Availability of seating and food have become items that need more consideration for the future as several people have let us know.

The learning curve is ongoing, however without doubt, these events have the seeds to grow into something bigger than texas. I think everyone that went can see that. Time will tell.

THANKYOU TO THE FERNTREE GULLY HOTEL MANAGEMENT AND STAFF, EVERYONE WHO WENT, PERFORMED, HELPED etc, THE RODDERS WHO BRAVED THE RISKY WEATHER TO SHOW THEIR CARS AND ALL THE OTHER PIECES OF THE ENTERTAINMENT JIGSAW THAT ENABLE EVENTS TO HAPPEN AND SUCCEED.

Finally on topic, as I have said before, it is satisfying so many people like the same type of entertainment we like.
I still remember not so long ago getting told what we had in mind, would never work.

This Sunday the Shootout continues - Atomic Hi-Tones are appearing at Flannigans and its Foxy's birthday so mosy along and help her celebrate her special milestone.

1130 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully - Great Sunday entertainment every week and a really fun wind up to your weekend's with mates. GREAT STUFF

[Jazza]

Another fabulous day was had at the Ferntree Gully Hotel with the gynormous hot rod – rockabilly and kustom culture ‘Shootout’. The major events room was sardine city as was the car park earlier in the day. It was a surprise to see so many Queenslanders at the Shootout, especially when it’s so close to the Wintersun festival.
“Four outta four ain’t bad”. I know it’s a bit cliche, but “nothing succeeds like success” and that success very much depends on months of promotion, preparation and help on the day. It also depends on continuing support by the FTG Hotel.
Thanx to Doug Whiltshire & the Tailspinners and the great sounds of our Melbourne (and Warrnambool) bands
Well done Bec, Tracey, Cliff, Maryann, Bendigo Brett and sound man Bruce. And well done VicRock members: - Icon, RobE, Sue Purple, Foxy, Calamity Jane, HotRodGirl and Mr MC … Gag.
The pix below include some of the special-interest-vehicle prize winners. The cash prizes were donated by the Hotel. There may be more photos on the Jett D myspace site in the future. http://www.myspace.com/jetabadoy