Rock & Roll News:

Graeme Thomas who passed away late in 2022, was a giant & legend in Melbourne's music recording industry. He founded Preston Records Studio and was hugely influential in just about any roots, rockabilly and rock n roll bands in Melbourne in the 1980's and 1990's. He could even make his recording studio sounds like the world's famous Sun Studio in Memphis by making small adjustments to his... [Read More]

Lat weekend, Jon & Zoe's Alleycatz celebrated its 18th birthday in hosting dances and rock n roll classes. They have put in, over the years, a tremendous amount of time and effort together with commitment and dedication in promoting rock n roll dancing & live music in Melbourne. Little wonder, their efforts were deservedly recognised by the VRRDA and inducted into its Hall of Fame this... [Read More]

Jimmy Buffett, an American singer & song writer, businessman and author, passed away on 1 September 2023 at the age of 76. He was popularly known for his tropical rock music which often portrays a lifestyle as "island escapism". His early song, Come Monday, was a popular tune but his breakthrough song was "Margaritaville" released in 1977. This was followed up with other hit tunes like Fins,... [Read More]

A Band Called Twang or popularly known as Twang from Queensland toured Melbourne last weekend playing to full house dance gigs for Jon & Zoe's Alleycatz at the Hungarian Club in Wantirna South as well as at the Polish Club in Sunshine. The last time the band came to Melbourne was 7 or 8 years ago so it was a very welcome gig, and many rock n roller dancers were particularly looking forward to... [Read More]

The very popular Swedish rockabilly band, the Go Getters, made another visit to Australia this month. I believe it's last tour in Australia was back in 2016 when the band played for Greazefest Brisbane followed a week later at Greazefest Melbourne as well as playing gigs in Sydney and at the Mustang Bar in Perth.

This time around, the band was invited to play for Cooly Rock 'n'... [Read More]

From Lea. "My darling sweet Ashley passed away on Sunday the 12 of February. My heart is shattered. I know his memory of his fantastic music and photos will live on".

Ashley was a true music icon of Melbourne's rock and roll scene who passed away far too soon. He brought people together with his infectious energy, and his passion for music was contagious. He had a unique... [Read More]

With the festive season upon us, clubs and venues are starting to hold their annual Christmas rock n roll dances in the month of December. This weekend, Jon & Zoe's Alleycatz kicked it off with their annual White Christmas Ball held at two venues - the Hungarian Club in Wantirna South and the Polish Club in Sunshine. Both events were sold out early. Kid James Trio which is one of Melbourne's... [Read More]

Imagine being placed in a time machine and get transported back to the 1950's era when rock n roll first bursts open like an all consuming fireball thrusting itself almost uninvited, and rudely intruded and interrupted the very conservative 1950's social fabric, culture and values as well as the music & dance scene at that period in time. There was Elvis the King, Bill Haley & the... [Read More]

After a two year delay due to Covid, DJ Ashley plus Jonathan and Zoe from the Alleycatz were finally inducted into VRRDA’s Hall of Fame to celebrate the huge contribution and their dedication in promoting 1950’s style rock n roll music and dancing. Well done and my congratulations!

DJ Ashley, for many years, was legendary as the promoter of venues in Melbourne for live music and... [Read More]

Another fantastic 1950's style rock n roll festival staged last week in Coolangatta, Queensland. Like in previous year, the Cooly Rocks On festival is free entry to all events and band performances with the exception of the Elvis tributes and competition which is a ticketed event. The weather was warm and sunny during the day all week and those coming from the colder southern states absolutely... [Read More]