Band Biographies.

[Jazza]

The Dirty Boogie Band at the Gully were sensational. In the subsequent review by Terrence7, he stated that the VicRock front page had not moved for 2 days and he suggested that VicRock members should not be shy in reviewing their fave rock & roll bands on this site.
This prompted me to think about not only band/gig reviews, but also mini band biographies of rock bands that play our local venues. Might make for some interesting reading. So here’s the first band bio in hope that it will start a chain reaction.

The Blackhill Ramblers.
Although the BHR’s have had a few line-up changes over the years, this bio is of the current members.
Drummer Luke (the drifter) Callahan was inspired to beat the hell outta the skins by his older brother who is also a proficient drummer. Before his engine room duties with BHR’s, Luke played with bands such as ‘Blue Movie’, ‘Blue Suede Groove’ and ‘The Wizards of Oz’.

Fuel injected guitarist John (Johnny Rambler) Palmer was born in Victoria before his family moved to QLD. John spent his teenage years playing in a few different cover bands in the land of the bent banana. The last of John’s QLD bands played original material. To enhance their musical careers, the band uprooted & moved to Melbourne. They lasted for a while then drifted apart. John spent the next 10 years playing blues music. Melbourne bands included :- ‘The Nightstalkers’, John was a founding member of ‘The Flying Saucers’, as well as helping out with such bands as ‘The Hillbillistics’, ‘Straight 8’s’ and Jeannie Lush. But now, Johnny Rambler is part of the furniture in the house of BHR.

Newest member and Big Bull Fiddle player is 19 year old Phil Pellegrino. The accurate sound of Phil’s bass playing can be attributed to his study of music in high school and the teachings of former Blackhill Ramblers’ bass player in Simon Stuart who unfortunately retired from BHR’s due to ill health. Phil’s family are very musical. All his brothers either play guitars, accordions, drums etc. Phil’s whole family are also deeply into Country & Rockabilly. Phil’s father is currently building a 1934 Ford Coupe’ that he’s owned since he was 20. The BHR experience has undoubtedly been a huge learning curve for this young guy.

What could you say about Shane Conners apart from :- Family man, Tradesman Auto Trimmer, Apprentice Cadillac owner, Apprentice lollipop distributor and very much a Tradesman all round nice guy. Shane is also Rhythm guitarist, front man vocalist and super glue of the Blackhill Ramblers. Shane started a band called ‘Coolchange’ around 1994/5. Line-ups included guitarist Bruce Williams & drummer Greg Martin from the ‘Goanna Band’. After these 2 musos went on to form the ‘Diddley Daddies’, Shane re-grouped and changed the name to Blackhill Ramblers in 1999 and the passion continues today.
In interview and e-mail … this is what Shane had to say about his BHR experience to date …
Quote : “I think I have had a ball mate. Made tons of friends. I have played with and met some of the BEST people you could ever know. I enjoy music, I love my family and l love my friends. I know that probably sounds corny, but that’s me”. : Unquote.
That may sound corny Shane, but more importantly … it sounds genuine. Thanx for the entertainment BHR’s.
Jazzman.

[joceb]

Thanks Jazza, great read and good to know a bit about the band members. I'd like to add that the BHR put in a great amount of energy when playing, give away lollies and are great fun to dance to. Always a good night wherever they are playing. I like the idea of band reviews on the site so keep them coming.

[tezza]

great idea jazza!all good for the bands profile,and the fans get more info before they get to the gigs,and this site is nationwide,even worldwide!with rockinbones contributing from britain,and did i see the straycats logged in yesterday???maybe hrgal has spread the word in the usa! hey all!dont forget,if your in dandenong fri nite,check out the HOTEL,flyin saucers!!!!groovy...

[Jazza]

Thanx for responding joceb & terrence7. Did I mention that the effervescent Blackhill Ramblers will be delivering the sermon at the 'Church of Rock' ... Ferntree Gully Hotel this Sunday? Will see you at the Dandenong Hotel tonight T7 where the Flying Saucers will be entertaining the punters.

[Essex]

I just had a look at your 'biog' Jazza and it was an interesting read. I don't know where you get all your information but I enjoyed it.

The Biogs could be on the front page then maybe put into one folder. All sounds good in theory but someone has to research and write them up.

Thanks for the time and effort you put into it

[shane]

Thanks Jazza good write up mate.l enjoy ya work