Wintersun 2005...The Music

Being our first Wintersun, we weren't quite sure of what to expect. I done as much research as I could and was prepared for most things. We didn't realise how much walking  and dancing we would do. Still, we had a ball in our element. Cars and rock and roll. It don't get much better. I must first warn everyone, that our preference is Rockabilly, so most of the bands we listened to were Rockabilly.

 

 

While at the market day, I snapped this pic. That is Rockabilly Jack and Glen from the Creepers. Jack is one of the regulars to Wintersun and has become quite a legend. Next pic is some of the dancing that went on all day, everyday in the shopping mall. Any one can jump up and dance till their hearts content.

This was Rockabilly HQ at the Coolangatta Hotel function room and this was the first band we saw. I think they were The Fying Saucers and hailed from Melbourne. They played very good, tight rockabilly. We bought their CD. The next band was The Retro Rockets. They hailed from Newcastle and blew everyone away. If you are into Stray Cats, then these guys will rock you. The guitarists rips off Setzer licks constantly and has captured the exact sound. He even plays the same model Gretsch as Brian Setzer. While he is doing his thing, the young bass player gets your attention. If not due to his mowhawk hair style and his constant bobbing head, it is with his driving slap bass. The drummer is not your normal stand up rockabilly drummer. He sits like a rock drummer, most of the time. He does get up and gets into  drumming on the bass while the bass player does the fingering when performing a rendition of  Please Don't Go. They got a standing ovation the 3  times we saw them play. Needless to say, we bought their CD as well. They were the pic of the bands in my, or should I say, our opinion.

This is the slick Chrome Daddies. They always get a crowd with their blend of country and rockabilly. Marg's favourite band. Of course we have all their CDs as well as the singer's  ( Doug Wilshire ) solo effort. The next band is The Creepers. Sydney band and we have heard these guys many times. Mainly because we are fairly good friends with the bass player and his wife. They have a stand in lead guitarist from Wes Pudseys band . The boys are auditioning for a permanent member.

This is one of the stages located throughout the town. This was referred to as the Rockabilly stage and was conveniently the closest to where we were staying. This band was called the Purple Drippers. Notice the drummer is standing like the traditional Rockabilly drummer. The odd thing though is he doesn't have a kick ( bass ) drum. They were OK. The guitarist was a better singer than a guitarist. Next pic is one of the many Rockabilly girls at the event. I hope Marg doesn't get any ideas, I don't think I like the look.

This is The Red Hot Poker Dots. More towards the Billy side and appealed to Marg and many others. Last pic  will give you some idea of the crowd. This was taken around midday on Sunday in the main street.

 
   
We did see and hear many other bands around and we liked most of them. Here are the ones I remember.

Satellites...Adelaide band that we have heard a few times live and their CDs. I'm not keen on the girl singer. She does to much of the rockabilly yelping. Since she shares the vocals with the bass player, I can tolerate them. They are good musos and write some good stuff. 

 

The Wild Ones....Now this is a local Coolangatta band. The girl singer up front does have a great voice and hasn't learnt the yelping yet. I was rather impressed with them.

 

Switchblades....This is a Sydney band that we have danced to many times. They use a drum machine, so that does take away a bit from the spectacle. Apart from that they are a very tight group that plays good rock and roll. I am extremely impressed with the guitarist.

 

Miss Teresa and the Western Rythmaires ( spl ....  I think this is a Brisbane band. More country than anything else. I thought I should have been wearing a big cowboy hat when I was there. Nice sound, not my taste though.

 

The Jive Bombers....Another Sydney band that I've heard a few times. Very polished and do some clever rock and roll apart from jive stuff. They are a big band with brass and do a good array of music. Pia, the girl up front has a 50s/60s  style in her voice.

 

 

John Lewis Trio....I could have sworn they were a 4 piece outfit when we saw them at SeaGulls. They are very traditional rockabilly. More Hillbilly than anything else. We didn't stick around long. Not our taste.

 

 

 
   
 Well that's about it. We didn't get to all the venues but we are already booked for next year. So we will try and get to the ones we missed out on this time.
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   

 

 

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