ROCKABILLY fans in Ballarat are probably feeling all shook up since the the hugely popular Ballarat Beats festival earlier this year.
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(I love) the energy the most and just the way it makes you feel and the reaction from people that have that same enjoyment as well. It gives you a buzz.
- - Anthony Petrucci
But guys and dames missing regular doses of all things rock n’ roll will be pleased to hear of something of a rockabilly extravaganza in Ballarat this Friday night.
The Rockabilly Night at the Lounge will feature two Melbourne rocker acts. Rosie and The Mighty Kings will reignite Stray Cats shuffles and the rockabilly tunes of Imelda May and Devil Doll, plus some unexpected twists on the songs of Aerosmith, The Beastie Boys, Violent Femmes and Cold Chisel.
They will be followed by The Elvis Presley Show with Anthony Petrucci, who has been a keen fan of The King since childhood before making his national television debut on Channel 9’s Star Struck, portraying his idol. Winning that competition meant he was able to perform at the Legends in Concert show at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas, appearing as the youngest Elvis ever.
Since then, Petrucci has been cast as Elvis the Class of ‘59 stage show and also performed on Sony Music’s Elvis by Request album and tour.
While Petrucci said he was a huge fan of The King, he made it clear he was no Elvis impersonator. “I dress as myself, with my own style of clothing that I like to be presented in, rather than performing in typical Elvis attire.
“It doesn’t turn into an impersonation, it’s a musical tribute. (I dress in) anything that’s different and out there, as long as it’s colourful.”
He said he thought it was “awesome” to see the resurgence of rockabilly’s popularity, especially since he’d been a fan of the style since childhood.
“I grew up around Elvis music. I still don’t dress as Elvis … but I was definitely strumming a guitar and jumping off tabletops. (I love) the energy the most and just the way it makes you feel and the reaction from people that have that same enjoyment as well. It gives you a buzz.”
Petrucci said he was a huge fan of Elvis’ ballads and gospel music. “One I really love that is pretty obscure is Playing for Keeps. There were a lot of good songs on his soundtracks.”
The Rockabilly Night will kick off July 15 from 8.30pm at the Lounge in Lydiard Street. For more details, visit www.georgehotelballarat.com.au
