VIVA LAS VEGAS 17!

MUSIC

We can never get enough of Tom Ingram’s Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender. Year 17 was chock full of tremendous music! Classic favorites of Ponyboys were the ’80s neo-rockabillies legends including Robert Gordon, The Rockats and Tim Polecat. The original “teddy boy” band Crazy Cavan and The Rhythm Rockers played for the first time in the US in over 30 years…well worth the wait. The next generation of UK Teddy’s known as Furious were a smashing success with their debut VLV performance. And we are sure that many more are to follow for these extremely talented gentleman. Imelda May, the Irish export that has risen to rockabilly fame more recently, played to a packed lot at the Viva car show. We are extremely passionate about anything that is brought to us by the genius of Reb Kennedy’s Wild Records. The heavily anticipated Australian trio known as Pat Capocci did not disappoint, the boy can play guitar like no one else can. Other Wild Records standouts included the elegant Mary Simich on guitar and vocals, the angst-ridden youth of the Desperados, wholesome newcomer Josh Hi-Fi Sorheim, soulful ’60s garage band The Hurricanes, the always electrifying Luis and The Wildfires, the young emotional lead singer from The Blancos, and we also must mention the intensity of rebellious rock-n-roll known as Will & The Hi-Rollers. Also, Wild Records “buzz” band The Rhythm Shakers kept the crowd invigorated with the strong willful voice of lead singer Marlene Perez, swinging that big beautiful red hair all over the ballroom stage. The Wednesday night pre-party had Japanese legends Stompin Riff Raff’s; we’ve seen them before and just can’t get enough, with an exhilarating lead singer who seems high on music, and three kick-ass female musicians singing backup and playing instruments. Of course, we also love the Rip’ Em Ups with Javier tearing up the stage and Jittery Jack’s slapstick moves. Photography Alexander Thompson. https://www.vivalasvegas.net/