1.Growing Up
The first record I ever bought was God Bless Tiny Tim. Older brothers and sisters introduced me to all the greats of the ’60s and ’70s. I have always liked artists and musicians who added something extra – it wasn’t always about the music. I love a gimmick! If you are not entertaining then you had better play with gusto, passion, truth, honesty, et cetera. Actually, a gimmick isn’t much good without those other qualities.
2.Inspirations
Elvis Presley, James Brown, The Cramps, Patti Page, Little Richard, Hank Williams, Tina Turner, Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett, Jerry Lee Lewis, Phil Spector, Peggy Lee, Trini Lopez, Napoleon XIV, Frank Sinatra, Motown, Herb Alpert, Dean Martin, Legendary Stardust Cowboy, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Southern Culture On The Skids, Sammy Davis Jr., et cetera.
3.Your Band
Lachie Dengate (drums and xylophone), Steve Junor (keyboards and sequencing), Bernie Hayes (bass), Elmo Reed (guitar) and Andy Miles (vocalist). We have all been playing in bands for many years and the gods brought us together to bring joy, happiness and irresistible sick beats to the people!
4.The Music You Make
We present a show that features great songs from a time when rock’n’roll was unsure of its direction. This is a time when many pretenders tried to claim Elvis’ crown in his absence and decline. We have reinterpreted these songs, adding more cheese and mayhem. You won’t believe that Connie Francis could sound so rocking! You will feel compelled to be a part of that strange new cultural phenomenon, the floss! You will be amazed that five people can make so much noise!
5.Music, Right Here, Right Now
Finding somewhere to play has always been a challenge for musicians in Sydney. It is great to see the Inner West opening up with so many great new venues. There are plenty of people who want to play, it is up to us to make sure that we go out and see live music and support these venues and artists. The Gasoline Pony satisfies like no other venue – there’s always something worth listening to at the Pony.
[The Bravados photo by Milestones Photography]
The Bravados play regularly at The Gasoline Pony.
