Ol'55
Nearly 40 years after they encouraged fans to 'Take It Greasy', Ol'55 are reuniting for a special performance in Darwin. Admirers of 1950s rock’n’roll are in for a treat, with this well-known Aussie group covering some of the era’s classic tunes.
By Chelsea Heaney.
Having made their mark in the music industry in the 1970s and 80s with chart-topping releases like ‘On The Prowl’ and ‘Looking For An Echo’, Ol’55 are bringing back the original line up of Frankie J Holden, Wilbur Wilde, Jimmy Manzie, Rockpile Jones and Patrick Drummond for this one-off show in the Top End.
Frankie J Holden was an accountant before becoming the front man for the group – a move that would see him perform at some of the biggest live venues in Australia. Holden, who grew up in Darwin, later went on to have a television career in the 80s and 90s.
Saxophonist Nicholas Aitken, who found fame with the moniker Wilbur Wilde, joined Holden. Ol’55 also features Jimmy Manzie on keyboards and bass guitar and Patrick "Meatballs" Drummond on guitar and vocals. The group took their name from a Tom Waits track, which was later covered by the Eagles.
Although their style has sometimes been referred to as parody or as a novelty throwback to days gone by, this group has proven their music mettle time and time again. Along with their retro kitsch and theatrics also comes decades of experience as musicians and performers.
WHEN SAT 4 Mar | 7.30pm | SKYCITY DARWIN
INFO skycitydarwin.com.au
