Once again the stage crew at Concorde 2 dig out the bright spinning lights and mirror balls for Brighton´s customary rockabilly event. The dance floor, the hair-dos, the pretty dresses, the rockin´ DJs, the cowboys and the bands combine to shape the conventional Rumble format. These familiarities create a welcoming atmosphere that inspires us to attend time and time again. It also gives people with Compulsive Dancing Disorder a place to go and let out some steam for six hours.
Micky Hart And The Hartbrakers start off the live entertainment with some classic rock´n´roll. They play covers of Jerry Lee Lewis and The Blasters that get the people moving and warmed up to boogie on down. Leanne And The Rockeros follow with an unmistakable rockabilly style; a five piece band containing a double bass player, the use of a lap steel guitar and complete with a singing girl in a red dress. During their set a cover of Hank Williams´ ´Your Cheatin Heart´ stands out as a highlight. Leanne and the Rockeros do a range of rocking songs from jives to ballads. Their setup looks and sounds very professional. See them play the after show party of Brighton’s annual Tattoo Convention 17 February 2013.
Every Rumble follows a similar structure but the different bands each have their own distinct styles that make each meeting unique. The Doel Brothers headline this chapter of the Rumble and change the vibe with some hillbilly/country rock. The Hampshire based four piece dose our ears with foot-tappin, rootin-tootin grooves and slick, relaxed harmonies. This includes effortless renditions of their popular tracks ´Hey Sheriff´ and ´Catfish Boogie´. The music is concise and appealing but the performance is a little static.
The Rumble never fails to provide us with great music and always attracts some of Brighton´s most superb dancing. Even the compulsive dancers get their fix of action. After six hours of rockin´n´rollin we´re ready to slip off the blue suede shoes, sip a little potion number nine and dream-dream-dream of the next time we twist again, like we did last Rumble.
Concorde 2, Sunday 27th January 2013
Words by John Mclean
Photo by Subsculptures
