Ipswich City CouncilThe DelltonesThe Delltones a Musical Journey
The Delltones have been around for over 50 years! Just let that sink in for a minute. It is a remarkable affection which Australia has for the indefatigable Delltones, an entity which has been a part of our lives through not just a phase of rock 'n' roll but pretty much its entire span. Young, fresh and enthusiastic, with creamy harmonies punctuated by the booming bass tones of the almost cartoon-like Ian 'Peewee' Wilson, the Beanpole of Bop, the Delltones arrived as a humorous, entertaining and irrepressible entity, able to light up a stage or a television screen.
For five decades this legendary outfit has played, celebrated and elevated rock'n'roll - one of the few real constants in a frantically changing world. Audiences still scream, audiences still shout, audiences still go away singing the songs, dancing the steps, chanting the goofy chants and looking forward to coming back for another dose as soon as they can. And not just original fans who've grown up with the band, there are more than a few curious young, intrigued by the durability of this rock'n'roll institution, who are drawn by the power of a music that truly shook the world.
The slogan originated and immortalised by Peewee in the 80s: ‘Keep Ragin' and Stop The Ageing,' has entered the national vocabulary. While the Delltones themselves have entered international consciousness. The astounding Doo Wop treatment of the Sex Pistols' punk classic Pretty Vacant that they recorded for the Musical Challenge section of Andrew Denton's Triple M breakfast radio show in 2000 and which was released on a charity album has taken on a life of its own, not dissimilar to the reaction afforded Rolf Harris' version of Stairway To Heaven. It is all over the www, having been picked up and played by independent radio stations and bloggers in England, Europe and America. The Delltones represent tenacity and durability and those qualities do not go unnoticed by bands just beginning their career path. Chris Cheney of The Living End was asked the question by Insider magazine: Memories of the first concert you went to? "One of the first live bands I saw was The Delltones and it was just brilliant" The Delltones are - Ian 'Peewee' Wilson (vocals), Danny Mayers (vocals), Woody Finlayson (guitar and vocals), Owen Booth (bass guitar and vocals), and Merv Dick (drums and vocals) "When we first started in 1958" Peewee points out, "a lot of people were telling us that we might as well enjoy ourselves while we could because that music wasn't going to last, rock 'n' roll was a passing fad which would soon disappear." More than Fifty years later, The Delltones beg to differ. Thursday 8 April 7.30 pm Adults $55 Conc $49 Child $25
Last Updated 8 Mar 2010 |
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With a brace of classic hits to their name - Gee, You're The Limit, Little Miss Heartbreak, Get a Little Dirt On Your Hands, Come a Little Bit Closer, Hangin' Five - In 1984 their Bop ‘Till Ya Drop Album went Gold and only Michael Jackson's Thriller kept in out of the number one spot on the Kent Album Chart. With a highly professional presentation and stage set-up and the never diminishing allure of their instantly identifiable ‘Mr. Bassman', the Dellies have charmed, enchanted and energised audiences since they stormed stadiums with Johnny O'Keefe in the late 50's. "Our sound is aimed at the heart and feet" says Peewee. I've always wanted to do music that reflected romance and humour. The bottom line for the Delltones is entertainment."...... this has been recognised over the years by three Mo Awards, two Ace Awards and another Ace Award in 2008.
