Lovers of music, motors and the lifestyle of yesteryear are preparing for another not-to-be-missed event on the annual calendar as Australia’s largest nostalgia festival announces its much anticipated entertainment lineup.
This year’s Cooly Rocks On, to be held on the Gold Coast from 7-11 June, will feature a host of big international performers, along with Australia’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly and swing artists from across the country.
Arguably one of the biggest rockabilly bands in the world, Swedish group The Go Getters, will be one of the headliners of the 2023 program. The trio who formed 35 years ago is sure to keep the toes tappin’ all night as they make their first appearance in Australia in more than a decade.
Japan’s Johnny Pandora has been breaking hearts on the rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly scene since he was 18 years old, performing nearly 200 shows a year. Now the singer, bassist, guitarist and dancer is ready to wow audiences in Coolangatta, as part of this year’s lineup.
New Zealand’s original retro rockers Boom! Boom! Deluxe are set to fill the dancefloor, playing a mix of authentic 1950s and 60s classics laced with clever re-workings of modern songs in the rock ‘n’ roll styles.
“This year’s festival is going to be bigger and better than ever with five international acts invited to perform, as well as dozens of acts from across the country filling the streets with the sound and energy we have become famous for,” said Major Events Gold Coast Director of Festivals and Events Mark Duckworth.
Fan favourites from Melbourne, The Rechords, will perform their unique blend of bluegrass western swing, hillbilly and rock ‘n’ roll.
Adelaide’s hottest seven-piece 50s swing, rhythm and roots group Lucky Seven will set the mood at the Cooly Rocks On Moonlight Swing Dance, as well as channelling the original rock ‘n’ roll genius of the legendary Bill Haley with their outfit The Lucky Comets: The Sounds Of Bill Haley.
Queensland’s own Cherry Divine, dubbed the ‘Princess of Rockabilly’, grew up listening to records on her Grandad’s gramophone. Her love for rockabilly has taken her around the world and she can’t wait to return to Cooly Rocks On.
Headlining in the Elvis Precinct this year is the USA’s Shawn Klush, who’s widely considered the best Elvis Tribute Artist in the world.
“For Elvis fans, it doesn’t get much better than this,” said Mark.
“Shawn tours extensively around the world performing to sold out shows, but his inaugural Cooly Rocks On appearance will be his first Down Under in five years. The team is so excited to present Shawn at the 2023 festival.”
The critically acclaimed artist was named the first-ever ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist’ by Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis and has been described as the “closest thing to The King in concert.”
Cooly Rocks On is also bringing another renowned international Elvis Tribute Artist to the Gold Coast, with an Australian-first performance from Jimmy Holmes (USA), who has taken the industry by storm.
In an unmissable event, Jimmy Holmes and Mark Andrew will present ‘The King Returns to Stage ‘68-’72” in a nod to Elvis’ triumphant return to the live arena after waving goodbye to Hollywood.
For lovers of surf culture and classic rock ’n’ roll car songs, The Australian Beach Boys Show will bring back memories of cruising in coupes and feeling fine in a Chevrolet 409.
Other notable artists performing this year include The Pacific Belles, Issi Dye, Jake & the Cadillacs, Kenny and the Nitro Rockers, Melody Graves and the Hokum Redemption, Peaches & the Alphasonics, Swingabilly Ray and more!
Cooly Rocks On is supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, and is a feature on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
