Perth-based band The Rough Housers bring rockabilly revival to Gatsbys Skyline in Manjimup

Manjimup music lovers will soon have the opportunity to enjoy the sounds of early-style rock ‘n’ roll reminiscent of artistic legends such as Johnny Cash and Elvis when a Perth-based rockabilly band arrive in town next week. The Rough Housers are gearing up to perform at Gatsbys Skyline on April 22 and are excited to perform a set that inspires thoughts of 50s-era cars, hot rods and heartthrobs. Drummer and lead singer Kieran Murphy said the band’s sound was a natural fit for Manjimup’s speakeasy-styled venue. “We’ve heard great things about Gatsbys Skyline and we’re really looking forward to bringing a little bit of down and dirty rockabilly to the good people of Manjimup,” he said. The three-piece band — consisting of Murphy on lead vocals and stand-up drum kit, Jason Smith on guitar and Shaun Street on double bass — will perform an energic mix of their own songs interspersed with classics and deep cuts from diverse artists including Johnny Cash, Elvis, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Motorhead. Murphy said rockabilly — a genre the band committed to more than five years ago — was an entire subculture. “Rockabilly takes its cues from the blues, adds the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll and gives it a little country twang,” he said. “That’s the great thing about rockabilly, it touches on so many different genres. “Jimmy Barnes has a new rockabilly project with Chris Cheney from The Living End and Slim Jim Phantom from Stray Cats, so there’s still a lot of love out there for old school rockabilly.” Manjimup can expect to hear The Rough Housers’ debut single Life’s a Drag — released in 2021 — which Paul McCartney and Etta James’ guitarist Brian Ray described as a “killer psychobilly car culture rocker”.