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On the scale of cool things to do, yesterday ranked right up there for me. I was privileged to spend a little time chatting with Jim Heath aka The Reverend Horton Heat as he and the band kick off their Australian tour.  After twenty five years in the music industry, The Rev (as they have affectionately become known) are claimed by many a music fan as one of their own. Psychobilly, Rockabilly, Hillbilly, Country… no one can agree where to pinpoint their sound, and this is but a part of their incredible appeal.

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Their latest album, Laughin’  & Crying With The Reverend Horton Heat, has become one of my regular pre-party albums. With some of the funniest lyrics you’ve ever heard, combined with a cracking pace and instantly recognisable guitar riffs; this is one album that burns itself into your brain and will give you a case of the D.T’s when it’s not on hand.  But ‘Laughin & Crying” is only part of the story when it comes to this tour.

Jim and his crew bring a red hot serving of slappin base, driving rhythm, and iconic vocals, leaving no doubt that these guys are every bit the legend that proceeds them. The evening covers highlights from their best of the best, ensuring that every moment is a hero moment; each punters grin wider than the next. And while you may think its all high octane, The Rev have a nack for picking just the right pace that even saw a little slow dancing by the bar and snogging in the corner. Frankly, it’s a bloody great night out with your mates, boots on and beer in hand. And if you don’t already know the words to each and every song, your trigger finger will be itching to hit up iTunes before you even make it back to the car.

DO NOT miss this one while they are here in Australia. I for one will be back at Billboard in Melbourne this Friday to see them again in true Texan style.

Tour dates and tickets details for The Reverend Horton Heat in Australia, can all be found here – along with the limited edition Tour Wine!

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And yes, here’s what you’ve been waiting for… a look at my audience with Jim “The Reverend Horton Heat” Heath!

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The lovely team at Peppermint asked if I could send them a couple of pics last month, then surprised me with this delightful feature!

Just click to enlarge and read detail.

Thanks Peppermint. You put together a great mag and I’m honoured to be n such great company this month.

This October issue is currently in store now!

There has been such an interest in retro lifestyle from mainstream media recently.  Just this weekend I was part of a feature in the regular News Ltd Sunday Magazine about those of us who choose to create our own vintage glam worlds. I’ve scanned the pages for you and uploaded them full sized, so if you click the images of each page you should be able to read the article.

Then, just the other week I was invited along into the studio at Radio Eastern to have a bit of a chat to Dee Copsey on her breakfast radio program, all about who I am and what I do.  I love chatting at the best of times, but it was such a relaxing interview that I could have gone on forever!

Anyway, most of you will know much of these things about me as regular readers of the blog, but if you feel like an excuse to kick back over a cup of coffee, have a little listen here, but I warn you.. I can talk!

Candice DeVille ECB intvw 24^7^10

I am so pleased to see a growing interest not only in vintage fashion, but also in people thinking about lifestyles outside of the mainstream. I hope this is only the beginning of people looking for more beautiful and interesting things in life!

There are some moments in history that you really wish you were there for. And there is a particular day back in 1956, in a small room with a few men that is one of those days for me. It was a day when the music gods smiled and placed four legends in the same room, at the same time, where they did what musicians do and had some fun playing together.

Sam Phillip’s legendary Sun Studio played host to this moment, on a day when Carl Perkins was in recording an album (that was to include ‘Blue Suede Shoes’), when Elvis Presley dropped by. Jerry Lee Lewis was also there as a session musician waiting for a chance to show off his killer piano boogie styling; the moment was completed by the entrance of none other than Johnny Cash.

In a moment of serendipity and foresight, someone thought to switch on the recording equipment as these legends jammed together, giving us a chance to hear the one and only time these four men ever played together. And it was magical.

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The Ultimate Jam Session, produced by Bold Jack Productions, is your chance to relive this historic moment in all its goosebump inducing, heart stopping glory. Fronted by James Blundell, Dave Larkin, Nick Barker and Ezra Lee, backed up and held together by the versatile Sun Studio Trio – Dave Folley, Steve Hadley and Shannon Bourne. These lads put together are pure joy. Last Friday night I had to opportunity to sit front and centre as the boys kicked off their show with a bang.  Now this isn’t your ‘tribute’ style of show replete with stereo typical costumes and bad wigs, but just unadulterated, first class Rock n Roll. They keep it simple, tight and let the music speak for itself.  They shake you to your core with riffs that move your body,  vocals that make women swoon and men holler.

As I sat there watching tendrils of smoke curl in the spotlight and listening to my passion come to life, my heart was in my mouth.  Like that rush of adrenaline and endorphins that hit you on the first date with a big crush. And it didn’t subside, not for one second.

But it is more than just great music, it is a journey to a musician’s heart. Behind the big names, behind the hype, behind the screaming fans; just four brilliant men playing up and playing around, letting themselves enjoy the music for the music’s sake.

It was The Day the Music Lived.

Come backstage and meet the men behind the show.

What a night!

Posing around with Ezra Lee and hearing all about his upcoming trip to Vegas to play with Jerry Lee Lewis. Go Ezra!

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Nick Barker approves of the Kitty Von Purr dress.

The show will be playing all over Melbourne and Australia regionally, before getting set for an even bigger season. You can find out when and where the next show is playing on The Ultimate Rock n Roll Jam Session Facebook page.

*Yes, I recorded this in six inch heels, with my little hand held camera in the near dark of stage side, trying not to get too distracted by lilting voices and sultry eye.. so bare with me – it’s just like being there!*

Wintersun was nothing if not a fabulous time for photo opportunities, and it seems that I got around quite a bit!  Here’s a look at some of the cameos I made during the week.

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Promoting Wintersun and Charm School in the Tweed Daily

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Wintersun lead story for Gold Coast news.

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Promoting the Wintersun vintage swimsuit parade organised by Nicole Jenkins of Circa Vintage Clothing and The Lindy Charm School for Girls in the Gold Coast Bulletin.

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Possibly my favorite swimsuit of the parade – and another shot of it here.

One of my all time favorite moments of the week posing it up in the laundromat with my darling friend Kesenya.

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Trying  really had to Lindy Hop with my friend Miss Carly!

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Working it in a 1950′s black lace swimsuit.

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Finding a 1930′s vibe in a sweet blue suit.

I still have a pile of photos and fun to share with you, not least of which are highlights from the great 1950′s Cake Bake Contest, my pick of the best of the bands and the very, very odd local colour! (Hint – it has feathers!)

* Please note – all images are property of The Tweed Daily and The Gold Coast Bulletin where stated and remain their property.*