NEWS: Jive, Twist and Stomp Concert

Over a thousand people packed into the Swan Yacht Club to celebrate the release of Jive, Twist and Stomp: WA rock bands of the 50s and 60s at a special reunion concert on Sunday 28 November.

Fremantle Press CEO Jane Fraser said the day was hot – in all senses of the word.

“Those rockers still have it,” said Fraser.

“I don’t think I was the only one who danced till way past their bedtime,” she said.

Jive, Twist and Stomp was launched by Colin Nichol, Perth’s most popular DJ of 50s and 60s who went on to a successful career in the U.K. Nichol said Western Australian rock bands of that time were as good as any in the world.

“And I should know because I saw many of them first-hand when working in the music industry overseas,” said Nichol.

Rockers came from as far afield as Queensland to play alongside their old band mates and the original ‘Johnny and the Strangers’ re-formed for one last time. But the day was not just about the living. Co-author Murray Gracie tearfully remembered Bon Scott who he played with in The Spektors and the Offbeats played a tribute set for Ray Hoff who died earlier this year.

Co-author John Mills thanked everyone who provided their stories, their photos and their memories for Jive, Twist and Stomp.

“There were lots of laughs and quite a few tears,” said Mills.

“This book is not for us – this is for all the performers and all the people who remember the live music scene of the 50s and 60s,” he said.

The Jive, Twist and Stomp concert was sponsored by 6iX, Dymocks Fremantle, Kosmic Sound and the Swan Yacht Club. It was organised by committee members Rod Christian, Pieter La’Brooy and Graham Nichol. The book is on sale now at all good bookstores or can be purchased online here

To hear the Jive, Twist and Stomp concert band live, listen to ABC 720 Perth radio on Thursday 2 December at 1pm.