Rockabilly music is alive and well after practically 60 years on the scene. Modern rockabilly fans keep the music alive by supporting the bands that play it. However these fans don't just buy rockabilly records and go to rockabilly programs. A number of them live the rockabilly lifestyle. They dress in vintage clothing. Embellish their houses with vintage furnishings, artwork, and color plans. They drive classic vehicles. And obviously, they listen to their preferred music on vintage hi-fi devices. These fans are typically described as The Rockabillies.
The rockabillies use the trappings of 1950s style to reveal their love for rockabilly music and the good parts of the rockabilly lifestyle. They're not attempting to forget that the 1950s had its share of concerns and difficulties . They're not pretending that the atomic bomb scare never ever existed or that the rampant worry and hatred of communists wasn't distasteful. They do not pretend that the racism that infected 1950s America wasn't every bit as shameful as we all understand it was. Since they are rockabillies doesn't suggest that they live in a world of delusion, simply.
Rather, their love for the 50s culture and look is more an effort to celebrate what seems great about that period. It represents what appears to us looking back now to have been a easier, more carefree time. Whether it actually was or not isn't truly the point. It appears that method. Sporting the 50s look is its own distinct brand name of cool. It's an simple way to reveal to other rockabillies that you are among them-- that you share similar interests and a love for the fantastic art form of rockabilly.
Of course, you don't have to visibly be a rockabilly to delight in and love rockabilly music. I personally don't live as a rockabilly to any excellent extent. I do tend toward a rockabilly haircut and I love classic vehicles as much as the next man. I don't go out of my way to dress in 50s fashions (aside from my phase clothes when I'm carrying out.) Still, I love rockabilly music and (as evidenced by this, my other short articles, and my blog) spend a lot of time thinking of it, blogging about it, and in basic just sharing the delight of the music with anyone who will listen.
The rockabillies are a special breed. They express their love for the category and the music outwardly in vibrant 1950s colors. When you see a rockabilly, you understand quickly what kind of music they enjoy. It's a community. Rockabillies are bros and sis in a typical mission to keep rockabilly and the 1950s alive. The clothes they use, cars and trucks they drive, and the furnishings in their houses just augment the soundtrack of their lives: The rockabilly music that binds everyone fans together. Whether you are a full-out rockabilly or, like me, just a fan who loves the music in spite of generally non-rockabilly looks, a fan is still a fan. In the end, it's the music that provides all of us typical ground. The music is our king, we fans are the rockabilly army, and the rockabillies are our proud flag bearers!
In one of my posts I admitted that when I initially began playing in a rockabilly band years ago, I didn't even understand sufficient about rockabilly to recognize that my bass guitar wasn't "authentic" rockabilly equipment. Cliff Gallup, who played for Gene Vincent's Blue Caps used a strong Gretsch DuoJet guitar and most rockabilly fans consider his guitar work as some of the outright best rockabilly playing of all time.
Robert Gordon was doing straight-out rockabilly and having a bit of success while bands like The Blasters were using rockabilly impact heavily to form a brand-new "roots rock" sound.
These fans do not just buy website rockabilly records and go to rockabilly programs. The rockabillies utilize the trappings of 1950s style to reveal their love for rockabilly music and the good parts of the rockabilly way of life.