“ROCKIN‟ WITH THE BEAT”

We hear a lot about the origins of rock „n‟ roll which swept the world during the 1950‟s, but just how did the revival of rock „n‟ roll in New Zealand come about?

To find out, we located two reliable sources – Judy Russell and Gordon Holland, both well known figures in the NZ rock „n‟ roll scene. Between Judy and Gordon we were able to gain insight to the magic that has today become a national craze!

It started one abstract weekend back in 1978 when Gordon had arranged to meet his cousin in a bar for a little rest and social recreation.

As it happens, Gordon ended up in the wrong pub (“The Cricketers Arms”) where a rock „n‟ roll band, “The Falcons” were playing. When the friends finally met up with each other that evening, they decided they liked the band and spent the rest of the evening enjoying The Falcons music.

The group of friends retuned to the venue on another three occasions, after which time the band unfortunately was to disband. Expressing concern, there was a comment made that there were not enough venues where one could enjoy rock „n „roll music on a regular basis, and that perhaps it would be a good idea to form a club for that specific purpose.

Gordon had always been a rock „n‟ roll music fan, so readily agreed. Socialising carried on and the matter was put to one side (not so for Gordon) who during the course of the week contacted Radio Windy and asked them to advertise a meeting for anyone who was interested in forming a rock „n‟ roll club.

On the weekend this had been arranged, Gordon‟s mates were out playing golf until they heard about the meeting at 70 Homebush Road (the meeting they were hosting!).

24 people turned up to that evening including such people as Nigel Fisher, Sandra Mazey (now Sandra Fisher), Brian and Pauline Meynell, the list goes on. Gordon was elected President.

Club activities were centred around the music more than the dance and it was a common occurrence to get an old movie, cook up some stew or sausages and potatoes, and make an afternoon of it. A little different from the club nights we know today! Gordon will tell you he has two left feet, and it was such people as Dave and Mary Sayers, Judy Russell, and various others added the dance influences.

The Club went from strength to strength, and influenced other rock „n‟ roll fans into forming their own Clubs. We‟ve many stories to tell you about the events that happened along the way, and each month we‟ll bring you a few more!

From the Wellington club formation in June 1978, Gordon‟s intrepid determination to keep the club alive and kicking was an inspiration and driving force for the club‟s following. With tongue in cheek promises of overseas artists, promotions which sometimes worked, and sometimes…well.

With the dedicated crew, the club gained access to the Petone Workingmen‟s Club which was in Petone Ave, Petone at the time. From mid March to mid December 1979, this was the home of Rock „n‟ Roll in Wellington.

Funding for the club was achieved in many ways, not the least stalls in the likes of Wellington Trades Fair selling mirrors sporting pop icons such as Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, etc. embedded into the glass. One of the more ambitious ventures was to bring in overseas rock „n‟ roll stars the likes of Chuck Berry!

At this time one of the regular venues for rock „n‟ rollers was the Newlands Arms where each Thursday night rockers were treated to the sounds of “The Delrons”. In 1978 records show the membership had grown to around 145 and was still on the increase; dancing lessons were started in Wainuiomata at the Wainui Community Hall and at a committee meeting in September 1978 a New Year hop was suggested to follow on from a planned Halloween hop.

During this period ‟s Kevin Hookway was a major contributor to the Club by way of contacts and information. Kevin jacked up two paintings and lent the Club numerous books. Correspondence and support from Kevin continued for over two years including liaisons with Johnny Devlin who had started to take an active interest in the Club. Kevin dropped the paintings and books down to Gordon during a quick two day visit and three days later on October 29th 1979 he sadly died.

The Club held it‟s 2nd birthday and local champs at the Wellington Railway Hall with the birthday cake baked by Sandra Fisher (nee Mazey). In May 1980 application was submitted to NZ Post to register the Wellington Rock-N-Roll Revival Club‟s first regular newsletter. However this was declined due to not containing the 25% required news content.

The Club continued to grow and with word getting out, demand for demos was increasing from such places as Unilever NZ Ltd who wanted Rockers to do a demo at the Annual ball. Gordon, meanwhile, was in communication with Twentieth Century fox Film Corporation to secure some posters from Elvis‟s movies.

A copy of Club literature in early 1980 indicates that Club membership had now grown to 300 and the focus was still the same – “The preservation and enjoyment of 50‟s and 60‟s Rock „n‟ Roll”. The Club now had a magazine which was sent out bi-monthly, with newsletters in between.

Four main hops were held each year such as “ Memorial Hop”, “Buddy Holly Memorial Hop”, “Halloween Hop” and “Rock „n‟ Roll Dancing Championships Cabaret Hop”. Other smaller hops were held on a regular basis including 60‟s music tribute nights, and hillbilly country music nights. This of course was not all! Rock „n‟ Roll was hot, and so were the entry prices at around $8.00 per head to attend hops (this price included drinks and supper). Club nights, beach parties, talent quest, general club get together evenings along with concession group tickets to concerts and Rock „n‟ Roll movies. There was heaps to keep the avid Rock „n‟ Roller interested. Dance lessons were periodic and free and plans to hold a Rock „n‟ Roll Awards Night with and his comets as guest artists were being looked at. Yes, it was all happening!

Tom Sharplin, a hard out rock „n‟ roll singer (who is still hard out today!) was made an honorary member, along with Raymond Michael who could make you believe you were spending a night with Elvis, and Robert Attias (a Buddy Holly lookalike and sound alike) who could also bring back the sound and glamour of the real Buddy Holly.

Robert had performed at a birthday party for Christine Onassis at the Bistro, Beverley Hills, and performed also for Academy Governer‟s Balls in 1972 and 1976. All of the abovementioned artists were supportive and keen for the Club to succeed. Roy Orbison was doing a stint in New Zealand and was invited back to the Clubrooms after his Wellington concert.

It is my understanding that Auckland was by this time home to a thriving Rock „n‟ Roll community, however my many attempts to glean some information to date have been a dead end. I will not give up and am constantly searching for anyone who has some information re the early Auckland days. PLEASE HELP!

Yes, with the support of celebrities and a growing interest both in rock „n‟ roll and the extended activities of the club membership, growth was a happening thing. A point to note was that many members and supporters were not only kept loyal by the way of club nights and lessons, but also the added activities not directly related to rock „n‟ roll, aimed at creating an environment where those with a common love for both the music and the dance could extend their fellowship to other activities. For many, the events such as the Gong Contest held at a local pub was a mid week entertainment for up and coming would be entertainers. Participants were invited to strut their stuff – whether it be to sing, dance or simply amuse. Those that attended this event on a casual or regular basis were treated to a night of hilarity and embarrassment doing their stuff and awaiting the dreaded GONG. There were fun nights where the emphasis was not on rock „n‟ roll but on letting loose and having some fun.

Wellington Rock „n‟ Roll Revival Club‟s Membership numbers had grown from 102 the first year, 298 in the second, 400 in the third and 540 at year 4.

Bo Diddley was invited by the Club to perform in Wellington Town Hall and accepted. This was a gamble on the Club‟s behalf as the cost was astronomical. The night was financially a total failure with only 240 people turning up (15 of which were helpers). 240 people in Wellington Town Hall amounted to a group in a corner!

In 1980 Malcolm Kemp was an integral part of organising the Club‟s involvement with the highly successful TV series “Rock Around The Cloc”. The Club was to gain both in popularity and a financial boost to the Club for their contribution to the series. The series comprised of six one hour shows with Paul Holmes being the first compere and Ian Watkins backing up. After the show, there was always a great social wind down back at the club rooms.

Whilst there was a serious side to the Club and it‟s activities, the main emphasis was on fun activities with the advent of the Christmas camps. Whilst personally missing the first of these, I had heard during the course of the year what one was liable to expect by attending one of these outings. The challenging activities that were undertaken and the feelings of belonging to a large group of people who had rock „n‟ roll and fun on their minds was a blast! As the year drew to it‟s end and the event was approaching, the excitement level from club members was increasing also and the buzz word was “Aorangi” yes Aorangi, a small IHC Camp just North of available to hire for the entire Christmas break.

This was an environment where we were all one big family. Those that attended know what I am saying here, and for any clubs wishing to draw a club together, much inspiration can be taken from these events.

Picture this…..pack the family up, kids and all, make your way to the venue, forget about food, accommodation, activities, and all the other stress related to going away camping. It has all been organised!

Now add an ongoing availability of leisure activities designed with everyone in mind…volleyball, soccer, darts, cards, cricket, races, swimming or just a book and relax, whatever your pleasure, it was there. The kids? Well they were surrounded by other kids and with ongoing organised activities, there was no time for boredom. There was always a contingent of the rock „n‟ roll adult community willing to be part of what the kids were doing and thereby supervise.

So now if you were a parent, your days were filled with doing just whatever you wanted to without the stress of “what will I do for this meal or that meal” you simply did your rostered duty which amounted to helping the group in the kitchen once or twice over the entire period.

A dance was held each night for those interested in attending and you could enjoy the festive “spirit” without having to drive home. This was your home, and many hangovers were cured by the bacon and egg breakfast gong. Many lasting friendships, both child and adult were developed during these periods. A funny thing about these camps was that wherever they were held, there was always a river nearby, and New Years Eve invited the regulatory midnite dip. Brrrrrr – the trick was to partake of the spirit (in copious quantities) and to numb the brain before the cold numbed the body.

So with nothing to worry about (apart from how much sun you were getting) and plenty of activities to do should you wish, what more could you ask for? Whilst many attendees enjoyed the comfort and closeness of the bunk houses, we opted for the canvas so took our tepee. With sleeping room for six-eight, I‟m not sure how we ended up with 15-16 on a regular basis with a selection of guitars and avid crooners determined to see the sun rise each day. Music, jokes, laughter, kept the tent alive to the small hours but who cared, hell we could sleep all day if we wished, there was always a spare adult around to supervise the kids. No matter what your desired activity, there was always a crowd that was keen to participate. Even the dress up nights.The only thing missing from events was STRESS!

Now an annual event, and growing in popularity, the camp was shifted to Wainuiomata Boy Scout Camp, a larger venue with slightly more scope and still the safety of a closed community.

1982/3 was around the time when the Club moved to its new location Hutt Valley/Marist Clubrooms. Low ceilings, two floors, and loads of atmosphere.

Lower Hutt Club was formed about now and had a strong emphasis on being considered a family club with lots of encouragement for children. Judy Russell, Ross Stefferson, Sandra and Nigel Fisher were key factors in the formation and growth.

At around this time, Nigel Fisher was approached to set up a club in Kapi Mana. Rock „n‟ Roll was a growing community and getting stronger day by day.

1983/4 saw the Buddy Holly Memorial Hop held at the Lower Hutt Horticultural Hall wit seating for 900, another embarrassmet – 1100 people turned up with standing room only for 200. What a huge success both from the function organisers point of view (although they were stressed on the night, funds gained from this function helped offset the losses from the Bo Diddley disaster).

(PS We have now gratefully gained a contact with whom we will liaise re the happenings in Auckland at this time.)

Wellington Rock „n‟ Roll Revival Club eventually found it‟s new home in Lower Hutt at the Hutt Valley Marist club rooms in Avalon – an amazing venue with atmosphere to spare. Low ceilings and subdued lighting created a place where you could not help but relax and get into the scene.

Mike Gray, the now president, followed Gordon‟s tradition of injecting into the Club and its occasions with the energy of a truck load of energiser batteries! Along with the support of Frank Sirs as vice president and an enthusiastic motivated committee, the Club continued to thrive. This was my first introduction to Rock „n‟ Roll Club Nights and they fast became a regular activity on a Friday night. Being somewhat shy I elected to go and just watch (as many of the newcomers do) but not for long! The I witnessed happening on the dance floor, the verve and vitality that was prevalent and the constant supply of 50‟s music had me hooked. Did I forget to mention friendly? Hell after my second appearance at a club night it appeared easier to get up and dance (or at least move my feet) than to sit and constantly refuse the continuing flow of people encouraging me to get moving. After a few belts of whatever I was drinking at the time I gained the courage to stand up (of a fashion) and get involved.

The endless streams of entertainment simply fascinated me and I was hooked. Hands up all those who remember the Club‟s rendition of Ol‟ McDonald! The constant array of games and general fun which was blended within the dancing and the open friendliness of the members to new people made it impossible to miss a club night.

Trev James, a Radio Windy DJ, was doing the Platter Party on a Saturday night and making regular references to the Club and its‟ activities on radio, which only went to increase the interest and membership of the Club. Club nights were generally followed by a party at one place or another, and I am sworn to secrecy about some of the events. Needless to say they always had a good following and lasted to the wee hours. Many times I can remember seeing daylight on the way home. 1983 had seen the first National Club Competition (unofficial) held in Wellington, attended by Auckland, Gisborne and of course the hosts, Wellington. The success of this resulted in a meeting of interested Clubs and the forming of the New Zealand Amateur Rock „n‟ Roll Association, achieved in Rotorua in 1984. Michael Gray was elected President with Owen Castle (Auckland) Vice President (I‟ve never understood the use of that word), Frank Sirs Wellington, second Vice President (there it is again) Terry Crook, Lower Hutt as Secretary and Judy Russell, Lower Hutt as Treasurer. The first official champs were held in with the hosting being done by the Coasters Club (Gisborne).

Auckland was the venue for the next Champs with Auckland Rock „n‟ Roll Club being the hosts. Travelling to Auckland was going to involve a bit of expense and fund raising was started to help with the costs. Now fund-raising to me seemed like something I wasn‟t going to enjoy…how wrong could I be? Along with the mandatory raffles and stuff was the car wash. How many of us (whisper) oldies can remember the car-wash. My introduction here was simple…don‟t tell Wayne where he‟s going or what to expect when he gets there, just entice him to turn up. So naïve Wayne turns up on a Saturday morning complete with hangover) at a prearranged venue only to get a cold shower with a hose. Oh oh…do I really want to be here? Well, on reflection the fun had on those days was unbelievable. Buckets of water which occasionally reached a car, a stereo ragging out Rock „n‟ Roll music, loose bods with even looser hoses, and kinda game of touch tag with full buckets appeared to be the rule of the day, look around and there‟s a couple dancing in the middle of the street. Hell did that attract a crowd and of course whilst they were watching it made sense to get their car cleaned. Now this was my idea of fund raising, I don‟t think I stopped laughing all day. And seriously, this was the way to turn a whole heap of work into a day of fun. Would I miss one of these days? Bet not unless I had prior commitments. That‟s not where it ended (you knew I was gonna say that) then there was the after car wash function, a barbie and guitar and a sing along…to be perfectly honest looking back, I needed to go to work on Monday for a rest. Not sure to this day how many of us survived the weekends. Lack of volunteers for fund raising? Not even! Who would miss it?

The hype was on! Auckland here we come, and with a vengeance. With the various ways of getting there, Wellington Club took the train. Although the excitement was abounding, there was also the thought of nearly 12 hours in the train…a sobering thought for some). So late afternoon/early evening we boarded and arranged ourselves.

Before we left Wellington station the first bottle was opened and from there it was jst one big part. Poko as usual had a guitar, and the sounds started rolling. A carriage to ourselves and we were a pretty determined lot. Dancing in the aisle, on the seats, wherever we could find a spare square foot or two. At one stage the guard came and complained about the noise and the drinking. “You can‟t do this on the train” he stated. This of course rested on deaf ears and the party continued as soon as he continued on his journey down the train. We posted a guard ourselves to warn of his impending visit but soon gave that up. Within a few hours and many quick shuffles on his approach we decided to just continue and take the flack. One of the ladies asked him to dance and I think that did the trick as he started to join in from then.

A few of us ventured into other carriages on pretence of looking for the buffet carriage. Of course this was not the case, we were on a mission to recruit more party goers and it was a successful mission too. Before long the carriage was overflowing and people were waiting to get in or hand jiving outside the carriage. We were even successful in getting some of the sleeping travellers to come and party. With no wish to see the party end, we arrived in Auckland, wondering where the dreaded hours of travelling went. Into a bus and off to the motel. On arrival – and our hats off to the committee as we were pretty confused (mighta been the whiskey) – our rooms were allocated and we settled in. A bit of a rest up and hey, it‟s Friday night, off to the venue for some more partying. With Friday night out of the way and many friends old and new acquainted we were revving up for the champs on Saturday night.

The tension was electric with last minute adjustments to skirts and various bits of clothing being made at the venue. A few tears were shed as the anticipation grew and the big minute for each competitor grew closer. Mike Danby doing his normal thing (anyone who remembers Mike (alias Animal) will know what I‟m saying here). He was off to chat up one of the Chicks (remember them from the 60‟s?). Unsuccessfully, we suspect, however you could never tell with Mike. The Comp was on and the competitors from all clubs present were putting their butts on the line in their respective events.

After an exhilarating night of competition, Sunday offered a more relaxing time with obviously the mandatory ales (medicinal purposes only you understand). We ventured off to the fun parks or where you decided you wanted to go. I can‟t stress enough the camaraderie that was prevalent during these times and I believe that this was due to a common love of dance mixed with activities and occasions which were totally not dance related and just the fun of having a group of people enjoying each others company in a totally relaxed atmosphere. For Clubs wishing to maintain and grow their membership, please consider making the effort to expand upon your activities into fun days and group outings.

Phew! Auckland Champs are over and we all came back jubilant with our successes, but not the least a little weary. There are of course many tales I could tell, however being blackmailed into silence I dare not reveal any further. Needless to say I‟m not aware of anyone who came back without a smile on their face.

At this stage, I must take the opportunity to thank immensely, Dianne and the late Margaret Hooper. Margaret for being a faithful friend and confidant over many years, and Dianne for faithfully lending me her extensive photo collection for inclusion in this article. Without it I would be lost, (as a rugged lifestyle) does not do too many good things for the memory). Enough said apart from a big thank Dianne.

The previous year of course had been the First Official National Competition hosted by the Coasters Rock „n‟ Roll Club in Gisborne, and while I personally was not there, (just prior to my induction into rock „n‟ roll) I have heard a variety of saucy tales and I understand there are a select few who still have trouble getting the smile off their faces. This time a bus trip and a lot of fun, and the regulatory guitar.

Meanwhile, back in Wellington there was heaps going on and each Friday club night was the pre-emptor to a party here, there and everywhere.

Now if this all seems a little disjointed it is probably an indication of what life was like around this time. For myself, well, I had a little abode down in Lower Hutt where it seems there was always something going on each weekend (planned or not). In fact many a time I returned from a hot date intending to get to know her a little better and low and behold when I arrived up the drive there a full noise party in progress! Someone had found an open window and thought “why not?” Why not indeed, it consistently put a cold shower on a potentially hot night. What the hell “Let‟s party”.

I think the mornings were the worst. Deep in hangover territory, feeling extremely sorry for myself, still dark outside, I fielded the phone calls “Is my husband there?”. Many wives and partners seeking their respective partners were met with the response “Please hold while I take a look”, and after wading through the bodies on the floor, couch and wherever they could find a vacant space I would either confirm or deny. This of course did not make me the most popular dude in town, firstly being a crash pad for hard out, stay out diehards, but also the wake up call for the sleeping hungover overstayers. It got to the point where the wives didn‟t call anymore, just arrived to collect.

Willie Pukeroa, Brian Farrelly, Mike Danby, Dave and Mary Sayers, June Pukeroa, Dianne and Daphne Ella and many more were the regular culprits. Wasn‟t that a party! My poor dates did not know what they had let themselves in for.

Then of course there were the mini trips. Masterton was one of the more memorable ones right up there with Waipukurau. Whatever and wherever, there were lasting friendships formed. Added to these activities were the organised theme club nights. Strangely, most of the regular club attendees got into the theme and made these nights special. It seems with Rock „n‟ Rollers, that even the simple tasks – or should I say that those tasks which appear to be simple – are not always as they seem!

Sometimes, even the most organised of people, people we have all held in high regards and trusted implicitly to know what‟s going on at all times appear to have mind blanks.

Case in example: Mike Gray heading toward Dunedin for the Nationals in 1987. Two van loads of fired up rock „n‟ rollers heading down to show Dunedin, an din fact the country, what they were all about. Armed with the same make of rental vehicles (vans – refer Issue 2 memory joggers) and following the same path to the same destination. Seems pretty simple, huh? Then why did Mike‟s vehicle start running low on gas whilst the other vehicle (identical) and travelling roughly the same speed, still had plenty?

Now one could question the load, but alas this was not the case. It had a little to do with the counting, and after arriving close to the destination, Mike realised the vehicle had a fifth gear. I know Mike, you tell the story better, but it did need a mention!

For those of you who don‟t know, Mike is hosting an excellent little venue in Lower Hutt providing fine food, refreshment and entertainment. Want a quiet relaxing evening in a venue where you can do just that, relax? Then why not drop in. Buzz Café where you‟ll be greeted with that great smile and sense of humour Mike is renowned for, and cuisine fit for a King.

Mystery tours – what a load of fun and confusion these can be. Leave with a list of clues, attain each segment, follow the clues and end up at the party. Well, works for some, and the rest? Has anyone spent the later part of the day when all others have arrived at the final destination, going back over the clues to find out where you‟re supposed to be? MEMO to organisers of these events…please leave an escape route with directions for those who haven‟t got a clue! The number of times we arrived at where we thought the clues led only to find the area vacant and somewhat ghostly. There are some of us who don‟t have a clue and some who won‟t dare debate with the boss (whoever she may be) for fear of Retribution. When all is said and done, and if all the crew eventually arrive at this secret destination, the party can be a blast.

Rock „n‟ Rollers by nature are mischievous critters and if they can take advantage of a situation, they generally do and photographic evidence is what one must avoid at all costs. Ask anyone who has had to explain the footage caught on film.