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. These fans don't simply purchase rockabilly records and go to rockabilly programs. Much of them live the rockabilly lifestyle. They wear classic clothing. Embellish their houses with vintage furniture, art work, and color design. They drive classic automobiles. And naturally, they listen to their favorite music on classic hi-fi equipment. These fans are frequently described as The Rockabillies.
The rockabillies utilize the features of 1950s fashion to reveal their love for rockabilly music and the great parts of the rockabilly way of life. They're not attempting to forget that the 1950s had its share of problems and worries . They're not pretending that the atomic bomb scare never ever existed or that the widespread worry and hatred of communists wasn't distasteful. They don't pretend that the racism that infected 1950s America wasn't every bit as outrageous as all of us know it was. Since they are rockabillies does not imply that they live in a world of misconception, just.
Rather, their love for the 50s culture and look is more an attempt to celebrate what seems good about that era. It represents what appears to us recalling now to have actually been a easier, more carefree time. Whether it truly was or not isn't truly the point. It seems that way. Sporting the 50s look is its own unique brand name of cool. It's an simple method to announce to other rockabillies that you are one of them-- that you share similar interests and a love for the wonderful art form of rockabilly.
Naturally, you do not need to visibly be a rockabilly to enjoy and enjoy rockabilly music. I personally don't live as a rockabilly to any fantastic level. I do tend towards a rockabilly haircut and I love classic vehicles as much as the next guy. I do not go out of my way to dress in 50s styles (aside from my stage clothes when I'm performing.) Still, I love rockabilly music and (as evidenced by this, my other posts, and my blog) spend a lot of time thinking of it, composing about it, and in basic simply sharing the pleasure of the music with anybody who will listen.
However the rockabillies are a unique breed. They express their love for the category and the music outwardly in vivid 1950s colors. When you see a rockabilly, you know instantly what sort of music they enjoy. It's a community. Rockabillies are bros and siblings in a common quest to keep rockabilly and the 1950s alive. The clothes they wear, cars they drive, and the furnishings in their homes simply enhance the soundtrack of their lives: The rockabilly music that binds all of us fans together. Whether you are a full-out rockabilly or, like me, merely a fan who likes the music regardless of normally non-rockabilly looks, a fan is still a fan. In the end, it's the music that gives all of us common 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 confessed that when I initially began playing in a rockabilly band years back, I didn't even know 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 absolute best rockabilly playing of all time.
Robert Gordon was doing Rockabilly clothing straight-out rockabilly and having a bit of success while bands like The Blasters were using rockabilly impact greatly to form a brand-new "roots rock" sound.
These fans don't simply buy rockabilly records and go to rockabilly programs. The rockabillies use the features of 1950s style to express their love for rockabilly music and the good parts of the rockabilly way of life.