Billy O'Rourke
Melbourne's pioneer rock-n-roller

                Billy O' Rourke was a pioneer of rock-n-roll in Melbourne. In the late fifties Billy was performing at venues across Melbourne - from the Mornington Peninsula to St Kilda's renowned Earl's Court and at the legendary Preston Town Hall. Billy's wild on-stage movements attracted a lot of attention from the audience and his popularity zoomed. He was quickly recognised as Melbourne's wild man of rock-n-roll. Performances at radio station rock concerts were frequent and Billy also appeared on the national television rock show "Six O' Clock Rock" with Johnny O'Keefe.

                The Sydney based recording company, Rex, invited Billy and his then backing group - the Thunderbirds - to record some material, including the Stan Rofe suggestion "Running Bear". These recordings are now strongly sought after by collectors of Australian rock-n-roll throughout the world.

                Billy then joined the Australian Army, which included two stints of active service in Vietnam. It was in the service that Billy met Normie Rowe. They shared accomodation and fought side by side in Vietnam . Billy and Normie have remained close friends often performing together at Viet Vet reunions and at shows with the Allstars.

                With rock entrepreneur, Ian B. Allen, Billy developed a Johnny O'Keefe tribute show, which features all of O'Keefe's many hit records and, with the Allstars, performs to sell out audiences.

                Billy and the Allstars have performed at venues such as the World Congress Centre, the Melbourne Concert Hall, the Regent Plaza Ballroom, as well as for the Johnny O'Keefe Club, the Elvis Presley Official Fan Club of Australia and at the prestigious celebrations for Australia Day in Melbourne's beautiful Treasury Gardens.

                For further information please contact:

Ian B. Allen
PO Box 101
Seaford 3198
Australia

Phone: ( 03 ) 9782 5582
Mobile: 0418 567526
Fax: ( 03 ) 9776 8478

email: ianallen@ozemail.com.au

HOME    ALLSTARS     JOHNNY CHESTER    PERFORMERS    DANCES     CONTACT US