THE WESTERN FRONT

WELCOME …

Look back at the end of year charts in the 1950s and

ALL Mama’s CHILDREN

Young rocker perished alongside Buddy Holly and the

RARE ROCK’N’ROLL RECORDS

An R&B must-have from the pioneering Otis Blackwell

Emma & The Ragmen

Emma Nelson and her crew keep Scotland rockin’… and Europe is now in their sights

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Singles & EP Reviews

If you wanted any more proof that rockabilly is alive and kicking ass, this batch of new vinyl features some superb new young artists from the UK, Europe and North America. Get ready for some maximum rockin’…

Vinyl LP Reviews

Three superb Gene Vincent releases, as well as a great new Reverend Horton Heat LP, classic Bo Diddley reissued, a wax debut from UK rockers Howlin’ Bones and much more

CD Album Reviews

There’s a clutch of early-singles compilations this issue, which highlight the early form of both legends and cult acts from Smokey Robinson to Roy Brown to Ella Mae Morse. Add some cracking new releases from Mel Peekaboo, Nick Waterhouse and others from across the globe, and it’s a fine season for rock’n’roll…

JINGLE BELL ROCK!

There was plenty of rockin’ around the Christmas tree when the teds and rockers headed to Suffolk for their annual winter knees-up by the sea

A LIFE IN Rock ‘n’ Roll

It’s 1960, and Vince Eager is finding himself increasingly frustrated with Larry Parnes. The latest tour proves to be memorable, though, with horseplay by the River Avon, disappearing cars in Cardiff, and punch-ups in Glasgow

SOUNDTRACK of my life

Veteran entertainer Mike Berry was there at the start of rock’n’roll in the UK and, partly thanks to his sister, had the US records to prove it. His soundtrack is stacked with classics from Elvis, The Beatles, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and more

ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK

Sixty-five years! That’s right, on 12 April 1954, Bill

An A-Z of Rockabilly

With this issue packed with rockabilly, we’re kicking off with a guide to the 50s classics. This A-Z isn’t exhaustive, of course not – that would be a book. But whether you’re a newbie needing a primer on legendary cuts and the sharpest of stars, or a seasoned rockabilly who wants some rarer fare to add to your collection, we hope it’s a good place to start…

ONCE UPON A Time In The West

One of the most vibrant labels for new rockabilly is the UK’s own Western Star. As he marks his label’s 15th anniversary, owner Alan Wilson tells Vintage Rock about keeping the rockin’ flame alive, picks his favourite cuts and salutes some famous friends

On the CD

Vintage rockabilly, swing, a bit of country, classic

NOT JUST LIKE EDDIE

Aside from his legendary bloodline, Bobby Cochran has proved himself a virtuoso guitarist, artist and producer in his own right. Vintage Rock talks to the nephew of Eddie about divine inspiration, rockabilly throwback bands and a family legacy of musical exploration

WHEN ROCKABILLY RULED OK!

Rockabilly was in its death throes by the 1960s, but

TEDDY BOY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

Crazy Cavan And The Rhythm Rockers led the rockabilly revival of the 1970s. Nearly half a century into their career, we found singer Cavan Grogan and lead guitarist Lyndon Needs still crazy after all these years

THE FINAL DECADE

Much of the focus on Elvis Presley in the 1970s focuses on his personal deterioration. But for BBC DJ, superfan and author Matt Shepherd, that decade still showed just how great an artist Elvis could be. Here he offers his own take on the later reign of the King…