Concert: Daddy Cool

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The highly theatrical and animated, Daddy Cool emerged on the Australian music scene in 1971, and they managed to make a smashing impact, taking Australia by storm. The success of Daddy Cool's performances surprised many people, as they were regarded as a pack of eccentric crooners, out there just to have a bit of fun. Dressed up like cartoon characters, and playing old rock 'n' roll songs as if they were brand new, the group's graduation from small thickly packed clubs to big concerts was almost overnight. Over a period of time, they have developed pockets of interest in America, and have enjoyed a limited, but solid popularity. Music lovers who want listen to some 'old wine in a new bottle', throng to their concerts. Though, it's an Australian act, they have not faced any problems in selling their tickets in America.

Daddy Cool was organized by Ross Wilson (guitar, vocals) in Melbourne, with the rest of the band comprising of Ross Hunnanford, and Ina winter on guitars, Jerry Noone on sax and piano, and Gary Young and Wayne Duncan (both veterans) on drums and bass, respectively. Daddy Cool was formed when the Australian music scene was descending into chaos, which was a result of a dispute between the record companies and radios stations. There was a question of survival for all bands, rock groups and musicians. Many faltered, but there were others, like Daddy cool who found an answer in live performances. At the onset, Daddy Cool played classic Fifties rock and roll, with a contemporary seventies attitude. The impact of Daddy Cools performances shocked everybody. 'Eagle Rock' was their first single, and riding on the wave of their popularity, became a national Number One single for 11 weeks, a record that still stands.

In 1971, the group's first album, 'Daddy Who? Daddy Cool', was the first Australian album, to make it to Number One nationally. Ross Wilson was a master songwriter, and though immensely comfortable with retro-rock'n'roll style, wanted to experiment, and give the band some scope beyond the oldies. In an effort to break away from their set image, and an inherent desire to experiment saw them coming out with their second album 'Sex Dope and Rock And Roll: Teenage Heaven'. The band also toured America on three occasions, and started developing an fan following in the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, though they have never replicated their Australian success in America.

The group split in 1972, but performed as Daddy Cool at the Sunbury Pop Festival in 1974. But, this renewed association only lasted a year, with the entire group members' eager to chart new avenues. But as they say, old relations die hard, with the band reforming again in 1994 to record two songs for a combined single with Skyhooks. February 2005, was a red letter day in the bands history, when they finally performed in public again, for the first time in 30 years, at a concert in aid of Tsunami victims. They are on tour again, and the legions of fan who have waited expectantly to listen to their brand of music, have a reason to smile again, so go get your tickets now!