If you're a big fan of the Kardashians, American Idol and Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" ("I'm in love with your body..."), you probably would've had a lousy time at Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly...
If you're a big fan of the Kardashians, American Idol and Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" ("I'm in love with your body..."), you probably would've had a lousy time at Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend 21.
The annual event, which took over the Orleans Hotel & Casino on Sin City's West Tropicana Avenue this past weekend, is pretty much a celebration of everything the mainstream is not. After all, the biggest draws at the popular event are pre-1964 hot rods, authentic Fifties clothing, burlesque shows, Sailor Jerry-style tattoos, a jiving contest and, of course, a slew of rockabilly, throwback and straight-up, slicked-back rock and roll bands.
And while first-generation rockers Jerry Lee Lewis and Duane Eddy were near the top of the bill this year, the truly big news was the much-ballyhooed return of modern rockabilly legends the Stray Cats, who performed Saturday night in front of a massive outdoor crowd. It was the iconic U.S. band's first North American appearance in 10 years.
Above, you can watch fan-filmed footage of the rockabilly masters—Brian Setzer (vocals, guitar), Lee Rocker (bass) and Slim Jim Phantom (drums)—performing "Runaway Boys," their 38-year-old debut single and one of the records that helped kick off the rockabilly revival of the early Eighties (which some say is still going strong). Below, you can watch them perform 1981's "Rumble in Brighton" from a bit later in the set (Note: Please excuse the low-quality video and almost complete lack of bass; if you find a better version of either performance on YouTube, let us know in the comments below).
If you'd prefer to