An Important Event in Rock and Roll History!

Released on = September 14, 2005, 12:47 pm

Press Release Author = Rockabilly Hall of Fame

Industry = Entertainment

Press Release Summary = Rolling Stone magazine called Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps “The world's first Rock and Roll band." That’s quite an honor but one that’s well deserved.

Press Release Body = Gene Vincent, most noted for his hit recording,
"Be-Bop-A-Lula," was a huge influence on many of the top rock stars of the 1960s: Jim Morrison, Robert Plant, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, etc. Even today, The Stray Cats continue to perform Gene's songs at their sold-out shows. It's almost impossible to find a rock band anywhere in the world that doesn't have "Be-Bop-A-Lula" on its set sheet. Tragically, Gene died at the age of 36 on October 12, 1971. His band, The Blue Caps, regrouped in the 1980s and ‘90s but has not
played together for several years.

However, that’s about to change. Dickie Harrell, Johnny Meeks, and Tommy Facenda will reunite for a one-time-only tribute to Gene. The show, called "Bop Street" after one of his hits, will take place Saturday, October 15, 2005, at the Elks Club in Van Nuys, California.

Joining the Blue Caps on stage will be many other artists, both young and old, who were greatly influenced by Gene: Glen Glenn, Tommy Sands, Billy Zoom, Diamond Dave Somerville, Ray Campi, Pep Torres, and Don Weise, to name only a few. Several notable rock stars also have been invited and may drop in to pay tribute to one of America's rock and roll legends.

At the show, Dickie Harrell, Gene’s original drummer, will release his new CD, which was recorded at Sun Studios. It’s a compilation of Gene’s songs performed by artists such as Narvel Felts, Rosie Flores, Billy Swan, Tracy Nelson, and Roman Self.

Earlier in the day, a VIP memorial service will be held at his grave site near Van Nuys. The evening’s performers, Gene’s family, friends, and fans will attend.

The Rockabilly Hall of Fame®, a nonprofit organization, is sponsoring the entire event. Seating will be limited at the memorial service, and the show is expected to sell out, so the public is encouraged to contact the Hall of Fame early for ticket information. This truly will be an important event in rock and roll history!

The Web site for this event is:
http://www.rockabillyhall.com/bopstreet.html
Gene Vincent's official Web site is:
http://www.rockabillyhall.com/GeneVincent.html

Contact:
Bob Timmers
615-740-7625

Web Site = http://www.rockabillyhall.com/bopstreet.html

Contact Details = Rockabilly Hall of Fame®
501(c)(3) non-profit
Burns, TN 37029
Bob Timmers, pres.
615-740-7625
bob@rockabillyhall.com