Dave Gartland and Fellow Midnight Rocker from the UK John Neale, formed the band "Midnight Rockers" around 7 years ago, Soon John and Dave were invited to DJ at some of the UK`s Hottest Rockin Jive clubs and record hops.With one of the largest collection of Rockin trax, Dave and John were able to cater for every taste, be it swing,rock n roll, rockabilly or jump jive. While John is flying the flag for the UK Dave is enjoying life down under in Adelaide, where he is keeping the Ozzys up to date with the latest tunes from around Europe and the UK, as well as writing for several rockin magazines, with every intention of keepin our passion alive and kickin around the world. Dave`s unique blend of photography is the result of over 30 years experience as a photographer, and he has worked both as a DJ and a photographer photographing some of the biggest names in the Rock N Roll world,his pictures have been published worldwide and has produced the images for several album covers, for names like the Satellites in Australia and Wild Bob Burgos in the UK. Both DJ`s are available to hire in their respective countries, and if it`s a world renowned photographer you need for your event, look no further.
Take a look at some of the bands already captured by the Rockabilly Photographer Dave Gartland,
The Jets, The Firebirds, Joe Brown, Dave Edmunds,The Stray Cats, Cliff Richard and the Shadows,The Go Getters, The Lennerockers, Wild Bob Burgos,The Satellites ,Linda Gail Lewis ,Darrel Higham, John Lewis Trio, to name but a few..
In the Mid 70s, My Dad was known as 'THE DUDE' and was the first one to wear cowboy gear, guns stetsun the works.. he was also a DJ and at a young age I would get on the Mic and announce rock n roll tracks. H really didn`t give a dam. he would vanish during a track, and then come blasting through the doors like a bat out of hell on a 750cc Kawasaki chopper bike, wheel spinning on the dance floor to a crazy crowd.. So I guess a little of that has rubbed off..
John Nea;e and myself came up with the name Midnight Rockers, as we would practice in my factory workshop way past the hour of midnight, and that was when we came to life, the same can be seen now at certain venues when I dj, once the band has finished, and those that must go home, leave, then we start to Rockin after Midnight, singing on the Mic, playing Crazy dance trax, inviting people up to sing etc... a night to remember shall we say, until finally we get kicked out... haaa.. you are a long time dead so lets enjoy our short time here together..
When John Neale and Myself started the rockin record hops, it was the best thing we did. The person that gave us our first go was Malcolm White of the Western Union Jive Club. At St. Domonick in Cornwall. We ensured the floor was always packed, and this led to us DJ-ing all over the South West of England. Pictured here at our last Rockin nite, which was also a tribute night to the Guy who named the Western Union Jive club, Mr Brian Stimpson, but sadly passed away the previous year. Apart from Elvis`s western union track, Brian would also end the evening with "Goodnight Irene" by none other than my good friend "Wild Bob Burgos" .I arranged for Bob to be there as a surprise and to actually introduce his own track, and meet the family, This meant a lot Brian`s family who were there to celebrate and remember his life and goodtimes brought to all through the rock n roll. To me this is what it is all about, and I will put everything i can into ensuring Rock n Roll is the tool to bring people together, through dance, music and letting the good times roll.
Since moving to Adelaide from the UK in Nov. 2008, I have been fortunate to meet the Core of the Rock N Rollers / Rockabilly folk, Have had the Privelage to have DJ`d on Coast FM twice, Had my Photographs used on the Satellites Latest Album, as well as DJing along side Adelaides finest Bands, and the greatest Dancers, supporting what I play and do. Thank you Adelaide... lets keep on movin..
The Midnight Rocker is ready, to rock your night, with your choice of music, not bias to any music that relates to the fifties, be it the original roots, or the modern out takes, all of which is keeping the scene alive.
contact dave on 0450805778.
I have worked with some of the top UK, and european bands, both As a DJ and A photographer..
My 40th Birthday with the Firebirds, and the missus !!
As the Adopted 5th Member of the Sons of Sun, you get a double wammy! Not only a live rockin band, but the Midnight Rocker will keep the music tearing up, between sets, before and after the Band goes live.
Im just so pleased to share with the Folk down under, exactly what the UK and Europe is live and kicking to, the latest tracks brought direct to those prepared to dance... see ya at a rockin event soon....
Dave Gartland
