Bobby Rydell to hit Bendigo

Steve Kendall | Bendigo Weekly | 15-Feb-2012 3.45pm

«
Bobby Rydell in younger years.
»

WHEN Bobby Rydell steps on the stage of The Capital Theatre next month it will be as part of his 21st tour of Australia.

His first was in 1960, and he already had a hit record under his belt, Kissin’ Time.

Thirty-four US hits later and a string of favourites around the world, Bobby is still enjoying the industry.

“I love what I’m doing,” he says.

“I was blessed with a good set of pipes, and they’re still working, so I’ll carry on.

“I’m still smiling, it keeps you going."

At 70 the tours are not as rigorous as they used to be, but he still aims to visit Australia every 18 months or so.

In the early days Bobby toured in the Dick Clark Caravan of stars for six weeks of non-stop dates, quite a tall order for an 18-year old.

“I was learning my craft,” he said.

“My success didn’t happen overnight, I was still having singing lessons.”

Bobby started at 10 as a drummer, and his father saw the burgeoning talent and encouraged and supported his singing, taking him to see acts such as Benny Goodman with drummer Gene Kruper.

His first three songs were not hits, but in the US summer of 1959 Kissin’ Time hit the charts.

Suprisingly perhaps, Bobby still gets nervous.

“I still have nerves,” he said.

“I pace in the wings. But then you get on stage and see the smiling faces, and you’re off.

Bobby has seen a lot of stars come and go, but has a special memory of one.

“Bobby Darin was taken from us too young,” he said.

“He died following an operation at 37 in 1973.

“I was proud to call him my friend, and I still think of him.”

Darin and Rydell were contemporaries in the 60s, in the days when breaking into the industry was about touring, learning and touring some more.

“I watch American Idol and think it’s happening too fast,” he said.

“How can they know what they need to know with that overnight success.”

That from a man who knows success, of the highest order.

And what’s he looking forward to in Bendigo?

“I hope you have a good Oyster Kilpatrick there," he said. “It’s my favourite dish in the world.”


Bobby Rydell is touring Australia next month, including March 29 at Capital Theatre, Bendigo. Bookings on 5434 6100.

b.Entertained

Comment





Captcha Image