Originally formed in Orlando in 1992, Florida’s legendary band Rocket 88 is celebrating two decades of performing their brand of high-octane rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll to packed venues. Over the years, the band’s eccentric performances on stage have become notorious. The band has performed at some of the most prominent venues in the U.S., including The Windows on the World, The Roxy, and The Supper Club in New York City; The Aragon Ballroom and The Liquid in Chicago; Clutch Cargo in Detroit; and several national House of Blues. In addition, they have performed with such national veteran musical acts as Jerry Lee Lewis, The B-52s, The Cramps, Snoop Dogg, Sublime, Southern Culture on the Skids, Reverend Horton Heat, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Wanda Jackson, Sleepy LaBeef, Dick Dale, Royal Crown Revue as well as many others. Rocket 88 has been a featured performer at the Tropical Heatwave & Rockabilly Ruckus events in Tampa and the Heavy Rebel Weekender event in Winston-Salem, NC.
In 1994 the band released a four-song EP, Mission to Mars, which received favorable reviews from national publications, such as Alternative Press and Blue Suede News. Two songs from the EP were featured on a compilation CD of American rockabilly entitled Stateside Rockabilly. The CD was released by NV Records and distributed throughout Europe and Japan. The following year, the band released its 15 song CD, Rock Around, which also received numerous favorable reviews. Selected by Florida’s JAM Magazine, the CD won the annual Jammy Award for the “State’s Best Independent Release.” Furthermore, Rocket 88 also received a “Best Band” Jammy Award.
2005 marked the release of Rocket 88’s CD, Alien Attack, which exemplifies the band’s talent for juxtaposing
vintage rockabilly with outer-spaced themes. The CD features ten original, wigged-out “B-movie” influenced tunes with a harder-edged sound.
The band’s current line-up consists of original members vocalist Michael Bales and guitarist Marko Zayas. Joining them are bassist Craig Roy, drummer Tom Pearce and pianist Terry Mooney.
Their rockin’ high energy stage shows are guaranteed to put a bop in your socks and a shakin’ in your shoes. So strap yourselves in, Daddy-O’s and Lil’ Mamas – you’re goin’ into orbit with Rocket 88!
REVIEWS
“You boys are the best band I’ve seen in years!”
Jerry Lee Lewis
Straight from the Killer’s mouth following Rocket 88’s performance with him at the House of Blues!
“The spirit of the late ’50’s is what these rockabilly purists are all about and Rocket 88 serves it up with swagger and style.”
Alternative Press
“Take the range of Jerry Lee Lewis, the smoothness of the King, and the hip reinvention of the Stray Cats and you’ve got their bee-bop sound down.”
Orlando Weekly
“Rug-cuttin’, beer-swillin’, table-dancin’, chain-smokin’, rube-punchin’, skirt-chasin’, heel-stompin’, tire-squealin’, hip-shakin’, arm-raisin’, shot-sluggin’, premise-evictin’, sweat-pourin’, girlfriend-stealin’, shake-sippin’, bar-burnin’ (an accident, I’m sure), turkey-slappin’, drag-racin’, toe-tappin’, crazy-soundin’, rockabilly greatness.”
Ink Nineteen
“Rocket 88 puts on a fiery stage show, replete with upright bass gymnastics, shiny jackets, snakeskin pants and guitar slinging. Their sound takes vintage rockabilly into outer space, with wigged-out B-movie themes that owes more to the Cramps than Gene Vincent.”
Orlando Sentinel
“If you dig rockabilly and love a good show, Rocket 88 is Orlando’s best. Their exhilarating energy and sound makes them one band that should not be missed. “
City Limits Magazine
“Seems a time bomb exploded in Orlando, Florida, sending the members of Rocket 88 back into the ’50’s, when rock was truly rousing and Dick Clark was really young. Stand-up bass, snare drum and a hollow-body rockabilly guitar set a shakin’ stage for vocalist Michael Bales’ hipped-up, rebel/lover postures, which owe as much to Lux Interior as Eddie Cochran.”
Southeastern Music Conference