More than 50 years after he first started performing on stage, old rocker Issi Dye is still thoroughly entertaining his audiences.
A household name and regular face on Australian television in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Issi Dye is coming to Cobar to perform two shows at the Cobar Services Club this Friday and Saturday.
Speaking with The Cobar Weekly last week, Issi says having a regular gym routine has helped him to maintain his high energy performances although, he said, when it comes to jumping up on chairs and dancing on tables, he now does it more carefully!
Issi’s Friday night’s show pays tribute to Australian music legend, ‘The Wild One’ Johnny O’Keefe (JOK).
“I had the privilege of working alongside Johnny O’Keefe in the early 1970s and learnt a lot from him,” Issi said.
Issi’s been doing his JOK tribute show for close to 15 years singing in his unique style as well as adding in songs from other legendary music artists such as Cole Joy and Bobby Darrin, who had an influence on JOK’s music.
With hits such as ‘Sing, sing, sing’, ‘I’m counting on you’, ‘Move baby move’, ‘Come on and take my hand’, ‘Shout’, ‘She’s my baby’ and many more, plus the opportunity get up and dance The Twist, Issi’s JOK tribute is sure to be a great show.
Issi’s long career has been interesting and varied.
He’s draws on his experiences from his appearances on TV shows such as Bandstand, The Go Show, Countdown, The Don Lane and Mike Walsh shows (in the 60s through to the 90s) along with his touring memories with music greats Roy Orbison, The Beach Boys and The Everly Brothers and incorporates them into his shows.
Issi said while his audience members are mostly Baby Boomers, he likes to mix things up for each show so that his music appeals to a broader cross section.
His Saturday afternoon show at the Services Club will pay homage to Elvis.
“It will be different to the Friday night show.
“I’ll be in the full Elvis outfit, and I’ll play all the big Elvis songs and also mix in some other music from Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and The Everley Brothers.
“The kids can come along to that one,” Issi said.
“One thing about our music is that it lives on.
“A lot of people love going to nostalgia rock and roll shows all over the country.
“I’m still getting out there to make sure that music continues and it does live on.
“I guarantee that if you come from a long way out of town to see the show, you won’t be disappointed,” Issi said.
“Linda at the Services Club and I, we just want people to come along, have a good time and enjoy the music.
“And please bring your dancing shoes as well!”
