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Viva Las Vegas Photographs Janette Beckman
The Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend is an annual four day music festival and car show which began in 1998. Started by UK promoter and DJ, Tom Ingram, the event has centred 6
around the Orleans Hotel since 2009. Since then, it has grown into the largest event of its kind in the world attracting fans from all over the planet. The four days contain a wealth of activities,
shows and stalls for lovers of all things 1950s and rock ’n’ roll. vivalasvegas.net tompingramproductions.com 7
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Alex, 51, fashion designer, from Hong Kong, China, wears shirt by MNA Rockabilly Chic; vest by Hanes; jeans by Levi’s Ice, 28, photographer, from Hong Kong, China, wears jacket by Lee; overalls by Go West; T-shirt by MNA Rockabilly Chic Describe your style. Rockabilly. What’s so special about Viva Las Vegas? Great music, cars and styles. Describe Viva Las Vegas in three words. Heaven for Rockabillies. Who’s your style icon? Willy Moon. Who’s your favourite band? Space Cadets. What’s your favourite movie? The School of Rock.
The Rumble Cats of Badsville Describe your style. 1950s juvenile deliquent. What’s so special about Viva Las Vegas? It has the best range of music, cars, booze and tattoos. Describe Viva Las Vegas in three words. Loud. Fast. Wild. Who’s your style icon? Marlon Brando. Who are your favourite bands? Lords of Altamont, Gamblers Mark and Ramblin’ James and the Billy Boppers. What’s your favourite movie? The Wild One.
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SEEN | Viva Las Vegas Vince Rebel Cats, 29, musician, from Mexico City Describe your style. 1950s. What’s so special about Viva Las Vegas? Everything. Who’s your style icon? Elvis Presley. What’s your favourite movie? Back to the Future.
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Roy ‘Ryszard’ Rysin, security director, from Bradford, UK, wears cap by Prison Blues Describe your style. Biker rockabilly. What’s so special about Viva Las Vegas? So much originality. Describe Viva Las Vegas in three words. Really. Groovy. Poovey. Who are your favourite musicians? Hank Williams, Elvis and Johnny Cash.
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Crepe, 37, car builder, from Ontario, Canada Crow, 37, truck driver, from California, US Describe your style. Greasers. What’s so special about Viva Las Vegas? Cars. Describe Viva Las Vegas in three words. Cars. Cars. Cars. Who’s your style icon? The Dead Sleds. What’s your favourite movie? The Outsiders.
George Tantardini, 26, custom painter, from California, US, wears T-shirt by Black Kat Kustoms Describe your style. Rockabilly. What’s so special about Viva Las Vegas? The culture. Describe Viva Las Vegas in three words. Crazy as hell. Who’s your style icon? Johnny Bravo. Who’s your favourite band? Social Distortion. What’s your favourite movie? Two Lane Blacktop.
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Vicky Tafoya and The Big Beat
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James Bringham, 28, barber, from California Describe your style. Mid century suburban. What’s so special about Viva Las Vegas? The sights and sounds. Describe Viva Las Vegas in three words. Shoop. Doo. Wop. Who’s your style icon? Cary Grant. Who’s your favourite musician? Artie Shaw. What’s your favourite movie? The Third Man.
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The Rockats
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