Andrew O’Keefe “Shouts” Johnny O’Keefe

Most would be familiar with Australian celebrity host Andrew O’Keefe and his game shows ‘Deal or No Deal’ and ‘The Chaser’, but what many do not know, including this reviewer previous to this review, is that he shares a family surname with Australia’s own ‘King of Rock’n Roll’, Johnny O’Keefe.

Andrew is the nephew of fifties sensation JOK, who took the Australian music scene hostage in the mid fifties and continued his assault on the charts for the next 20 years. Dubbed ‘The Wild One’, Johnny O’Keefe was like no one before him. He was not just another singer, but a showman who relished the spotlight and the adoration of his fans.

On the 40^th anniversary of his death, Andrew felt it was time to celebrate the life and work of his late uncle. As Andrew explains, there was a gentler side to the brash vocalist and through his catalogue of hits and story-telling Andrew pays homage to this complex figure.

Taking us through his uncle’s childhood, teenage years and the ambition that simmered beneath the surface, Andrew paints a picture of a talented but tormented soul who lived and worked to excess.

Backed by a 5-piece band and backing vocalist Donna Dixon, Andrew belts out hits such as ‘She Wears My Ring’, ‘So Tough’, ‘She’s My Baby’, ‘Move Baby Move’ and of course the crowd-pleasing number one hit ‘Shout”.

Wearing JOK’s trademark gold jacket with leopard-skin trim, Andrew warmed up the packed crowd, opening with ‘The Wild One’. Although Andrew’s voice struggled to reach the heights of his uncle’s, he made the songs his own. The love he has for this loveable larrikin was obvious and his memories, filled with humour and sentiment, were truly touching.

Toes were tapping, and hands were clapping as familiar beats filled the stage. Andrew O’Keefe had the audience in the palm of his hand and his charm and quick-wit left you with a unique perspective on the life of Johnny O’Keefe, Rock’n’Roll icon.

Kerry Cooper

Photographer: Clauio Raschella

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