Andrew O'Keefe "Shouts" Johnny O'Keefe

The life and music of the legendary Johnny O’Keefe (JOK) are energetically revived with candour and humour by his nephew Andrew O’Keefe. This show highlights the monumental importance of Johnny O’Keefe as Australia’s first true rock ‘n’ roll star.

Andrew captures the persona of his very famous uncle and provides an insider view of the man, his family, and his music. In comparison Andrew’s career as a well-known stage and television personality in his own right may be seen as less spectacular but it is also much less troubled, despite his own very public controversies.

Andrew talks about Johnny’s early days a young man with little direction in life but with a strong passion for music and performance. He emphasises the sheer enthusiasm and determination that drove and propelled Johnny’s career. His tales reveal how Johnny’s charisma was often constructed through orchestrated stunts, but this was frequently transformed into true professional showmanship.

Andrew punctuates this heart-warming and often tragic story of stardom with many of the famous hits such as Wild One and Sing Sing Sing. Audience members, many of whom have experienced JOK first hand, were delighted by the power and authenticity of Andrew’s performance. His finale, a rendition of Shout, literally brought the house down. The show allows you to truly enjoy reliving the past but certainly not by glossing over the harsh realities of life in the limelight.

Patricia Di Risio