RUCKUS is an award winning five piece country rock outfit hailing from the outer Eastern burbs of Mexico, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Four good lookin’ blokes and a likley lassy, RUCKUS have cemented their as one of Australia’s premier country bands and developed a strong and loyal following, through their blistering live performances and easy going manner offstage.
The band is the brainchild of founding member and guitarist Mick Abrey who along with Bazza Tiplady on bass were joined later by Emma Rodda on fiddle, Roland Kretchmar on lead guitar and Mark Furphy on drums. The band’s repertoire features an eclectic mix of southern rock and country covers as well as a growing list of awesome Aussie originals and instrumentals, one of which led the band to making the finals for Best instrumental Golden Guitar at the 36th annual CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia in 2008.
RUCKUS were also finalists in the 2007 and 2008 TIARA’S for two of their songs as well as taking out the 07 West Leagues-Rural Press Best Band and the Tooheys Best Band in 08. RUCKUS also won the National Award for Best New Artists in the Vic and National Country Music Awards. In 2009 RUCKUS took out the ‘Coca Cola’ Battle of the bands. That makes RUCKUS the only band to take out the big three battles in Tamworth in a row! RUCKUS are firm favorites on the festival, B&S and Rodeo circuit and the ongoing sponsorship and support of Freightliner trucks has allowed them to travel to shows and events across Australia, playing their music to an ever growing fan base of “RUCKETTS”.
They have produced three albums to date, a 7 track, self-titled collection in 2007, which was followed by a 12 track CD, “The Other Side”, in 2008. It took a few years but 2014 saw the release of their third album “Love This Country” 7 of the tracks on this album were penned by the band and it shows a maturity in the bands songwriting and recording. “Love This Country” took out 8 awards in the 2014 Canberra Country Music Awards, from ‘Best Country Album’ to ‘Best Country Song’ and more in between. RUCKUS have two video clips out at the moment which can be seen on CMC at www.countrymusicchannel.com.
The Band
Michael
As frontman, vocalist, guitarist, great Aussie bloke and band leader – Mick has tirelessly pushed this band from its modest beginnings to its current success. Mick has a solid background in the pub and club scene and has been involved in the country music scene for some 20 years. Behind every great man…..you know the saying….so this webpage must also recognise the efforts of Meredith (Meres) behind the scenes….as there combined efforts have allowed Mick to relax and mingle with HIS crowd to his heart’s content!! Drop by the next RUCKUS gig and enjoy the true Aussie spirit through this genuine Aussie bloke.
Bazza
Being our elder statesman, (He’s taken that mantle back from Mick!!) Bazza brings a wealth of experience from the music scene which would be a bonus for any band. After a rest from the band to attend to his music shop “Westwood Guitars” Bazza came back to the RUCKUS team in 2010. With his dulset tones and driving bottom end Bazza has helped to establish RUCKUS as one of Aussies premier country rock bands.
Also ruckin’ out some lead vocals watch out!!
Emma
The lovely and very talented Emma is a Victorian College of the Arts graduate violinist and teacher. Having played with John Farnham, James Morrison and Mike Brady, Hey Hey it’s Saturday and Count Down orchestras, also Opera In the Alps orchestra to name just a few. Emma is an integral part of RUCKUS and she loves every minute of it, as we are sure you will love her!!!
Roland
Roland has been playing guitar professionally for many years and it shows. An awesome guitarist, he brings a wealth of energy and bolsters the already great RUCKUS sound even more. A very dynamic and fluid player, he is very comfortable on the acoustic or electric guitar and may even throw in some slide to mix it up a little. A guitar teacher by day, be prepared to be blown away…
Mark
Mark is the latest addition to the RUCKUS family and has had over 2 decades of experience whacking out on the skins. A drum teacher by day he plays a versatile range of music styles from rock & roll, Irish and of course country music. He is the back beat of the band with his solid playing along side Bazza they make the perfect back bone for RUCKUS. Mark is an asset to the RUCKUS family and loves and looks forward to a long future with the band.
Ruckus Repertoire
Besides a load of great, award-winning original music, here are just a few of the artists we cover:
Johnny Cash, Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, Slim Dusty, Steve Earl, Hank Williams, Creedence, Eagles, Charlie Daniels Band, Patsy Cline, Kasey Chambers, John Williamson, Lynyrd Skynyrd
If you have a special song you require please call prior to engagement and we will try to rehearse it for you. We have a full adaptable PA lighting and sound system which is great for small to large venues and also capable of handling outdoor shindigs.
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