O'Shannons Rockabilly Club - Kilmarnock

Once again it was time to catch the joyful Kilmarnock Blues down at O’Shannons, the old time Rock n Roll being provided this time by The Accelerators.
The band have been on the go for around 15 years, originating in Dundee area as Big Al and the Meerkats and through the years have evolved into their present form, with Steve Smith on lead vocals and rhythm guitar being a constant in the set up. Today they comprise of Steve, Dave Burnette on lead guitar and backing vocals, Steve Cunningham on double bass and Marty Cassidy on drums.
To date, the band has issued three albums on Raucous Records, but on this particular night they were concentrating on the brand new release ‘Let’s Turn It Up’ on their own SDSM imprint. As with their other releases, the tracks are a mixture of oldies and Steve Smith originals, which form a potent composition.
Live, The Accelerators although steeped in Rock n Roll tradition, have a sound all their own, due to the variation in style and material they utilize. They go from the Rockabilly sound of ‘Real Wild Child’ to the Doo-wop of ‘Ruby Baby – which they correctly credited to The Drifters – throwing in Steve Smith’s originals such as ‘Gonna Be With You’, ‘Let It Roll’ ‘She Moves Me’ and ‘Little Suzie’ with ease, as they fit like a glove and compliment the band’s take on the 50’s originals.
The versatility of the guys was well to the fore, as included in their set was a great version of ‘Donna The Prima Donna’ sitting alongside ‘Blue Days Black Nights’ comfortably, and they continued their merry way with ‘Sugaree’, the Bobby Darrin/Buddy Holly ‘Early In The Morning’, ‘Sleepwalk’, with another couple of Steve’s originals thrown into the mix, ‘Pretty Baby’ and ‘Had To Let You Know’.
To those who have not heard the Accelerators this may sound like a hotch potch – or even hocus pocus – but let me assure, the utilizing of so many Rock n Roll styles sure makes for an exciting witches brew. One of the most entertaining groups playing old style Rock n Roll, catch them when you can.
Tony Allan
UK Rock