Regarding the success from the latest run of concerts in Australia
We are thrilled to announce that Hank Marvin Gypsy Jazz (HMGJ) were performing live at our world-class venue in Perth in September 2025. All concerts were sold out instantly.
These were followed up by further gigs in Canberra, Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, Noosa and Brisbane.
Overseas Visitors:
This year we were greeted with fans from overseas, Geoff Penny visited from New Zealand a second time to attend two concerts in Brisbane and Geoff Bearpark travelled from the United Kingdom to attend three concerts.
The fact someone made the trip all the way from the UK specifically to attend see our group live was astounding.
We are pleased to pass on a review written and provided by Geoff Bearpark:
Having heard Hank and The Shadows for the first time when I was around 12 years old I was instantly inspired to learn play Guitar. I have seen many concerts starting with Marvin Welch & Farrar in the early 70’s up to The Shadows & Cliff final final tour in 2009 time was overdue to attend a few more…… I was drawn to make the journey down under in September 2025 to see and hear a different type of music.
Hank Marvin Gypsy Jazz, for dates in Canberra, Wollongong and Sydney N.S.W. Not just the music, but going to see the man who inspired me to play all those years ago, to shake his hand and say a few words to him would mean so much; could this happen?
My story starts when the N.S.W leg was announced. I worked out I could go for 3 dates allowing for travel time to and from Australia. My wife thought I was mad, but she understood what this would mean to me so she gave me her blessing to go. I am lucky to have good friends out in N.S.W that live in Wyoming ( Lynn and Mick ) so after a few messages and confirmation of flight details Lynn organised the itinerary including tickets, accommodation and the Airport collection. Also fair amount of driving by Mick ( my chauffeur and companion ). This was to be the first time to hear Hank Marvin Gypsy Jazz “live”, previously, had seen Hank last at the UK reunion tour with Cliff in 2009.
It was emotional to see Hank on stage again, a wonderful moment. Not only Hank, but Nunzio Mondia and Gary Taylor, along with Pete Jeavons on Bass. From Honeysuckle Rose then straight in to the fabulous Caravan I knew this music was on another level, carefully worked on sometimes breathtaking instrumental passages that just cascaded joy and pleasure to the listener. Nivram was gorgeous, a simple start with lead and harmony Guitar but then expanding out to a fabulous bass solo from Pete, making full use of the dusty end of the fretboard. Nunzio’s Accordion playing was the perfect foil throughout for Hank, it was amazing to hear it with the audience picking up on the skill and difficulty of each passage and applauding throughout the number. Gary was the mainstay, a fabulous chopping rhythmic style that appeared effortless, this was fun, his face exuding joy. Happy music that enthralled from start to finish. By the time I had heard Django’s Castle I had to wipe away the odd tear! Hank played it just beautifully, this happened at each venue. It just got me every time. The set was glorious, so many highs, so much humour and stories intertwined fitting perfectly between the songs. Then after each concert the meet and greet, this was to be my chance to meet my guitar hero ( again ).
I took a photograph of myself and Hank when he was doing his solo tours with Ben and Warren Bennett from approximately 30 years ago, I have seemed to age more…..See you tomorrow I said….Wollongong.
Sydney was to be the defining moment as I had previously introduced myself as Geoff ( from Portsmouth UK ) as the last people were leaving Hank was alone, my chance I thought to say cheerio. Again I started my introduction…. Hank stopped me, “I know who you are” he said, “ Geoff from Portsmouth” We chatted briefly but it was enough, I believe we had made a lasting connection. To meet the man that inspired me for well over 55 years was a dream realised. An incredible unforgettable moment.
Thank you for the music Hank! Next stop maybe Perth………
