Two for the show

Three to get ready,

Now go, cat, go.

Our Roland Purdy who is celebrating his golden anniversary  “spinning the wax.” (Image: submitted)

If you love classic 50s rock ‘n’ roll then this is your invitation to make your way to Wreningham Village Hall in Norfolk on Saturday, March 14, for a magical night of music and to celebrate a golden anniversary.

Who better to present it than our own Roland “Rocky” Purdy, founder of The Starfighter Rock & Roll Club, who will be marking half a century of “spinning the wax” and would love you to join him for a special night of music and memories.

Playing will be the rockabilly band from Italy, Vince & The Moonboppers, along with the UK’s Whiskey Jean & the Chasers, and when Roland puts on a show you know there be a Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On.

The Starfighter is fighting back! A great night of classic 50s rock ‘n’ roll to mark a 50th anniversary (Image: Supplied)

Roland formed his own much-loved rock & roll club he named The Starfighter at the old Norfolk Dumpling public house in Norwich and when the pub closed moved to Wreningham from 2005 to 2017.

And what great artists from across the world he brought to Norfolk over thirteen years including Gene Summers, Charlie Gracie, Vince Eager, John Leyton and Shane Fenton (Alvin Stardust) along with dozens of the very best rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll artists from as far afield as Australia and America.

Born at Thorpe St Andrew he moved to Brundall and then Wymondham and while he has had several different jobs, music have always played a leading role in his extraordinary life.

A rockin’ good show on Radio Norfolk with Roland and Stephen Bumphrey (Image: Supplied)

“When I was in my early teens the Elvis films lit the fire, but it was a box of original 50’s singles salvaged from a farmhouse attic of a friend of my mum’s gave me my first exposure to Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran and one of my all-time favourites Billy Fury which sent my heart racing,” said Roland.

And these were the 45s he took to a youth club at Wymondham – much to the surprise of the leaders at the time.

It was the start of a life “spinning the wax” and giving so much pleasure to rock ‘n’ roll fans near and far.

Rockin’ around the Forum in Norwich (Image: Supplied)

“The first real opportunity to express my love for the 50s sound came when a local landlord noticed my blue & black drape, blue suede shoes and the fact all I played on the pub jukebox was Elvis, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent and other 50s rockers.

“Following many conservations about music he suggested I might like to DJ a rock & roll record hop at his pub on his equipment. I practised behind closed doors for many weeks ands finally kt happened!” he said.

Despite his dad re-assuring his mum “not to worry, he’ll soon grow out of it.” He didn’t and still hasn’t.

“It has been a wonderful 50 years which has taken me all over Europe preaching the rock & roll gospel, including France, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Spain. Especially Scandinavia, making special and lifetime friends along the way,” he said.

He also co-hosted a great bi-monthly rock & roll show with Stephen Bumfrey on Radio Norfolk for several years as well as guesting on other stations.

A great night of music at the old Starfighter Rock & Roll Club (Image: Supplied)

For the last five years he was been the DJ Rockin’ Roland on the rock & roll station, Splinterwood Radio, which he loves…and so do the listeners.

He broadcasts on Saturday nights, between 6 and 9pm – if not gigging.

Roland has also presented several Rock Around The Forum events in Norwich surrounded by 50s cars and motorcycles which attracted large crowds…and dancers.

The music and the memory lives on…the late, great Gene Vincent (Image: Supplied)

And he still has a busy life playing the music he loves at home and abroad.

“Although the Starfighter has officially closed we will be hosting two events in 2026 to celebrate my ‘50 years Behind the Decks’ and hold them under the Starfighter bAndanner

The legendary Eddie Cochran who died in a road accident while touring this country back in 1960. He was 21 (Image: Supplied)

“The first on Saturday March 14 and the second in May when Lean Canteen from Utah and Norwich’s very own V.8 Rockets will be playing,” he said.

Both events are from 8-12pm, tickets cost £10 on the door at Wreningham Village Hall, NR16 1AN and for more details call Roland on Norwich (01603) 812637.

Rock on Roland…