Think Elvis Presley meets Van Halen, Hillbilly Casino singer Nic Roulette said as he left a message for drummer Andrew Dickson about auditioning. With a strong Rockabilly core, the Hillbilly Casino isn't afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves. To The Hillbilly Casino there are the obvious masters, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Brian Setzer/Stray Cats, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins. Yet don't be surprised to hear some Social Distortion, Ramones, Hank Williams, Black Sabbath, George Jones, Jason and the Scorchers and Cheap Trick thrown in for good measure.
The band consists of singer Nic Roulette (Blue Moon Boys), bassist Geoff Firebaugh (BR5-49), guitarist Ronnie Crutcher (Tobasko Kat, Brian Setzer's Nashvillians) and drummer Andrew Dickson.
Nic Roulette has much to be proud of since he formed The Hillbilly Casino in late 2004. Without any representation, management or label support, the band was invited to open 7 dates on The Brian Setzer Orchestra's 2006 Christmas Extravaganza tour. The most notable shows being the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, House Of Blues in Chicago and the Gibson Amphitheater (formerly the Universal Amphitheater) in Los Angeles. The band has also shared the stage with such acts as The Legendary Shack Shakers, The Blasters, Rev. Horton Heat, The Cramps, The Supersuckers, Wanda Jackson, Flatfoot 56, Southern Culture On The Skids, The Twistin' Tarantulas and Billy Burnette.
On top of success in Rockabilly/Punk circles, the band has earned a healthy corporate resume as part of Gaylord Opryland's entertainment roster. When not touring, the band still performs regularly in Nashville at The Opryland Hotel along with their weekly gig at the Lower Broadway honky-tonk Layla's Bluegrass Inn.
Speaking of touring, the band has played the Rodeo Bar in New York City , the Blue Comet in Philadelphia Pennsylvania , Headliners, Jim Porters and Pheonix Hill in Louisville Kentucky , The Rockin' 50's Fest III in Green Bay Wisconsin, Young Avenue Deli in Memphis as well as other venues in Virginia , Alabama , Missouri , Kentucky, Illinois and Tennessee .
The band has a cover repertoire of over 5 hours but also embraces the chance to do 45 minute original showcase sets. Be it a honky-tonk, a smoky rock club, a corporate private party or a middle-of-nowhere bonfire throw down, the Hillbilly Casino just likes to entertain. Head on over to the MUSIC page to hear clips from their new full length record.
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