Red Rivers - Biography
Red was born in Cairns far North Queensland Australia, in the late 50's. Working life began as a welder in a alcohol distillery but stimulated by the music of Dave Edmunds and Johnny Cash he realised welding was not the career path for him. He worked as an itinerant; taxi driving, welding and playing in various bands before moving to Sydney in the early 90's.
Fuelled by a listening diet of hillbilly and rhythm & blues, quoting influences such as Duane Eddy, Johnny Horton and T Bone Walker, Red's first break came when asked to record with Don Walker. His recording career began playing guitar on Don's album 'Where All Gunna Die.'
1996, Red released his debut album "Hillbilly Heart" on Shock Records and Demon Records in the UK. The album won a couple of Australian Independent Country Music Awards and a Tamworth Golden Guitar nomination.
Early 1998, album number two "Quarter Mile Down" was released. Produced by Joe Camilleri it attracted much acclaim. Red's appeal was broad and equally diverse with acts such as You Am I and Southern Culture On The Skids inviting Red to tour as their special guests.
Red's third album "Low Down Twang" was released in 1999 and featured Roadtrain a real audience favourite co-written with American Dale Watson.
August 2001 album #4 - "WiShBoNe"
Red Rivers has featured at many Australian events such as the "East Coast Blues & Roots Festival" - Byron Bay, "The Great Southern Blues & Rockabilly Festival" - Narooma, "Tamworth Country Music Festival" and the "Port Fairy Folk Festival". He has performed on numerous Radio and TV shows including the ABC's "Studio 22" and the "10.30 Slot" as well as the Commercial Networks and Pay for View.
Red toured Europe in 2001 with success, Belgium being one country where he is well respected. A recent trip to China saw Red play to an audience of over 8,000 in Beijing.
Red Rivers undertakes an Australian tour taking in NSW, SA, Tas, Melb & Bris June 12 - July 13 2003.
Red and band fly to France July 14 to commence a Europe festival tour, the first show being in Cahors on July 16.
From there it's on to Nashville for a show and some songwriting.
Red returns home August 1 to continue preparing material for album # 5.
Red Rivers is the real deal - one hot rockin, hard boppin looming legend.