Imagine a world filled with leather jackets, slicked-back hair, and the irresistible sound of rock 'n' roll. Now, imagine dedicating half a century to keeping that world alive! That's exactly what Roland "Rocky" Purdy has done, and he's inviting you to celebrate with him.
Get ready to twist and shout because The Starfighter Rock & Roll Club, a Norwich institution, is celebrating its golden anniversary! For 50 years, Roland Purdy has been "spinning the wax," sharing his passion for classic 50s rock ‘n’ roll with anyone who'll listen. And on Saturday, March 14th, at Wreningham Village Hall in Norfolk, you can join the party.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might say the golden age of rock 'n' roll is long gone, a relic of a bygone era. Roland Purdy, however, would strongly disagree! He's dedicated his life to proving that the music, the energy, and the spirit of the 50s are alive and well.
Who is Roland Purdy, and why is this anniversary such a big deal? Well, he's the founder of The Starfighter Rock & Roll Club, and he's been a champion of rockabilly and classic rock 'n' roll for five decades. He's marking this milestone anniversary with a special night of music and memories, and he wants you to be there.
The celebration features live performances by Vince & The Moonboppers, a rockabilly band all the way from Italy, and the UK's very own Whiskey Jean & the Chasers. When Roland's in charge, you know there's gonna be a Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On!
The Starfighter Rock & Roll Club has a rich history. Roland originally founded it at the old Norfolk Dumpling public house in Norwich. After the pub closed, the club moved to Wreningham, where it thrived from 2005 to 2017.
And this is the part most people miss... It wasn't just about local gigs. Roland brought incredible talent from across the globe to Norfolk. Over thirteen years, he hosted legends like Gene Summers, Charlie Gracie, Vince Eager, John Leyton, and even Shane Fenton (better known as Alvin Stardust). He showcased dozens of top-notch rockabilly and rock 'n' roll artists from Australia, America, and beyond!
Born in Thorpe St Andrew, Roland's journey took him through Brundall and Wymondham. While he's held various jobs throughout his life, music has always been the driving force.
"When I was in my early teens, the Elvis films lit the fire," Roland recalls. "But it was discovering a box of original 50s singles in a farmhouse attic – a friend of my mum's find – that truly ignited my passion. Hearing Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, and my all-time favorite, Billy Fury, for the first time sent my heart racing!"
He took those very 45s to a youth club in Wymondham, much to the surprise of the leaders at the time. Little did they know, they were witnessing the beginning of a lifelong dedication to "spinning the wax" and bringing joy to rock 'n' roll fans everywhere.
His first real opportunity came when a local landlord noticed Roland's distinctive style – a blue & black drape, blue suede shoes – and the fact that the pub jukebox was constantly blasting Elvis, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, and other 50s rockers. The landlord suggested Roland try DJing a rock & roll record hop at the pub. After weeks of practicing in private, he finally took the stage!
Despite his dad's initial dismissal – "Don't worry, he'll soon grow out of it" – Roland never did. "It has been a wonderful 50 years," he says, "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 even co-hosted a popular bi-monthly rock & roll show with Stephen Bumfrey on Radio Norfolk for several years, and he's been a guest on numerous other stations. For the last five years, he's been the DJ Rockin' Roland on Splinterwood Radio, broadcasting on Saturday nights from 6 to 9 pm (when he's not gigging, of course!).
Roland has also organized several "Rock Around The Forum" events in Norwich, filling the space with 50s cars and motorcycles, attracting huge crowds, and getting everyone dancing.
And he still has a busy life playing the music he loves, both at home and abroad. "Although the Starfighter has officially closed," he explains, "we will be hosting two events in 2026 to celebrate my '50 years Behind the Decks' and hold them under the Starfighter banner."
So, what does the future hold for Roland and The Starfighter? While the club itself might be closed, the spirit lives on through these special events.
The first event is, of course, on Saturday, March 14th. The second will be in May, featuring Lean Canteen from Utah and Norwich's own V.8 Rockets. Both events run from 8 pm to 12 am, and tickets cost £10 at the door of Wreningham Village Hall, NR16 1AN. For more information, call Roland on Norwich (01603) 812637.
But here's another point that could spark debate: Is rock 'n' roll just nostalgia, or does it still have something to offer contemporary audiences? Can a genre that originated over half a century ago remain relevant in today's music landscape?
Rock on, Roland!
Now it's your turn! What are your favorite rock 'n' roll memories? Do you think rock 'n' roll still has the power to move people today? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
