Rusty and the Dragstrip Trio Biography

From the wild west… comes Rusty & the Dragstrip trio!

Forming in Perth, Western Australia, in 2001, this four piece rockabilly outfit geared itself towards a traditional 50s look and sound. With energetic live performances Rusty and the boys never fail to deliver the goods. You’ll surely be boppin’ and a-hollerin’ for more.

These cats will take you back to the cool and dangerous sounds of the 1950s, playing songs from the vaults of the Sun Studio with early Elvis, to those rockabilly obscurities that you can’t hear anywhere else. They will also pull back with spooky ballads and real gone blues. But this is not just a 50s cover band…

Rusty & the Dragstrip Trio have no shortage of originals, as proven on their debut album “Playing for you” recorded live at The Satellite Studio, Perth, W.A., and their second release, “I ain’t ready” recorded live at Revolver Sound Studio, Perth, W.A., released on the “Wild Records” label, Hollywood, C.A. Due to popular world-wide demand, both CDs have been re-released in Australia, USA, and Europe. If you don’t have one …get one and see what all the fuss is about!

Over the years, Rusty & the Dragstrip Trio have played at many incredible places across the world. Locally, The Mustang bar in Perth had Rusty and the boys playing every week from 2001 to 2007. The international Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Festival hosted the band on their main stage, twice (both times the band received raving reviews). In Los Angeles at many Wild Record Shows in L.A., the boys played alongside other great rockabilly acts. Back in Australia, Queensland’s Wintersun Festival and Melbourne have also seen the Dragstrip Trio. They have done festivals all around their home town as well as played in many local bars and clubs.

They have had the pleasure of supporting Chris Isaak twice. Chris accidentally discovered the Dragstrip Trio when he walked past The Mustang Bar where they were playing at the time. He jumped on stage, jammed with the band, and invited Rusty to sing with him and his band at the Burswood Casino.

In 2007 the Dragstrip Trio took a break. Now in 2009, demand for the band has pulled them out of retirement. During the two year break, Rusty started the Rusty Pinto Combo, specialising in 40s and 50s rhythm and blues. These days both bands play regularly, each having their own sound and style.

Rusty & the Dragstrip Trio reformed with the original members Rusty (vocals), Richie (bass), Matt (guitar), and welcome their new drummer Matt.