Rockwiz!

Rock is not just about the stars - its about the adoring fans too. Rockwiz, a rock game show screened on SBS each Saturday night, pays true homage to the fans of rock music. The game is played at the Esplanade Hotel in St Kilda, Melbourne. An apt venue, 'The Espy' as it is fondly called has been a very popular live music venue since its doors opened in 1878. It has hosted such stars as Paul Kelly, Dallas Crane, John Farnham, Jet and Wolfmother.

Rockwiz itself is hosted by Julia Zimero and Brian Nankervis. Before the show goes to air Brian holds a quiz among audience members, the four with the finest of rock knowledge are invited to participate in the show, the final member of each three man team is a star of some sort of music fame. Last night the 'stars' were John Paul Young (JPY) and Betty Harris. Now, as far as I am aware, John Paul Young is not known for his rock music; his fame lies in disco, stage musicals and pop. Before I could bag JPY's musical career (which is predominantly made up of "Jesus Christ Super Star" performances and "Love is in the Air"), Julia offered a little bit of trivia which almost gave him credibility - before Bon Scott, AC/DC reportedly asked him to be their lead singer! JPY dismissed this as a rumour and just like that his rock cred was gone. In all fairness though, he did play the game well so while he may not be a rock performer he very well could be another rock fan.

Betty Harris, while not a rock star herself, is a brilliant soul singer who is widely respected in the music industry (hey, its not pop so its ok). Her knowledge was not quite as broad as JPY but her life performance of "Cry to Me", which she originally released in 1963, completely made up for it!

She has amazing stage presence and a beautiful voice to go with it.

While the guests are not always 'rockers', the "Rockwiz Orkestra" certainly are. As usual, they amazed everyone with their abilities. They do not have a lead singer (though the lead guitarist has the presence of one), apart from that they are a true rock band. There is a lead electric guitarist who also plays the organ (he switches between the two with admirable ease), a bass guitarist and a drummer. The segment which best shows off their talents is 'million dollar riff' - the name of this segment is taken from a Sky Hooks song. Each riff is a flashback for all the rock fans out there, many of which are playing along with their 'mouth guitars' (you know the one).

Aesthetically, Rockwiz is less than glamorous - and we love them for it! The performers are sweaty on stage, the guests dress themselves and do their own hair and make-up so their true style shines (literally), and the room has a true live venue in a pub feel (probably because it is a true live venue in a pub). It embodies authentic rock culture. Everything is black, red and gold and hosts are always dressed in their own interesting style. Honesty, realism and grit make the show the success that it is - if you haven't watched it yet you have to tune in next week!

This show is the perfect combination of rock meets TV. It has kept the facets of rock that we love while providing a great show made just for the rock fans and enthusiasts.

Check it out on http://www.sbs.com.au/rockwiz