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11 Dec 09 by Rod Bennett

WARRIEWOOD’S Randall Waller is used to playing to 20,000 at a time at gigs in the US as the guitarist for superstar Shania Twain.

But next Friday he will be performing with Paul Christie’s Rockhouse at the Palm Beach Golf Club (aka the Diamond Fairway).

As well as Waller, Rockhouse will be joined by a legend of Australian rock, Brian Cadd.

Speaking of the US and its approach to entertainment, Waller is full of praise.

``It was a huge operation over there,’’ he said. ``Very high tech. We used to share the crew between Aerosmith and Kiss. At that time, Shania outsold them by about one-third again. The Aerosmith guys couldn’t believe the technology we were using.’’

It’s sobering then, to say the least, to return to Australia where gigs are a lot more rare and a lot less technical.

Rockhouse bassist, Mondo Rock’s Paul Christie mused that perhaps a few well-placed sparklers on December 18 would compensate!.

``We knew it would be different when we came back to Australia five years ago,’’ Waller said. ``We came back for family reasons, to give our kids (he is married to actress/singer Suzie Mackenzie and they have three children) a chance to grow up in a normal environment,’’ he said.

Musically, he was also aware of changes between the two countries.

``Here, now, DJs are the stars and the musicians who made the music they are playing don’t even get a mention.’’

Waller said he was amped for the gig at the Diamond Fairway next Friday.

``It will be fully sick,’’ he said. ``I’ve just about got my entire street in Warriewood coming along, as I’ve played more in Perth and Fremantle than north of the harbour in Sydney.’’

Also making up Rockhouse is another guitar fireball, Pete Northcote, and drummer Mick Skelton.

``Pete is arguably one of the best rock guitarists in the country and I might cut off one of his fingers before the gig just to make it even between us. I will certainly be watching everything he does,’’ Waller said.

Tickets are on sale now at the club.

Details: Palm Beach Golf Club on 99744079.

http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/lifestyle/story/still-lighting-them-up/