Popular Adelaide rock ‘n’ roll band, Holly and the Buddies, will be performing at the Stanley Bridge Hotel in Verdun to help out an old friend, Herbie the Love Bug. The performance, to be held on Sunday, September 27, is in support of SA Variety Bash Car Number 53, otherwise known as Herbie, who has just returned from Alice Springs after completing this year’s Variety Bash. Held annually, the event attracted 91 entries and raised in excess of $1.9 million to assist South Australian children in need.
Restored as a replica of the much loved 1963 Volkswagen Beetle who gained fame as the hero in the Love Bug movies, the Variety Bash Herbie proved to be a very popular entrant in the Bash.
“Everyone we met just fell in love with our Herbie”, said crew member Frankie Trimboli. “The kids especially all wanted to have their photos taken with him.”
However the Outback terrain proved to be very rough on Herbie and he came back from the Bash a little worse for wear.
“Herbie did a tremendous job on the Bash,” stated Frankie, “but he sustained some serious damage along the way”.
As a result the car will need substantial repair work including a replacement engine and strengthening in preparation for next year’s event.
“We are very keen on doing the Bash again knowing that we are supporting such an outstanding cause,” continued Frankie. “We need to meet the costs of any repairs ourselves so all money we raise goes directly to Variety SA. Having the support of people from the Hills will certainly help out with our fundraising which will allow us to concentrate on getting Herbie ready for next year’s Bash.”
“We’re really thrilled to have Holly and the Buddies playing at the Stanley Bridge Hotel”, added fellow crew member Joe Rocca. “We held a dinner dance as our major fundraiser back in July and it seemed appropriate to have a 1960s band to provide the entertainment. The night was a huge success mainly thanks to the great music that Holly and the Buddies played. It’s great that they can help out again”.
Although still bearing some battle scars, Herbie is expected to make a special guest appearance at the Stanley Bridge Hotel along with vehicles from the Volkswagen Club of SA.
Holly and the Buddies spokesperson, Rick Whitehead, said that the band was delighted to support the team from Car 53. “We’re hoping that many of our Hills followers and their friends come along to support Herbie and his crew and to enjoy our music. We’re also using the gig to launch our new line up and our new repertoire. It should be one heck of a bash!” concluded Rick.
The band will commence their performance at the Stanley Bridge Hotel at 4.30pm. Admission to the hotel is free of charge with donations accepted for the Variety Club of SA.
For further information contact Rick Whitehead on 0405 525 524 (m) or 8389 8278 (w).
Pictured from left to right are Frankie Trimboli, Joseph Rocca and Ross Papalia with Herbie. Photo courtesy of: Campbell Broadie, The Adelaide Advertiser.
