Veteran rocker still rolling along nicely

HAVING

rocked Hobart stages for 18 years and averaging three gigs a week from pubs and clubs to weddings, it is likely Tony Voglino has had you singing along at some point.

The Tasmanian-born singer and guitarist took his musical talent to Sydney at the age of 19. While he was there he wrote and recorded the song Turnaround, which featured on the gold-selling soundtrack for the 1982 film Starstruck.

Voglino returned home to Tasmania in the early 1990s and has maintained a strong musical presence in the state ever since.

He has just released an eight-track CD called It Is

What It Is, which includes two original compositions and six covers.

One of the original songs is the title track, which sounds like a classic 1980s rock anthem. Voglino said the song had been received really well by audiences.

“I’ve had people getting into it and singing along,” he said.

Voglino usually performs cover songs at his live performances, but said It Is What It Is had slotted in well to his live set. “People expect to hear it now,” he said. Another original is a four-minute instrumental track titled

TV Boogie, which Voglino said he recorded to show he “can actually play guitar”. Covers on the CD include Perfect by Ed Sheeran, Forever

in Blue Jeans by Neil Diamond and Horses by Daryl Braithwaite.

Voglino said he is planning an official album launch show, which is yet to be announced.

The CD is now available from the Glenorchy RSL and the Queen’s Head Hotel in North Hobart.

Tony Voglino has a busy weekend ahead, appearing at the Queen’s Head in North Hobart from 8pm tomorrow, at Jimmy D’s at Moonah on Saturday, then at Cbar at the Waterfront Hotel, Bellerive, at 2.30pm on Sunday. Contact the venues for more details.