A Time-Travel Musical Journey

Bringing Rock ‘n’ Roll Classics to Audiences of All Ages

by Blair Parke


There is no day the music died when you experience the sights and sounds of Johnny Wild and the Delights, a local tribute band of ’50s and ’60s music. Specializing in the timeless classics of Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Hank Williams and others from the early rock ‘n’ roll generation, this band seeks to immerse audiences in the tunes of their youth or acquaint these artists with audiences for the first time.

“We want audiences to have a time-traveling experience, and I can’t tell you how many people have come up saying, ‘Hey, that brought me back,’ and that our energy is different from other bands doing this type of show. People are responding to that, and it is really fun for us,” said band founder Andy Matchett, lead guitarist and singer, who graduated from Dr. Phillips High School’s Visual & Performing Arts program.

What had begun as a way for band members to be able to play music they enjoyed has become a professional musical experience that keeps Central Florida audiences twisting, swinging and doing the mashed potato.

Researching the Greats

Johnny Wild and the Delights originated from the band members’ genuine love for the beloved tunes of the ‘50s and ‘60s, whether it was surfing songs by the Beach Boys or groundbreaking music by Elvis Presley and Hank Williams.

Andy recalled hearing these songs as a child, and they always remind him of good times with family. The opportunity to play Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story in Mount Dora strengthened his knowledge of Holly and early rock ‘n’ roll music, as well as introduced him to his bass player, Abe.

The two thought about forming a band together, which established Andy Matchett and the Minks, and allowed them to play original music and build their playing repertoire of ‘50s and ‘60s music in the meantime. The Minks performed until 2012, leading Andy to form another band, the three-piece Continentals, which was the first foray into being a tribute band of retro music.

However, the creative juices really began flowing when Johnny Wild and the Delights formed in 2013, increased by the national appreciation for the ‘50s and ‘60s culture, thanks to shows like Mad Men. The addition of more bandmates, include the Wildettes — Andy’s girlfriend, Amanda, and Abe’s wife, Whitney — brought the band to completion.

“We wanted to bring the style of Mad Men, that feeling, to music and as immersive of an experience as possible on our budget,” Andy said. “We will go to vintage shops to get clothing as close to the genre as we can get.”

Andy also took to researching the mannerisms of the artists whose songs the band would be performing, finding online videos to learn how Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly and Hank Williams played their guitars, interacted with audiences and put passion into their music. He relied heavily on his theatrical background from DPHS’s VPA program to embody the musicians, while adding his own touches here and there in performances.

The results have been countless, full-capacity shows in the three squares of The Villages in Sumter County, as well as regular gigs at DeLand’s Athens Theater and in Winter Haven. Performing locally allows the band to stay close to their families, while bringing a retro flavor to their beloved Central Florida community.

Johnny Wild and the Delights perform retro music at several locations in Central Florida.

All ages attend their shows, but Andy admits the older crowds at The Villages get the most enjoyment from their performances.

“Entertainment has value to the older crowds,” he said. “We place value on what we do, because we know it is two hours of great memories, great times and great dancing. For people in their 20s and 30s, we wanted our band to educate them on this early rock ‘n’ roll feeling and this music that was treated with integrity.

“This band meets all of my criteria: something I enjoy doing, something that has limitless possibilities, something that has an audience, and something that I felt I could do with some artistic integrity. We sketch out the show to where, when we are onstage, it looks effortless. Many hours are put into making it work, and, to me, that little bit of difference between a regular band playing the songs and our performances is noticed by audiences.”

More Tributes to Come

There are many shows planned ahead for Johnny Wild and the Delights, including this October’s Monster’s Ball performance in The Villages, a Motown-themed show and a themed cruise in April 2018. Andy has hopes to eventually put together a Beatles show and hand the reigns over to his Wildettes for a special Grease singalong performance that the ladies will direct and choreograph.

Yet what fuels the band to keep researching, planning shows and bringing their best is knowing that audiences young and old are experiencing again (or for the first time) the soul, energy and passion that made rock ‘n’ roll what it is today.

“When you find an audience who appreciates you, you find a way to pay them back, and you find the ways to give them what they want.” ♥