About Rick

Rick Peacock fronted the Big Brass Band Navilus for about 20 years. In his earlier years he “cut his teeth” in the tough environment of a theatre restaurant at Tikki & John’s and The Tivoli, and also had a distinguished acting career in The Eltham Little Theatre. He can sing all night in rock, pop, swing and ballads.

And now he is living out his dream teaching Singing.

Below are snippet’s from Rick’s career.

Navilus. | The versatile group with the big band sound.
From 1989 – 2011, Rick was the singer for the function band Navilus, a 6 piece band which had been in existence for over thirty years, run by Brian Sulivan.
To give a greater selection of group types and musical styles, there were group combinations under the Navilus Umbrella. Rick sang with all groups:-
  • Navilus – Played music of the 40’s through to the present day. Such as ABBA, The Village People, The Bee Gees, The Blues Bros, The Commitments, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Buddy Holly, and the music of shows such as Grease, and Saturday Night Fever are included in our repertoire.
  • Glenn Miller Swing Night Band – Played the music of Glenn Miller and other greats of the swing era – such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Tom Jones.
  • The Kings of Rock and Swing – Performed the music of Elvis, The Beatles, Bill Haley, Johnny O Keefe, Joe Cocker, Jerry Lee Lewis, plus music of the Swing era.
  • The Bellini Brothers – was a Duo with a difference. Covering styles such as jazz, rock, swing, latin, pop and blues.
Performing Gigs from Portland to Lakes Entrance, Toolibuc to Merrimbula, and everywhere in between. Weddings, Deb balls, RSLS and Golf Clubs all over Victoria, New Years Eves, and Floor shows. Playing at the Hyatt, Crown Casino, San Remo Ballroom, and the Heidleberg Town Hall.
Clips below: Navilus performing for a Debutante Ball at the Heidleberg Town Hall.
Eltham Little Theatre.

Rick has worked for many theatre companies, however Eltham Little Theatre was his Homebase. Performing in many straight plays, music halls, musicals, comedy, drama and satire. Winning several awards for performances in their shows.

ELT specialized in Annual Music Hall productions which Rick performed in since 1973 until 1990. Rick’s most enjoyable character roles were Marcus Lycus (A Funny thing Happened On the Way to the Forum, 1978), Mick (Straight-Up, 1976), Dangles Dunn (Dimboola, 1977), Preacher Haggler (Dark of the Moon, 1979). Rick’s most memorable Role would be playing Joey in Butley, (1978). Rick was in the fortunate position of playing opposite Paul Karo, and gained a great deal of experience playing opposite an actor of his calibre.

 

Clip below: Pathfinder, 1990. Rick as Jock. A two man play with music on the life of the Australian Poet John Shaw Nielson.

 

MusicCafe @ St Johns, Portarlington.
Since the inception in March 2014, the MusicCafe has had performances from many singers and artists from the Bellarine community. Performances have included instruments such as guitars, flutes, bowls, harmonica, drums, violin, didgeridoo, and the ukulele. Guest Artists are booked by Robyn Jenes. 
The night runs with Rick as MC, introducing three Guest artists to perform. Rick also performs 6 songs of a chosen theme, which the audience is most welcome to join in and sing along.
Clip below: Rick performing My Way in January 2016.

 

Rick Peacock Christmas Special.
It has been a while since Rick had been in a production.. and his three daughters very much wanted to perform with him. Christmas is a special time for families, with many traditions.. Rick and his daughters love to watch the carols in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, and also Michael Bubles Annual Christmas Special.
Each year as they watch Michael Buble, Rick reminisces about Bing Crosby’s Christmas Special, stories the girls hear every year..
So after, christmas 2014, it was decided they would create a Chrismas Special, December 19th 2015. A night in the style of Michael Buble and Bing Crosby, with songs, skits, and Guest Artists – local singer/songwriter Cat Sanzaro, and comedian Rohan Hoult.
Clip below: Rick performing Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, December 2015.
The 2nd Annual Christmas Special | December 17th 2016. The Potato Shed Drysdale.