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Diablos Article for Kitschykoo Magazine by Munkaspeni

Munkaspeni’s Gab – “Episode II, The Diablo’s Strike Again”

When I was asked to write an article on the Diablo’s’ annual shindig, I got all excited about an opportunity to go all ‘Hunter S Thompson’ with the local chapter of a stinky, psycho biker gang. Getting blitzed on lighter fluid, trading blows to the head and peeing on each other’s jeans in some bizarre initiation ceremony… sigh.
What I discovered is that the Calgary Diablo’s are a small dedicated, hardcore gang of tattooed Rockabillies who build Hot Rods from Hell. Maybe just a little disappointed, I was still intrigued enough to say ‘yay’, do some research and contact the nice chaps in the hopes of an interview.
However, despite chatting, the head honcho Dwayne’s lovely lady several times and attempting bribery in the form of free beer, Rockabillies are obviously way too icy cool to spend half an hour slurping free booze and answering a coupla questions from a weirdo bum artist come amateur journalist. So here I am instead, the night before the deadline, mildly blurry from G & his mighty fine friend T, preparing to engage the ancient English art of ‘Verbal Banter’, also known as ‘Talking Bollocks’ or ‘Bullshitting’ in North America. Something I am quite adept at apparently.
According to the Amateur Journalist’s Handbook, a non-existent publication, one is supposed to format an article by following a concise introduction with a list of facts supported by quotes and/or sources. Mix it all together, heat thoroughly with bowel gas and add a smug conclusion…. I’m afraid I never was one much for following formulas so let’s get that pesky research stuff out of the way quick:

• The 3rd Annual Diablo’s Car show will take place on June 2nd at the Bowness Sportsplex.
• The particular Hot Rod genre adhered to by the Calgary Diablo’s is called ‘Suede’.
• All customized ‘Suede’ vehicles must have been built before 1963, the genre has its roots in 50’s and 60’s culture.
• The Diablo’s, including their fine girlfriends, dress the part… add a lot of tattoos and I’m sure you get the idea.
• You can have a sneak peek at www.myspace.com/diablos
• The Diablo’s don’t seem to like beer or giving interviews.

… There, aren’t we all glad that sweated over mine of information is out of the way? So now all you need to ask yourself is ‘Do you want to go see a bunch of Psychobillies with greasy hands and hair at their annual mechanical show and tell?
Well for a start their cars are amazing… seriously; I am not a car kinda guy. When guys get together and start talking new models, maintenance and engine parts, I yawn and pull out the thumbs for a good twiddling. Cars bore the crap out of me.
Art on the other hand, if it’s good, gets me salivating, and these cars man, you gotsta see em! A cross between maliciously curved mechanical sculpture and a working prop for a Stephen King movie. They’re so sharp they look like they wanna bite a chunk out of any square’s ass. Add that to the chance to gawp at these tattooed throwback s, freaks among freaks, and their hot girlfriends… listen to some live Rockabilly bands and browse the stalls.
I dunno about you but I’m going… just remember to take your own beer…

Cheers!

Munkaspeni, April 2007.

www.munkaspeni.com