Kings of Roots
Rockabilly

The Hometown Gamblers are a Belgian rockabilly trio from Stekene, formed in 1998 by brothers Yves and Guy De Caluwé. More than a quarter-century later, they still bring their own old-school take on rockabilly and rock ’n’ roll to stages at home and across Europe.

Their sound draws on American music from the 1940s and 1950s: rockabilly and early rock ’n’ roll, alongside country, hillbilly, honky-tonk, western swing and rhythm and blues. The records of Johnny Burnette, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Johnny Horton, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Hank Williams helped shape their musical direction.

Three musicians and vintage instruments keep the sound direct. Yves handles lead vocals and acoustic rhythm guitar; Guy plays upright bass and backing vocals; Jurgen Van Poppel adds lead guitar. With no drummer, slapping bass and twanging guitar take the music straight back to its roots.

The trio has played clubs, festivals and events in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland. Their albums Takin’ Care of Business and Dipsomania were released by El Toro Records, and the band has also appeared on the label’s compilations.

In 2025, four new recordings — “Stack a Records”, “It Was You”, “Ain’t That a Dilly” and “Teenage Cutie” — were released digitally. In February 2026, the four tracks came together on a limited 7-inch vinyl release of 200 copies.

Vintage instruments, slappin’ bass, twangin’ guitar and real rock ’n’ roll. No gimmicks. No drums. Just Rock ’n’ Roll.