Daily Inspiration: Meet Diamondback Annie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diamondback Annie.

Hi Diamondback, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
My first-ever burlesque show was at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip. I did an Elvis striptease in a jumpsuit made by Bill Belew for a teenage Donny Osmond. Bill Belew made all the Elvis jumpsuits. 

My career began with The Velvet Hammer, which has often been credited with being America’s first neoburlesque troupe. The Velvet Hammer specialized in large-scale production shows and had a residency at the gorgeous El Rey Theatre on Wilshire Boulevard. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My tagline is “The King – and Queen – of Rock & Roll Burlesque” because I was a pioneer of doing burlesque that wasn’t retro, but which instead referenced rock & roll visuals and performance styles. It was difficult at first being this lurid, noisy rock & roll drag performer rather than a glamorous, elegant showgirl because I didn’t fit the stereotypical concept of what burlesque was about. 

But I’ve been fortunate to be recognized for my unique style. It’s brought me opportunities I wouldn’t have had if I were a classic-style performer. And I’ve been honored to win two awards at the Burlesque Hall of Fame — an annual event in Las Vegas that’s like the Olympics of burlesque. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work combines drag, burlesque, and live music. I have a few acts where I play the violin live, including a metal version of The Devil Went Down to Georgia and a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner on a violin that shoots fireworks. 

I’m known for my rock & roll drag acts, which include tributes to KISS and AC/DC, and for my classic horror acts, which reference films like Evil Dead II and American Psycho. 

I dropped out of musicology grad school to concentrate on live performance. My master’s thesis was actually transformed into my AC/DC act, which I perform in pre-Vatican II altar boy vestments. The act has an uplifting aerial “resurrection” ending where I ascend to the rafters. It isn’t a critique of religion, but instead, it’s an homage to the showmanship of religious rituals, and the way rock & roll can truly move the soul. 

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Please contact me via my website at http://DiamondbackAnnie.com. 

Pricing:

• I’m an ordained minister and can perform family-friendly weddings. Elvis weddings start at $500; other characters are available on request.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://diamondbackannie.com
• Instagram: @diamondbackannie

Image Credits
Fernando Guerrero
James Bryan
Casey Campbell
Daniel Sliwa
Jasten King