Speed Queens

Speed Queens are a Melbourne based country music band, located in the inner-northern suburbs. Brought together by founders Rory Willmott and Leon Huybregts, Speed Queens were ultimately conceived during COVID 19 lockdowns. Rory and Leon would meet at their local coin laundry, bring their instruments and dirty clothes, and sing songs while the machines turned. In late 2024 Rory and Leon produced some rough demos of songs and thus brought in Tom Rowley to play the bass. This quickly expanded to Bernie Rowley joining to play drums and the first iteration of Speed Queens as a “band” was created. During the recording of Speed Queens debut EP “Introducing Speed Queens” Maria Moore was asked to come along to help with backing vocals, she very quickly found her feet within the band and Speed Queens as we know it was born. The song writing is done by Rory, the lead vocalist/mandolin and harmonica player. The songs tend to be of personal experience and emotional understanding, as well as researched topics, historical fiction and general fun. Leon plays lead guitar and provides backing vocals, Tom plays the bass, Bernie plays the drums and Maria, additional to backing vocals, picked up the banjo to complete the five piece band. Speed Queens currently rehearse at their own DIY home rehearsal space in Thornbury set up and fully self-funded by band members Rory and Tom. Speed Queens had their first live performance after many open mic nights at Lulie Tavern in Abbotsford in Feb ‘26.