Bondi Lifesaver
The Bondi Lifesaver was a staple of the Sydney music scene for almost 10 years from 1971 until it closed with a bang on the 31st of August 1980. The “lifesaver”, as it was widely known, started out as a wine bar in a couple of terrace houses but eventually, walls were knocked down to…
Read MoreMal Eastick – Empire Hotel at Annandale 5th August 2012
I had been looking to film/photograph any bands I grew up with. Stars were a band I admired and I had watched the Andrew Durant Memorial Concert a few times back in the 80’s, as a mate of mine was a fan of them, especially Mal’s Guitar playing. I had met Milena Barrett a few…
Read MoreAustralian Gig Guide and Chart Listings for July 1980
In July 1980 Malcolm Fraser was Prime Minister, Sale of the Century hit our TV screens for the first time, Olivia Newton John had a solo number one in the US with Magic at the same time as having a number one in the UK teaming up with ELO and their song Xanadu. July 1980…
Read MoreIan Moss – The Brass Monkey at Cronulla 11th Feb 2012
The place was packed and very rowdy. Ian’s guitar was playing up and the sound was very low. There was no light show, which made the stage very dark. So many people were talking that other people were yelling out at them to shut up. Ian was talking about the death of a friend and…
Read MoreFrom Jeff St John to The Hawks via Bandanna and Grog ‘n Grumble
Amazed at the photo’s that my old mate from Grog ‘n Grumble days, Bob Montgomery was posting to Facebook, I asked him to put a few of them together with a (far too brief) summary of his career. I’m extremely grateful for what he sent me. Hi Mark.I have put together a brief (as poss…
Read MoreSelina’s – Coogee Bay Hotel
Selina’s in the Coogee Bay Hotel was one of Sydney’s best venues for a number of decades. It was a large, purpose-built venue with a big stage and a mezzanine level for the really big shows. This also served as the “V.I.P” area and was a fantastic place to watch a live band. I had…
Read MoreAustralian Gig Guide and Chart Listings for November 1982
In November 1982 The Man from Snowy River hit the big screens with a huge Australian cast , Gurner’s Lane won the Melbourne Cup, Conservationists welcome the state governments decision to protect state rainforests, NSW State Lotteries introduced the “Scratchie”, Australia were playing England in a cricket test and Cricketer Xavier Doherty was born. Here’s…
Read MoreJohn Paul Young
Who would have thought that a young man of 24ish years old could capture so many hearts with his first top 10 hit Yesterday’s Hero. But he did and he did it for me over 30 years ago. I don’t think I’d ever felt the true meaning of “love” until I saw him on Countdown…
Read MoreExhumed 2014 Band Competition
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure to attend a function that, until recently, had never heard of. Sydney ABC’s radio presenter James Valentine, formerly of The Models, is the mastermind of this competition which is in its third year of production and is bringing out the best of garage band talent. Exhumed was…
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