Jim Kelly and Barry Leef recently collaborated on an original album called Who Is Who. These guys go way back to bands like Crossfire, Bakery, and Supermarket. They toured extensively together in Supermarket but this is their first recording together. I was lucky enough to be able to interview them both about this project and found them great storytellers. The Musicians Barry Leef – Vocals Jim Kelly – Guitars Scott Hills – Drums Brendan St Ledger – Keyboards Victor Rounds – Bass Jo Elms – Vocals Franco Raggatt – Guitar Bill Risby – Keyboards Clayton Doley – Hammond Organ Jade MacRae – Voc ..read more

Bands. Paul Kelly. Bernard Fanning. Missy Higgins. Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley. Vika & Linda. Mark Seymour. Bo’Ness. I live close to this venue and film/photograph here often over the past several years, so when I saw the Red Hot Summer Tour was going to be on the 26th, I asked Duane (The Promoter) If could photograph it again who told me to contact Eva-who ended up getting me the Pass to photograph which I really appreciated. Thanks so much, Duane McDonald (Regional Touring) and Eva Roberts. I’ve been trying the past few years to film/photograph bands I grew up listening to and Pau ..read more

I was contacted a little while back by Ian “Piggy” Peel from the Australian Road Crew Association to say that he’d got hold of some recordings from the Yella Rock Concert in 1991. Luckily, some of those recordings are now being released. This one is particularly special as I became friends with Peter “Izzy Foreal” Knox a few years later. Sadly he passed away far too young in 2014. From the press release: Zarsoff Brothers are the 30th act to throw support behind Support Act’s Roadies Fund through the Australian Road Crew Association (ARCA)’s awesome Desk Tape Series. The Series was created by ..read more

This year sadly saw a number of prominent musicians pass away so I’d like to honour them here with the Australian Music Roll Of Honour For 2020. If there is someone I’ve overlooked, please let me know in the comments and I’ll add them to the list. I’d also love to read your thoughts and memories of this group of wonderful musicians. Don Burrows was a renowned Australian jazz and swing musician. Burrows was born on the 8th of August 1928 and died on the 12th of March 2020 aged 91. Stephan Fidock, drummer for The Reels and manufacturer of handcrafted drums, died on the 26th of April 20 ..read more

Jimmy Barnes – Official has announced his biggest headlining tour of this century – Shutting Down Your Town – playing all his classic hits plus highlights from his acclaimed new album My Criminal Record (out Fri 31 May on Bloodlines). The Shutting Down Your Town Tour will see Jimmy and his band heading across Australia and New Zealand in September, October and November. Unfortunately, Jet had to cancel and released a statement before the night. Due to illness Jet will no longer be appearing at tonight’s show. Diesel will now be performing a special guest set. The show will commence at 7pm ..read more

In November 1979 our Prime Minister was Malcolm Fraser. The average weekly wage was $245 and you could buy a brand spanking new Toyota Celica for $7,999 or a superceded Datsun 200B for only $4,999. The Australian Cricket Team was touring India. The first New South Wales Lotto draw took place and guess what? No one won it! Hyperno won the Melbourne Cup and Greg Norman & Jack Newtown were competing in the Australian Golf Open. The Wanderers and The Amityville Horror were playing at Village Cinemas. Here is what was happening in Australian music in November 1979. Bi ..read more

I have to extend a huge thank you to Noel Forth who supplied the following information on South Australian band Vertical Hold. This is a mammoth effort and it is very much appreciated. 1970’s Mick Michalopoulos & Jim Mountzouris were school friends who started their band in the early 1970’s. The band was originally known as “Gladiator Tortoise” & featured another school friend Kon Karanastasis on lead guitar. The 3 friends had been playing at private parties & live shows from late 1973 onwards, even performing an unreleased song “Red Bird” live on ABC’s “Today At One” after they ..read more

This album was a genuine surprise to me when I first heard it, a wonderful surprise. You see, I was well aware of the quality of Frank’s musicianship as I’d had the pleasure of hearing him play numerous times over the years and anyone who has seen him work will understand just what a talented player he is. He’s had a long career in music starting in the early Eighties with bands like Mad Gorilla, The Beatnix, The Generation, Le Club Nerd and was the musical director for ABC’s Play School for many years. He is just as active today as a solo artist which is a rare feat these days. The surprise ..read more

Way back in 1986 I was the sound engineer for Bandanna. Their manager was a guy called Steve Rondo who owned the “Rock Depot” rehearsal studio in Liverpool. Steve would keep an eye out for good up and coming bands to use as support acts for Bandanna and that’s how I first met the folks in a band called Skeleton Crew. I had the pleasure of doing sound for them more than a few times over the next few years both as Skeleton Crew and Propaganda as they became. Through the wonders of social media, I’ve kept in touch with the bass player, Jon Rolfe (aka JR, Ace Megastar). JR recently put me in tou ..read more

Left to Right: Sandy (Organ and Keyboard Bass) Richie (Vocals) Chris (Drums) Mick (Guitar) Unlocking The Doors are a group of highly talented musicians. They played two sets. The Basement is such a prestigious venue. The light show always brilliant and the sound perfect. I first heard of them through a friend on FB who lives down there way, at Wollongong. She mentioned how good they were and I should film/photograph them. So I contacted the band and arranged to do just that. The first thing you notice about this band is how close to the original they really are. Their sound is as good as it ..read more