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Growing up in Sydney during the 60s I knew – as everyone in Australia did, that Melbourne was the Mecca for live music. A schoolmate and I caught the train down here and stayed with his aunt. I couldn’t believe the incredible music I saw in the clubs. We didn’t sleep. It didn’t matter. As we trekked from the CBD to aunty’s in Brunswick every night, we were battered by chilly winter winds. It didn’t matter. The music we’d seen warmed the heart and soul.
It changed my life – literally. I was determined to follow the dream and play music. 40 years on, my band the Bushwackers is about to celebrate it’s 40th anniversary. I feel blessed to have led the life I have and been part of the music community. But none of what we’ve achieved would have been possible if we hadn’t been given the chance to develop our craft and connect with people who became life-long fans in Melbourne’s pubs. It was the publican of the Dan O’Connell who lent us the money for our first overseas tour. And then the money to come home again! But you’ve already heard lots about what’s happening in Melbourne. I want to remind you that this isn’t just a Melbourne problem – it’s a Victorian one! If a venue closes in Melbourne, there’s somewhere else to go. Imagine the devastation this legislation will cause in all those towns across the state where believers struggle to keep their live music scene alive in one or two venues. Who’s here from the bush? We’re fighting for you as well! As well as the years of touring Victoria as a Bushwacker, I’ve spent the last two years going round the towns in our state as part of the wonderful Freeza workshop program. I know how passionate people in the country are about their music. Not just consuming it, but wanting to be part of the industry. Where will THEY learn their craft if we lose our regional venues? The legislation will devastate the metropolitan scene. In the bush it has the potential to kill it stone dead! |