Louisiana Benefit- 29th of September, 2005
The Hog Stompin’ Zydegators were on first and warmed up the crowd as well as the two DJs that played songs in between sets. Ross Wilson was next to take the stage and opened his set with “Can’t Love Myself Today” (which can only be found on Hey Gringo’s “Three” album) followed by a new song, which Ross had never played live before, called “sexy girl”. He scanned the crowd before saying that there was one down the front. The girl blushed with the title as Ross started playing his new masterpiece. The new was then followed by the old as Ross backed by Paul Williamson’s Hammond Combo treated the crowd to a Pink Finks song, “Got Love If You Want It”. Ross Hannaford jumped on the end and stayed for an amazing version “Come Back Again” to finish the set. Ross Hannaford stayed on and played two more songs, including a Bob Marley cover before Renee Geyer joined Hannaford onstage with a band for a soulful set that left even Renee in tears. This was followed by extraordinary blues legend, Lazy Lester taking the stage with Benny and The Fly-By-Niters and everyone watched in awe as the 72 year old blues man held the audience captivated for the night.
The Sparrows continue to rock
The Sparrows, fronted by Michael Badger, blew the roof off in a sensational performance at The Rob Roy hotel in Brunswick Street two weeks ago, as part of a four week residency. With a new drummer in toe, The Sparrows performed a sensational set, which included “Diamond Eyes” as well as a classy cover of “Tin Soldier” and with a long awaited EP coming out in a few weeks; watch this space for more details. If you are into rock and ever see them playing in your area, go see them live and you’ll never look back.
The Inches release a debut EP . . . and in true form, it sounds damn good, so if you love music (and if not, why are you looking at a music site?) go buy it. You can order it here, at their brilliant new website http://www.theinches.com.au/. If you’ve never heard the inches (who recently blew Bakelite age off the stage whilst supporting the Pictures) go to the “boom box of Love” and satisfy your curiosity. They are playing at Revolver upstairs on Friday, the 7th of October for $5, music as good as it was “back in the day” and prices as good as they were back then too, it’s sure to be a gig you don’t want to miss.
Channel 9 are running an interesting show at the moment (if I’m actually watching TV, it’s got to be good!) on Tuesday nights called 20 to 1. Interesting because they promise to count down the 20 best Australian songs of all time, which I’d have to say would be tough, considering I can’t even pick my top 20 Australian songs from the 70’s, however tough the job is, I am interested to know HOW they are picking these twenty songs? (Yes, I’m preparing for debate before I’ve even seen it.) However, if someone like Holly Valance is at number one, I’m going to laugh, or cry. Quite possibly both at the same time.
Speaking of arguments . . .
Ross Wilson didn't get to gig in Nashville earlier this month because according to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the visas (the other visa belonging to Neil Murray) being barred "was on the grounds that the festival had provided "insufficient documentation" to demonstrate that they were culturally significant artists." Naturally, yours truly is OUTRAGED! How hard is it to actually PROVE the significance of someone as talented as Ross Wilson and who the hell at the other end isn't listening?! A 17 year old could do it! Infact, a 17 year old DID. I made a journalist eat his own words last year for saying something similar. You could argue the commercial success of “Eagle Rock” and the lasting impact of said success has left a permanent mark on the Australian music industry. You could argue that Wilson has worked with some of Australia’s most popular artists (including John Farnham and Jim Barnes). You could argue that the sheer sentimental value of some of Wilson's songs alone would be enough cultural significance and that he has influenced some of Australia’s up and coming artists as well as some of the older ones. You could argue that Ross Wilson is hugely respected by other musicians. You could even kindly remind the immigration commission that “Eagle Rock” was a success in parts of America. Just pressing on one of those topics for long enough should have proven cultural significance, before even bothering to combine them, and combined anyone should have a case that's undeniable. Then again, anyone that knows me will know it's an argument I'm experienced in. Sorry for the rant, but it's practically like saying "here is a bull, let's wave a red flag in front of it and see what happens". Ohhh well, it's all over and done with now, I suppose *grumble grumble*
Contact e-mail
A reader of this site approached me at the Louisiana Benifit gig the other night and asked me for a contact e-mail. It is ozmusicrocks@hotmail.com Drop me a line, I'd love to know what you think of the site.
Posted at 06:22 pm by angel_039_95
