It was one of the first odd, angry shots fired in what we now know as the culture wars. On the morning of 14 February 1989, a plain-clothed officer from Queensland police’s licensing branch was sniffing around Rocking Horse Records in Brisbane. He asked the owner, Warwick Vere, if he had any rude records that might […]
The “wild Valentine’s Day” raid on Rocking Horse Read More »
A few years back, when Anthony Albanese first ascended to the nation’s top job, I was asked to write about what the occasional DJ’s taste in music might say about him. But now DJ Albo™ has nominated his top 10 Australian songs of all time, for Triple J’s upcoming Hottest 100 Australian Songs competition, I think
DJ Albo™’s reminiscence bump Read More »
When I meet former Go-Between Robert Forster at a cafe in the centre of Brisbane for a walk around his home town, it’s no surprise to see a book on the table in front of him. It is The Café With No Name, by Austrian novelist Robert Seethaler – a gift for his wife, Karin
Robert Forster: What can ordinary be? Read More »
James Baker was, as the title of his last solo release declared, Born To Rock. The musician, who died on Monday night aged 71, was the big beat behind the drums for a long list of influential Australian garage-rock bands including Hoodoo Gurus, Beasts of Bourbon, the Scientists, the Dubrovniks and the Victims. But his
The Ballad of James Baker, 1954-2025 Read More »
In 1984, Paul Kelly packed up his few belongings, borrowed his father-in-law’s Holden and made the 13-hour drive from Melbourne to Sydney. He had barely a dollar in his pocket and no place to lay his head. Don Walker, who was taking a breather from the music business after the breakup of Cold Chisel, offered him
Paul Kelly’s Post at 40 Read More »
Is it true you nicked some of your early equipment from David Bowie’s trucks outside the Hammersmith Odeon at the last Ziggy Stardust show, in 1973? There’s definitely some truth in that. It wasn’t outside in trucks though – it was on the stage! They played two nights, and after the first night they left all
Steve Jones: 10 Chaotic Questions Read More »