Turn Up Your Radio The Gov Friday 14 July 2017
Words – Geoff Jenke
Dear Gen Y’s and Millenniums’
Hi. How are you all? If you were wondering where Nanna and Pa were last Friday evening, I can tell you they were at The Gov along with many other like aged people watching the Turn Up Your Radio 2 show. In fact The Gov was full, sold out, packed to the rafters and everyone was having a great time.
You see, a long time before the likes of Sia, Harry, Mylie and Justin, there was actual, real music and South Australia led the country with some great bands and artists. I am going to tell you of bands you have probably never heard of, but you should be scrambling to the Tube to check out some of these songs. See what music was like before it became manufactured. Back when we were “kids”.
Turn up Your Radio 2 was a celebration of Australian music from the 1960’s and 70’s, with particular spotlight on South Australia. Back then bands had to actually play at hotels to become known. Yes, I know it is hard to believe but we had to go out and see them play, sometimes after we heard them on the radio. It may seem frightening, but we couldn’t film them and share it with our friends. No we actually watched and enjoyed the show instead of watching it through a phone screen. Then we went home and rang friends on the land line to tell them how good it was.
Turn Up Your Radio 2 was narrated by Phil Llewellyn with the help of DJ Steve McNally who played commercials from the day. Yes, Coke was the Real Thing even back then and Pepsi belonged to our Generation. The band, Southern Stars played the hits from the day. We even had video images from “the time” behind the band. Ah, memories of Sunbury Pop Festival.
The 60’s belonged to The Masters Apprentices and we got several songs from them. Check out Undecided, Living in a Childs Dream and the perhaps what is the finest Australian song ever, Because I Love You. The band on stage produced faithful renditions of these songs.
The absolute highlight of the evening was their take on Fraternity’s Season of Change. The band just nailed it. You young ones may know the lead singer of this band. He was a certain Bon Scott who went on to sing with a little band called AC/DC.
The 60’s were wild and so was the music. In fact it is said if you remember the 60’s, you weren’t really there. We got The Groop’s Woman Your Breaking Me and Such a Lovely Way, Healing Force’s Golden Miles and one of the heaviest songs from that era, Eleanor Rigby by The Zoot. Powerful stuff indeed. Eleanor Rigby was originally sung by a band called The Beatles. You may have heard of them. The band on stage played these all to perfection.
I will agree things got a little wimpy in the 70’s with bands like Little River Band, but hey, they got to number one in America and the lead singer Glenn Shorrick came from Adelaide. Tonight we got Statue of America from the band. But the 70’s was also the era of Pub Rock and again Adelaide led the way with The Angels (Take a Long Line) and Cold Chisel (Khe San).
The night ended with a roaring Long Way to the Top (by AC/ DC if you don’t know this one – with original singer Bon Scott on vocals. Remember I mentioned him before). Carly Adams comes out playing bagpipes, probably better than Bon Scott could all those years ago.
The band Southern Stars were exceptional all night. Lead singer was famed operatic tenor Brian Gilbertson who was ably supported by afore mentioned Carly Adams. The musicians were honed with years of experience and never missed a beat all night.
So Gran and Pop had a great evening. They are probably still smiling. Next time you drop round; ask them about these bands and the times. Just don’t ask to see the footage on their mobiles. We don’t do that. We actually watch and enjoy the show.
We eagerly await their new production coming soon. Maybe they will take you to see it.
All The best…RocknRoll
Geoff.
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