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MEGAscene Issue 16

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

. . . featuring music and lifestyle in Adelaide

Issue 16 2019

Iris Montanari

GET ROCKED! featuring Les Gock and Rick Lum from Hush In Concert #4 Series The Fringe Wives Club Glittery Clittery Living Colour gig review & photos John Schumann gig photos Dino Jag gig photos RockFest: War of the Surf & Rock Guitars 1

Newstead Live Review The Screaming Jets gig review and photos


MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

IN THIS ISSUE Features

Contributors GET ROCKED! Iris Montanari Mad Max 40th Anniversary RockFest 2019 The Fringe Wives Club - Glittery Clittery 30 In Concert #4 Series 36 House Of Mirrors 7 8 12 17 26 28

18 22 44 46 48 52

38 40 42 50

Photos and Reviews

Living Colour Review and Photos The Screaming Jets Review and Photos John Schumann Dino Jag Newstead Live Folk Festival Matterhorn

Regular Columns Live Sound Advice SA Paranormal MEGAlocal MEGAmarkets

John Schumann and Shane Howard @ The Gov Photo: Sue Hedley

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

MEGAscene Editor: Sue Hedley Deputy Editor: Michelle McGoldrick Contributors this issue: Allen Tiller Frank Lang Shaun Whitelum Writer On The Road: Michelle McGoldrick Photographer: Sue Hedley Additional Photography: Michelle McGoldrick Layout: Sue Hedley Michelle McGoldrick Published by: Rising Star Media www.risingstar.com.au MEGAscene web address: www.facebook.com/megasceneoz Editorial and Advertising enquiries: rsm@risingstar.com.au Telephone: Sue - 0414 984 739 Postal address: PO Box 333 Greenacres SA 5086 © Rising Star Media 2019 All rights reserved

Front Cover Photo: Iris Montanari Back Cover Photo: John Schumann & Shane Howard performing at The Gov Front & Back Photos: Sue Hedley

All materials published in MEGAscene are subject to copyright. No part may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. The opinions expressed in MEGAscene are not necesarily those of the editors or publisher. No responsibility is taken for the contents or illustrations of advertisements. This linking to other sites within MEGAscene is provided strictly as a courtesy by Rising Star Media for the convenience of its’ users and Rising Star Media is not responsible for the content of any site linked, or linked within a site, nor does it constitute the endorsement of the web sites or of their policies, products, services or delivery of goods. Rising Star Media will not be held accountable for the content of any postings contained in any site linked or linked within a site, nor does it deem reliable any offers, expert advice, financial opportunities or otherwise that any such postings should imply.

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

MEGAscene Contributor

EDITOR’S NOTE Hello readers, Our first issue of MEGAscene for 2019 is hotting up like the weather. It features an interview with Adelaide performer Iris Montanari, and a live review of Living Colour at The Gov. We have an interview with ex Hush members Les Gock and Rick Lum about their latest band GET ROCKED!.

Frank Lang

Sound Advice column The Old Rock ’n’ Roller Where to start? At the beginning! Young enthusiastic going to take the music industry by storm. 1973 - Teachers college, more interest in girls and music than study, and the opportunity to play in a band popped up, Cool I’m in. 76-79 - Taught for 4 years full time at Taperoo High and then left to teach part time and mix and play in bands. The first gig for Some Dream, a jazz rock fusion band, somehow I pulled a good sound and landed the gig. How good is that?! Managed to do sound Some Dream, Mickey Satellites, and currently

for Full House, Finn, and the Rock the Boss.

Played bass and sang one or two songs with Chris Finnen, Alan Fryer (Heroes), The Flyers, Greg Baker, Alex Tomlin, and then formed Hoy-Hoy! in 1988. Jammed with George Thorogoode, played with Kevin Borich, and I play with Matt Taylors Adelaide Chain. I recently retired my band Hoy-Hoy! after 27 years. Produced Hoy-Hoy! Farewell DVD, and mixed audio for DVD. Currently forming a funk soul, blues band, and sing and play bass in Papa Legba with John Freeman and Sav.

There are live gig photos of John Schumann and Shane Howard and also The Screaming Jets, both taken at The Gov, and Dino Jag at the Marion Cultural Centre. Writer on the Road has been covering Newstead Live festival and a Mad Max film reunion in Central Victoria. Check out the story on The Fringe Wives Club - Glittery Clittery. MEGAscene has 3 double passes to give away to this Fringe show for Sunday 17th February. For details see page 28. MEGAscene also has a special offer this issue for readers. Get $20 off a ticket for RockFest: War of The Surf And Rock Guitars Gods, which is at The Fort on Sunday 24th February, 12.30pm to late. Valid only until February 16th. Details on page 26. MEGAscene’s feature contributor this month is Frank Lang. Frank provides sound advice in his regular column and you can read more about Frank in this issue. The Adelaide music scene has lost more of it’s own. R.I.P. to Keith White and Geoff Skewes. MEGAscene sends our condolences to their family and friends. Our next issue of MEGAscene will be out in April 2019. In the meantime, take care of yourselves in this crazy weather we are having. Cheers,

Sue Editor, MEGAscene 7


MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Adelaide Get Ready to GET ROCKED! by Michelle McGoldrick Hush were unprecedented in Australian rock in the 1970’s - we’d never seen anything like it. Suddenly, glam flamboyancy became the new denim in a rock industry that had previously only known pub gig fashion. With two Asian-Australian guitarists who possessed the fashion sense of a Vogue shoot and the talent to rival any contemporary, Hush sent girls and record producers wild. Between 1971 and 1977 Hush made 12 gold records before disbanding. The various members kept playing music but also moved into careers in architecture, graphic design, award winning film and TV music scores, and accountancy (no, these boys weren’t just pretty faces). Over the years original Hush guitarists Les Gock and Rick Lum have kept the legacy of Australian glam music going with their off shoot band GET ROCKED!. MEGAscene spoke to the two legends in anticipation of their gig at Fringe GC (the Dom Polski Centre) on Thursday 21st February.

explained. ”We weren’t trying to change the world. Hush pioneered the Glam thing in the early 70’s by accident. Oddly enough we didn’t set out to be a glam rock band but eventually we were labelled Glam Rock when the music industry and public caught on to what was happening overseas with bands likes Slade, Kiss and T-Rex.” Lum recounted the least glamorous side of the rock business in the mid 1970’s - recording albums. “By the time Hush recorded the album titled “Get Rocked” the band was well and truly making its mark in original song writing, mainly with guitarist Les Gock and singer Keith Lamb. These were exciting times for all of us, gaining experience and confidence in recording studios long before computers and digital recording systems were used. We spent hours upon hours laying tracks down on tapes in Melbourne and Sydney studios, never seeing the light of day.”

Gock started by explaining how fame impacted on Hush members: “I was 18 when I joined HUSH so playing in front large crowds and appearing on Countdown was all I knew about ‘working’ life. Hush were all from a working class background and we played to a working class audience. Our aspirations were simple – go out and have a great time. We wrote about day to day things, mostly what it was like to be on the road. We didn’t have the hubris to think our music could or should save the planet or feed the poor or stop wars. It was about Saturday nights or the end of the working week and how we’d spend our pay – simple stuff.” As Australia’s first glam band Hush introduced a wave of theatrics and costumes into Australian rock image and performances. “HUSH loved being Australia’s first and most outrageous glam band. Our costumes were originally designed by the Sydney Opera Company because no one else understood our ‘extreme’ theatrics. A lot of what we did back then in terms of theatrics would be banned today, not just because of the content, but because of Occupational Health & Safety,” Gock said. “Our pyrotechnics was simply a matter of shoving lots of gunpowder into a steel tube and then seeing what happened. We could have been blown up.” “It was all about fun, playing rock ’n’ roll and not taking ourselves too seriously,” Lum

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“I was probably the most shy of everyone, despite appearances on stage, so the adulation off stage was a little difficult for me.”(Les Gock)


MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Neither guitarist completely abandoned playing guitar over the years however. Gock explained that “being on stage is like a second home. The shy Les loves being in the background as a writer and producer of music. That’s what I did ever since HUSH disbanded in 1977. However the extroverted Les loves putting on a costume, getting on a stage and turning the thing up to 11!”. Gock has built a successful career in advertising and composing music scores for TV and film, but the guitar bug never left him entirely, “Any chance I get to play I’ll do it. I have some school friends who still play and we’ll get up and do gigs for charities, any charities. It feels good to strap on my guitar and play, especially when there’s purpose to it.” Lum has never stopped playing music either despite becoming a successful artist in Sydney, “When Hush disbanded in the late 70’s I took a break from the music industry and studied Graphic Design. Over the years I’ve worked in Advertising and Marketing agencies as an Art Director. I’ve always loved art so eventually I started my own business and resumed playing guitar and bass again as part of the mix,” he said. For the upcoming Adelaide Fringe gig, Gock said he was looking forward to playing with his band mate Lum, and lead singer Mark Gable from the Choirboys. “This is a chance to play with some great friends – obviously Rick from HUSH but also Mark Gable from the Choirboys. Mark and I met at the Countdown gigs in 2006 and we’ve been besties ever since. He’s got to be about the best frontman in the country. Also I’ve convinced Peter Northcote, the best guitar player I know, to trade licks with me and he in turn has convinced Fabrizio (Fab) Omodei to play drums. It seriously doesn’t get better than that.” Lum has good memories of playing in Adelaide and is also keen to play the Fringe Festival. “The last big Hush gig was in Adelaide for the Countdown Spectacular tour in 2006. The Fringe Festival GET ROCKED line up is actually an extension of my Sydney pub & club covers band. For Adelaide I’m looking forward to teaming up with my old Hush band mate Les Gock along with Mark Gable from Choirboys (Run to Paradise) and two seriously top notch Sydney musicians. It’s a killer band line up and I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal studio with these guys.”

. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

Issue 9 2017

Issue 10 2017

Kevin Borich

Interview with Louise Pearson Dino Jag

Gig photos of Painters and Dockers

Dusty Lee

Gig photos of Electric Mary

Gig photos of Deep Throat

Gig photos of Dino Jag

Gig photos of Phil Emannuel

Gig photos of Full Tilt Janis

Mark Gable and Les Gock with Event Producer of In Concert Series Rob Pippan at the Media launch Photo: Sue Hedley

”We’re playing music we love, not just HUSH, but songs that influenced us, songs that remind us of all the friends we’ve met along the way, many whom have unfortunately passed on, and some funny war stories about the Countdown years.” (Gock)

“Hush was influenced by 60’s & 70’s music,” Lum said. “As well as featuring some of Hush’s greatest hits and album tracks at the forthcoming Adelaide Fringe Festival gig, we’ll also feature videos, slides of montages from my own personal scrapbook, tell stories and play songs to pay tribute to some of our greatest Aussie legends such as the Easybeats (Friday On my Mind), and other get down and dirty pub rock surprises! True to the title, this concert is going to rock!” Lum offered MEGAscene some parting words of wisdom on surviving in the music industry. And coming from a rock legend his advice is undoubtedly worth heeding. “Being humble and treating people with respect was important to me right from the start. Also hanging out with the road crew after shows - they’ll soon put you in place if you show any signs of being big headed!” Book your tickets now at FringeTIX: www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix Get Rocked! website: www.getrocked.com.au

MEGAscene

. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

Beeb Birtles gets inducted into the AMC SA Music Hall of Fame

2018

Gig photos of The New Dead Metalfest VIII

. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

Issue 12

Issue 11

Gwyn Ashton

Davinyls

Gig photos of Painters And Dockers

Sophie Downey, the Saxoffender, talks about art, sax, and rock ‘n roll

2018

Gig photos ofBurn

Interview with Phil Lanzon

Hindley Street Country Club

Gig photos of Andrew Strong

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Getting To Know Your Local Muso Iris Montanari

Photos by Sue Hedley Iris Montanari is vocalist for Iris and Divinyls’ tribute band Devine Alls. MEGAscene caught up with Iris to discuss her singing and her life. When did you first start singing? I started singing at around 12 years old in front of the mirror singing into my hairbrush wearing my big sisters glammy tops and whatever I could find that made me look cool! I had just started High School and was asked to be in a school play and had the choice to choose from my favourite pop star (that’s what they were called back then in 1976! Ha ha ha!) Suzi Quatro was making a big impression on us all back then being the first female to play bass guitar & lead vocals, So Suzi Quatro it was, with my cardboard cutout bass and singing Devil Gate Drive… ahh the memories of it all. What age did you decide you want to be a singer professionally? From the moment I left school! I was young and full of dreams and ambitions that I desperately wanted to fulfil, instead I fell in love and it ended there, I started singing professionally later in my years I hadn’t sang for 15 years or so my ex-husband wasn’t a fan of the band scene so I gave it up when I met him and nurtured three beautiful children, 2 boys and 1 girl, during that time, never feeling regretful but my passion for singing was bursting out every time I would put the radio on or play a CD so I would sing at home whilst he was at work and the kids were at school. We later separated. I had just turned 37 and had gone to a karaoke night with friends and they put my name down to enter the competition unbeknown to me, I came second and one of the judges came up to me and told me he had a band he was putting together and would I be interested in auditioning (I was so damn excited inside that I wanted to scream YES)

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but calmly replied that I would love to and that’s where Party Of Five came alive! Band members of Party Of Five were Angie Agius, Joe Agius, Gareth Saunders, Les Miles & Frank Luca, whom I would like to thank for giving me the opportunity to get my foot back out in the music scene. We were mainly corporate and had many wonderful moments during our time together such as supporting Mental As Anything a couple of times at the Stonyfell Function Centre; that was a massive highlight for me. I stayed with Party Of Five for close to 10 years and honestly had the most enjoyable experience with them learning a lot about the music scene. Back in 2007 I was also selected as one of 10 semi-finalists in South Australia & Northern Territory from over 1000 entries for “My Mum Rocks” Australian Idol. My daughter had decided to enter me into the competition, so she filmed me singing an AC/DC song Long Way To The Top, whilst having band practice one night. A couple of weeks later I received a phone call from a man


MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

who worked for Grundy Productions, who congratulated me saying I had been selected to be a part of Australian Idol’s “My Mum Rocks”. I nearly fell to the ground! The finalists at Westfield Marion Shopping Centre auditioned in front of Mark Holden. It good fun and I met some lovely people

met and was too!

Diane Dixon was also there as a contestant it was a lovely surprise to see her. A beautiful lady called Nina Verling won the state competition and deservedly so too, she has a beautiful voice... I found that time to be very exciting and scary at the same time. It was an enjoyable experience. But I’m not one to feel comfortable in front of a camera it feels quite intimidating and makes me nervous. I still get so damn nervous before I jump on that stage and sing a couple of songs the nerves pass and I then start to relax. I’d like to give a big mention to John Swan & Jimmy Barnes for being my inspirational mentors when I was younger. I was hanging out with their little sister Lisa of whom became my best friend and still is my dearest and most closest friend; without her I don’t think I would have got where I am today. She was there for me just after I left school and continually gave me the courage and strength to follow my dreams. We had so much fun together being naughty teenagers staying out until midnight driving in her 4 door Torana heading to The Old Lion Disco (as it was known back then) singing out aloud to all our favourite tunes, Cold Chisel, Swanee and our favourite female artist Rita Coolidge. Lisa has an this amazing natural beautiful angelic voice but she never had the confidence to do it so she would tell me that I had to do it for the both of us…. Bless! What was the first band that you sang in? I have always had a passion for singing and dancing & even acting as a child. Mum & Dad and I would go to many Italian Cabarets, where they would have a band play. They never had to worry about where I was because I was usually up at the front watching the band dancing. At the age of 14 I wasn’t doing that well at school; bullying was huge back in the 70’s and even more so if you weren’t Australian. I loved school and was eager to learn, but school and my peers didn’t like me. Being an Italian girl living in Port Adelaide I didn’t fit their scene so I was a target for them to constantly pick on during and after school. They would follow me home and push me around, harass my parents by making

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prank calls, throw stones on our roof late at night, and order taxi’s and pizza deliveries to our house; it was actually quite horrendous for us all. I would plead to Mum and Dad to let me leave school, so much so that in the end they gave in and I got out. I was 15 years old. That’s where it began, I would go into Allans Records in the city and look at the noticeboard classified ads they would have of bands looking for singers. I saw an ad and called them, went for an audition and was selected. So there it began, I was in my first rock/metal band, called Euphoria. We were playing songs by Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple & Girl School along with our own originals. We later changed our name to Sphinx and stayed together for about a year. Great bunch of guys, of whom I still have contact with two of them, Andrew Clark & Marc Paterson. What other bands have you sang in over the years? After Sphinx I played in various bands, such as Frantic, of which I had the joy of meeting Diane Dixon back in the early 80’s; she helped me a lot vocally, along with Ian “Polly” Politis of whom I’ve known since I was around 8. Our parents were very close. Later A-Band-On was born and started playing all over Adelaide! I have been very lucky to front up and work with many popular Adelaide bands such as Clearway and The Incredibles just to name a few. I’ve worked with John Swan a couple of times; he’s a man I hold very close to my heart as is Rob Spencer, of whom I’ve played quite a few duo gigs with over the years. He’s an amazingly talented man with a good heart…


MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Tell me about your music life now. I am regularly gigging most weekends with a few different projects, namely my own cover band IRIS that consists of Andy Thomas, Dale Sanders, Pete Bawden & Nigel Walters. We play a mix of popular rock and pop party music from the 70’s to today. We’ve worked at many venues all over this city of ours and still continue to do so. I am very lucky to be working with these wonderful guys and am thankful for the joy that they have brought into my life! Alongside IRIS I’ve been following pursuits with two Tribute shows, Devine Alls, of which the name says it all, and a David Bowie Tribute band called Ashes To Ashes, in which I sing backing vocals. Who have been your musical influences? Chrissy Amphlett, which was a big part of forming Devine Alls, and Pat Benatar & Chrissie Hyndes. I had formed the Devine Alls about 6 years ago early January 2013 and was fortunate to find some great musos to back me: Mat Way, Neil Pearce, Pete Bawden & Andrew Gaborit. Chrissy later passed away in April of the same year that we had formed. I was greatly saddened by Chrissy Amphlett’s passing, to me, she was the ultimate ‘Rock Chick’ and a real icon of Aussie music, no one will ever replace her; she was one of a kind one of my biggest inspirations. I remember getting all excited when she had accepted my friend request on Facebook and walking around with the biggest smile on my face for days. I don’t try to be Chrissy on stage. It just can’t be done, but when I perform I close my eyes and give it 100% of my heart and soul, dedicating my vocals to her songs.

What has been the highlight of your music career? Playing several Fringe shows with Devine Alls at The Arkaba a couple of years ago and then receiving a phone call from Dave Gleeson from Triple M asking if he could interview me on live radio to promote that gig. Also having the opportunity to do a fundraiser “Singing for the Salvos” at Christmas time a couple of years ago in Rundle Mall alongside with Dave himself, Swanee, Vince Contarino and Rick Brewster. I’ve also experienced some great Fringe shows with Ashes to Ashes in 2018. Also having played many fundraisers for different local charities and their events with all 3 bands. Anything you would like to add? I would just like to say how thankful I am for the support of all my friends, family, fans, and colleagues in the music scene for helping me along the way, and inspiring me to follow “My Dream” I am so blessed to be able to play regular gigs and hang out with some really beautiful people of whom have touched my heart in one way or another. I don’t consider myself amazing nor an outstanding singer and certainly don’t bring ego into what I do, but the feedback I get from punters and the like is enough to keep me going. Am I ready to stop singing? Hell no, I’ve only just begun!

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

IRIS

Upcoming Gigs for Iris Saturday February 16th Ashes To Ashes Fringe Event @ Fedora Restaurant

https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/ ashes-to-ashes-david-bowie-experienceaf2019

Saturday February 23rd Devine Alls & More Pink Fringe Event @ GC Central

https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/ devine-alls-and-more-p-nk-live-af2019

Friday March 8th Ashes To Ashes Fringe Event

Sunday March 10th Ashes To Ashes Fringe Event

https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/ ashes-to-ashes-david-bowie-experienceaf2019

Saturday March 9th Devine Alls will be playing with More Pink as part of In Concert Series at GC Central on Saturday February 23rd. Facebook Pages: Devine Alls https://www.facebook.com/DevineAlls/ IRIS https://www.facebook.com/irisbandsa/

IRIS @ Para Hills Community Club

Saturday March 23rd

Devine Alls @ Cove Tavern 4 Ramrod Avenue, Hallett Cove Ashes To Ashes @ Kings Head Hotel 357 King William Street, Adelaide

Email: iris-entertainment@live.com.au

. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

Issue 9 2017

Issue 10 2017

Kevin Borich

Interview with Louise Pearson Dino Jag

Gig photos of Painters and Dockers

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Dusty Lee

Gig photos of Electric Mary

Gig photos of Deep Throat

Gig photos of Dino Jag

Gig photos of Phil Emannuel

Gig photos of Full Tilt Janis

MEGAscene

. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

Beeb Birtles gets inducted into the AMC SA Music Hall of Fame

2018

Gig photos of The New Dead Metalfest VIII

. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

Issue 12

Issue 11

Gwyn Ashton

Davinyls

Gig photos of Painters And Dockers

Sophie Downey, the Saxoffender, talks about art, sax, and rock ‘n roll

2018

Gig photos ofBurn

Interview with Phil Lanzon

Hindley Street Country Club

Gig photos of Andrew Strong


MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Mad Max 40th Anniversary: The Search for Max 2019 by Michelle McGoldrick - Writer On The Road The South of Heaven – Social Motorcycle Club hosted a Mad Max enthusiasts event in central Victoria on 2nd-3rd of February. The event started on Saturday morning in the town Clunes which was a location for scenes in the original Mad Max film. Actors who were mainly in the original Mad Max film also gathered in Clunes alongside replica cars from the film. After a media conference and meeting fans, the actors were driven to Maryborough in the replica cars for a private event which was capped at 1300 tickets and had sold out very quickly.

the bands Salty Dog, Code 5 and Kisstroyer. Proceeds from the event went to Maryborough Hospital.

Mad Max fans were able to watch the processions of cars and actors as they drove along the roads to the Maryborough venue.

The original Mad Max was made for less than $400 thousand in 1979 before it went on to break attendance and revenue records by grossing $100 million worldwide. Despite mixed receptions upon its’ release, mainly due to levels of extreme violence not previously seen in Australian cinemas, the original Mad Max film was accredited with cracking open the Australian film industry globally.

Led by an (official!) Victoria Police vehicle and escorted by Z owner motorcyclists, the replica cars in the procession included Max’s widely iconic V8 Interceptor, the Ford Falcon XA yellow interceptor, Nightrider Holden HQ Monaro and a 1975 Holden Sandman HJ (Max’s family van in the film.) Motorcycles also starred in the parade, being central to all the Mad Max films particularly the first film. Many of the film’s fearsome road chases were shot by cameramen strapped pillion on the back of motorbikes clocking speeds of 180 kilometres per hour and no helmet 35mm cameras couldn’t be operated otherwise.

Whilst all the Mad Max films remain outstanding examples of Australian film making, the original Mad Max was a particularly edgy, ground breaking and culturally jarring film which set a precedent for road movies around the world. The original Mad Max reworked the classic good versus evil narrative into a high octane and speed driven account of social apocalypse.

Amongst the original actors who turned out in full force at the event were Hugh Keays-Byrne (Toecutter), Joanne Samuel (Jessie) and Steve Bisley (The Goose). The unseen heroes of the films – the stunt men – also featured in the procession because without them the action in the Mad Max films would not have been possible – or survivable.

Steve Bisley aka Jim Goose Photo: Michelle McGoldrick

For those lucky enough to have a ticket into the event at Maryborough there was a weekend of camping, meeting the actors, merchandise signing, and a party including

Japanese Mad Max fans Photo: Michelle McGoldrick

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MEGAreviews live Living Colour @ The Gov 17/12/2018 by Shaun Whitelum Hailing from New York City, Living Colour once again blessed Adelaide at the Gov on Dec 17th 2018 in one of the best shows to date this year, helping bring last years end through an abundant yield of musical brilliance that predominately copulated music that was generated in the 80’s & 90’s. They also continue to prove their worth both in musicality and popularity terms. The band’s ability to cross over multiple genres is astounding, their stylistic and soundly fascinating construct of merging rock, metal, jazz-fusion, funk, hip hop, punk, and alternative rock, is unmistakable. It’s their trade mark (if you will), it’s their stamp on the movement of their genre, and Living Colour’s ability to apply creative musical fusion in every aspect of their existence has ultimately made them a legendary band. So, what’s your favourite colour baby?.... Living Colour! “Were back – Who cares if it’s Monday” states frontman Corey Glover sporting an all pink plaid stylish outfit with a checker vest suitably living up to the Living Colour’s name, which indeed they are in every way possible. This tour sees the boys back celebrating their 30th anniversary of the much celebrated and influential ‘smash hit’ album Vivid. Originally released on the 3rd of May 1988 this also happens to be their debut album; one of the most popular albums of 1988, reaching No. 6 on the US Billboard 200, a certified double platinum album by RIAA, and produced by Ed Stasium and the one and only Mick Jagger. Opening with ‘Middle man’, Living Colour attacked with all the injustices and difficulties these guys clearly know and/or have experienced from their earlier days growing up in New York City. Remember they know “your anger, they know your dreams and everything you want to be” it’s just your ‘cult of personality’ which was played later in the set, but needed to be mentioned. Moving on, guitarist Vernon Reid (guitar extraordinaire, to say the least) laughed about working out the intro to ‘Desperate people’ which was intended to bring a new dimension but instead found that it worked better in his hotel room than on stage; the audience found his humour most satisfying. The general mood of the evening was elevated by the band’s good humour, excitement and anticipation of what

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was to come. I know I was in the moment too. Will Calhoun was for me one of the highlights of the show, his drumming ability is second to none, boasting the proficiency and time related competence most in the game would dream of! Will’s dynamic ability to swing in and out of time must be seen to be believed as is his syncopation techniques coupled with his dynamic power structure are simply awesome. In some ways he’s every drummer’s ‘I want to play like him’ type of drummer. The majority of the setlist is as one might expect from the classic Vivid album, but there were a couple of songs that came from succeeding albums namely ‘Come On’ and ‘This is The Life’ seemingly fresh and very welcomed by the audience. Bass player Doug Wimbish plays bass with such great technique and synchronicity with the band that he’s a legend in his own right. His ability to provide substance and deep powered bass only then adding delicate highlights to his repertoire is awesome to say the least. In addition, some of most memorable songs on the night were ‘Landlord’, ‘This is The Life’ – Doug’s bass solo, the ever excellent ‘Glamour Boys’, just a hip ‘n’ cool song that I had not heard since the 90’s and then remembered how much fun people had with that song back in the day. From there, one of the all-time greats for the band ‘Love Rears its Ugly Head’ (a song we can all relate to), ‘Type’, ‘Which Way to America’. Then Will’s drums solo!!! And finally, ‘Cult of Personality’, ‘Times Up’, and ‘What’s Your Favourite Colour?’ = Living Colour. Living Colour are true showmen and entertainers, they provide the audience with multiple dimensions ranging from straight out rock to extremely complicated and highly rhymical music that spellbound’s people and drives them into unabashed musical frenzies that most musicians (just quietly) aspire to. Not to mention leaving the audience with a musical hangover that is sure to last for days to come. This being said, it’s important to recognise the support acts from tonight’s show, that being


MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Fyre Byrd and the Dirty Pagans, I have got to say Fyre Byrd really made themselves known amongst the greats of Living Colour. So, take your hat of to these Australian bands who have positioned themselves where many more opportunities may arise from supporting the likes of the rock, metal, funk… fusion extraordinaires Living Colour. Anyone who’s been a part of an up-an-coming band will understand the need to support Australian music, as it is needed now more than ever. Tonight though, was Living Colour’s night, be it a Monday – who cares if it is or if it’s any other night of the week, Living Colour are simply one of the great gems from the late 80’s – 90’s that I personally wish could be relived over and over. Fortunately, these guys and others are still out there performing some of the best music ever written. Living Colour were simply awesome tonight, and they’re welcome back any time they see fit, cos their ‘Times (not) Up’.

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Living Colour @ The Gov Photos by Sue Hedley 17/12/2018

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

MEGAreviews live The Screaming Jets @ The Gov 21/12/2018 by Shaun Whitelum The larrikin lads from Newcastle The Screaming Jets ‘firewalled’ e.g. (full throttled) themselves into The Gov on 21st Dec 2018 on their Gotcha Covered tour for a fun filled action packed night of Oz rock. Dave Gleeson gleefully embraced the audience with his comical and enthusiastic stage presence stating “has anyone got a Santa hat, that’s gonna be a big fucking thing! It’s a Christmas party night” as it’s only 4 nights till the man in red himself begins his escapades of being the world’s most famous chimney sweeper. Dave Gleeson performing style is very animated and vibrant indeed. He’s backed up by a very tight and punchy sound that was a pleasant surprise (as this was the first time I had ever seen the band live), and Gleeson is defiantly the type personality that represents this outfit in good favour. Gotcha Covered features a selection of Australian rock gems, with some better than others. And there’s an on-stage camaraderie that helps draw the punters attention away from the bar and focus on the band’s live presence. The Jets deliver tight punchy rock with control and vigour, and an almost sense of Fawlty tower sense of humour without the actual comedy of errors because the Jets really are a quality outfit with a sometimes sarcastic, humorous twist that is quite enjoyable. The evenings antics weren’t to go unnoticed. In particular, the Chocolate Wheel of Love which was a wheel with a variety of cover songs on it and the band would play whichever song the wheel stopped on. It was most entertaining indeed. (It reminded me of a band I used to play in called the Dead Bollocks where we had the Chocolate Wheel of Death where a member of the band and the audience would be strapped to the wheel and spun around. One time the wheel rolled off the stage with a band member still attached. You really could make that stuff up but it’s true and on film). Anyway, enough

reminiscing. Back to the Jets gig; Gleeson invited an audience member up on stage to spin the C.W.O.L and had a good laugh with them, plus supplying a swig of Jack Daniels and a T-shirt as their consolation prize; this struck up a great relationship between the band and the punters. Songs that clocked up the Wheel of Love’s outcome included Rain by Dragon, Walls by Icehouse, and Gimme Head by The Radiators, to name a few. All classic Australian hit songs from the 80’s period. This was so funny at the time: Gleeson taking the piss out of a couple of so called TV celebrities, noting that he (Gleeson) was glad to see them get a gig on Carols by Candlelight because it meant that they would get at least one show for the year. Gleeson pissed himself laughing and the audience couldn’t hold back either. At one point Gleeson holds up a can of Corona and says “build the wall, build the wall” which I thought was rather cool, being his banter with the punters was quite witty and relevant to the current state of affairs. I must conclude with the highlight of the Jets repertoire which was Gleeson dedicating the song “Better” to his life-long friend ‘Finchy’. This was released in 1991 Unbelievable that it was all those years ago; personally I was living in London with my band Bezerker at that time, so this period brings back many a memory. Thus, I leave you with those lyrics in your head.

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

The Screaming Jets @ The Gov Photos by Sue Hedley 21/12/2018

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

RockFest 2019 War of the Surf & Rock Guitars A unique Rock Festival is set to literally, ‘blast’ it’s way, into the 2019 Adelaide Fringe season. On Sunday February 24, Fort Glanville will turn into The Fort Arena, for one day only, as it hosts Rockfest 2019 - War of The Surf & Rock Guitars! The Rock Vault® & The Fort Glanville Historical Association have teamed up to deliver a huge, Ten Hour concert - featuring a mix of music legends, hall of famers, emerging rock bands and some of the finest Surf Rock acts this side of Hawaii. It features Electric Mary who will be incorporating their new album release – “MOTHER”. Other bands performing are Swinging Surf Sex Gods, The Masters of Sin, Moraygun, Cosmic Bikini, Darcee Fox, Shewolf, Atomic Riot, Diva Demolition, Chris Finnen, Gail Page, and Tim Gaze. The experience is shaping up to be the Retro Live Party of the Year, catering to Music Festival Lovers with adult tastes and a love of retro sounding melodies. It comes complete with Cannon Blasts, Guitar Gods and Goddesses plus: craft beers, ciders, hard lemonade and more (by way of Sparkke & Pirate Life brewers). Spirit drinkers will be catered to and of course, caravans of festival foods. So what’s ‘The Vibe’? Think… 60’s Beach Blanket Bingo meets 70’s/80’s Coachella Rock Festival or Cult films; Endless Summer meets This is Spinal Tap. You’re probably just starting to get the idea, when BOOM, it lands in a Colonial Fort! So, aside from cannon blasts and being in a colonial fort, what’s with the ‘war’ thing? It seems that The Rock Vault® are keen to promote ‘guitar driven rock’, as their prime agenda - evidenced by their the tag line; “Protecting our shores from mundane and guitarless tunes…” but there is also an underlying anti-piracy message which, they have on good authority, is due to roll out (perhaps, as part of the Pirate Life Brewers promo?). As a wrap; the suggestion that you “Bring ya towel, ya air guitar, ya bordies/bikinis or ya black T and let the Guitar Gods ROAR!”, tells you that this is shaping up to be a festival like no other! War of The Surf & Rock Guitars is an 18+, licensed

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Rusty Brown from Electric Mary Photo: Sue Hedley

and accessible event. Tickets are available via FringeTix and include concession and member discount options. For more information visit www.warofthesurfandrockguitars.com.au. The Rock Vault® is offering MEGAscene readers a special offer for it’s readers to buy tickets at a discount of $20 off the ticket price until February 16th for Rockfest 2019 - War of The Surf & Rock Guitars! using the code “MEGASCENE” at the checkout at FringeTix www.adelaidefringe.com.au. (See ad opposite page)

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/ROCKFEST.ADL/ https://www.instagram.com/ warofthesurfandrockguitars


MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Electric Mary

Photo: Sue Hedley

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Electric Mary

Photo: Sue Hedley

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

The Fringe Wives Club - Glittery Clittery by Michelle McGoldrick The Fringe Wives Club’s performances smash the patriarchy through comedy, original live music, anarchic audience games and unashamed glamour. Described as ‘part explosive comedy cabaret, part interactive edu-tainment” this feminist extravaganza is an exercise in female empowerment and all-out fun. Through political and personal stories, the Wives explore what it means to be a feminist today by crashing through layers of bigotry, sexism and homophobia, and society’s ignorance and oppression of the female body. The Fringe Wives trio - Tessa Waters, Rowena Hutson and Victoria Falconer - have won multiple awards and accolades: a Moosehead Award and a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2017 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The trio were also nominated for Best Cabaret at both Perth Fringe World and Melbourne Fringe in 2017, before being awarded Best Cabaret at Adelaide Fringe in 2018. Tessa Waters has a decade of experience in creating acclaimed comedy, theatre and short films which have played to sell-out crowds around Australia and the UK. Having studied at the prestigious Philippe Gaulier School (France) in Clown and Theatre in 2014 Tess’ previous work includes WOMANz, which broke records at the 2014 Melbourne Fringe being the first show ever to WIN three awards in one night. Tess also won Best Comedy Weekly Award Adelaide Fringe 2015. Victoria Falconer is a multi-instrumentalist, writer, cabaret artist and composer who has earned 5 star reviews and sell-out shows around the world. Victoria has been heard on the airwaves of BBC London and ABC Radio, and been seen on the cover of Time Out Magazine. Victoria appeared on BBC Three’s Live at the Electric and NBC America’s Before The Morning After where she was nominated for the Best Newcomer Award. Victoria was named on Time Out’s Hottest 100 List in 2014 as one of the top 100 influential and innovative artists working in the UK. Rowena Hutson is an award-winning storyteller and comedian, and the creator of the popculture obsessed solo comedies; Strong Female Character, The Unstoppable, Unsung Story of Shaky M and A Four-Eyed Guide to the Galaxy. Hutson won the Most Outstanding Comedy Show, sponsored by Brisbane Powerhouse, at Melbourne Fringe 2015 and has worked with independent theatre companies throughout

Fringe Wives Club - Glittery Clittery

Europe and Australia. Highlights of her work internationally include playing the tipsy pigeon Jesse in the black comedy Flap and Fear in Vienna and Oslo (which won the Best Newcomer Award at the Theatre Drachengasse Festival in Vienna. Catch The Fringe Wives Club Glittery Clittery performance at Adelaide Fringe Festival from 15th February till 3rd March at The Garden of Unearthly Delights. Web: www.fringewivesclub.com Twitter: @fringewivesclub Facebook: /fringewivesclub Dates: 15th Feb – 3rd March. No show on Monday 18th February. Time: 9:35pm - Running Time: 60mins Tickets: Full Price $30, Concession $28, Groups $25, Cheap Tuesday $22 Bookings: www.adelaidefringe.com.au or www.gardenofunearthlydelights.com.au MEGAscene has three double passes to give away to the performance of The Fringe Wives Club Glittery Clittery on February 17th, courtesy of MILKE and the show’s Producer. For a chance to win, go to MEGAscene’s Facebook page and share this latest issue and then type “Done” in the comments. Winners will be chosen and notified on that post on February 16th.

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

In Concert #4 Series by Sue Hedley Rob Pippan Productions in conjunction with Ignition Entertainment, announce the In Concert #4 series at the GC on Angas Street for Fringe 2019 from Friday February 15th – Sunday 17th March. Beeb Birtles, founder of Little River Band, was inducted into the SA Music Hall of Fame last year and now he is back to perform in his show An Evening with Beeb Birtles from Zoot, Mississippi, and Little River Band. Backed by a seven-piece band, this show is a full concert experience with AV and the stories behind the songs and bands. This coincides with Beeb’s 70th Birthday, and the release of a brand new Zoot album, Archaeology, produced by EMI. There is also a special performance by Australian Music legend Ross Wilson with his new show Ross Wilson - Daddy Who? on Friday February 15th, playing Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock hits plus many more, from a stellar 50 plus year career. What can people expect from Ross Wilson’s show? “100% Ross Wilson and a few Eric McCusker ones in there too,” says Ross. “These days I am mainly playing songs that I have written myself with a few exceptions like Come Said The Boy. I start off at the beginning, there’s Daddy Cool then there’s Mondo Rock, and there’s solo stuff and a few obscure ones too. For instance I have started playing Fugitive Kind again which is the first Mondo Rock song that ever came out, and I am playing new songs as well. I have a song that cracks people up called Facebook Blues.” Ross Wilson feels he is a bit overdue for an album. “I feel like it’s time to go in and record. I sort of feel a bit invigorated at the moment; I think that I want to keep moving forward. As much as I love singing certain old songs there’s other songs I will never sing again. But then there’s other ones that I go back into the catalogue and say ‘Gee, I should be singing that song’ so I drag them out and have a go.” In the future he will be keeping the Mondo Rock show and his own show as two separate entities, even though he was the founder of Mondo Rock. “It’s going to be like Ross Wilson on the Road, that’s a Ross Wilson show. Now and again we have Mondo Rock. (In August we will be touring around.) That is a special thing in it’s own way.

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Rob Pippan, Event Producer of In Concert # 4 series

I want to make that Mondo Rock is pure Mondo Rock. If you come to see a Mondo Rock show you won’t hear Eagle Rock. People will be pissed off by that. They will say ‘play Eagle Rock’ and I’ll say ‘no this is Mondo Rock, we don’t play Eagle Rock. Go away!”. The brand new book called Daddy Who? written by Craig Horne, detailing the entire story of Australia’s first early 70’s super-group will be on sale at the show. “I was interviewed for it,” says Ross, “and me and Gary, as the the surviving members of Daddy Cool, gave it our blessing because we both knew the writer Craig Horne, and we thought if anyone was going to write the book and get it correct it will be him. He is unique as in he knew all the members of Daddy Cool himself, plus he is a muso himself - he has a blues band.” Ross continues, “He writes the Daddy Cool story


MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Terry Nicholas (Flaming Sambucas) and Rob Pippan

Les Gock (Get Rocked!)

Ross Wilson

All photos: Sue Hedley

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

the songs with original HUSH members Les Gock and Rick Lum with Mark Gable (from the Choirboys) on lead vocals, along with a full band. The 1965 Masters Apprentices new ‘Hands of Time’ show is the amazing story of the early Masters career told and performed in concert by original members Mick Bower, Brian Vaughton, Gavin Webb, and Rick Harrison (1967 line-up), and hosted by radio legend John Pemberton in their new expanded nine piece line up. What can people expect at the 1965 Masters Apprentices show? “A lot of our hits,” says Mick Bower, “and say 8 or 9 songs from our original repertoire of the 1960’s; blues covers that we did in the 1960’s, and we are going to play quite a number of those as well.” Mick Bower has written some new songs which they are playing now too and they hope to record an EP soon. Fringe favourites The Flaming Sambucas, (along with their expanded band) return with their nationally acclaimed ABBA GOLD show. They will be performing every song of of ABBA’s “Arrival” album. Ross Wilson

Photo: Sue Hedley

from his perspective, when he first heard us, how it affected him, then how he came to work with the various members, then how he met me. It’s not written by Daddy Cool, it’s a book written by Craig Horne about Daddy Cool and Daddy Cool get nothing from it aside from setting the record straight. So we don’t earn anything from it.” Then he added with a cheeky smile “except when I bring a few copies to my show Daddy Who? and then set up a little stand in the corner and you buy one and I can sign it for you.” There are fourteen performances by leading national and local acts over four weeks at The GC – Grand Central on Angas Street in The Showroom as part of the overall GC Fringe program. This exciting series features Australian music icons in full concert mode. Including Adelaide based music legends 1965 Masters Apprentices, and also highlighting Get Rocked! featuring Les Gock and Rick Lum from Hush,with Mark Gable from the Choirboys. In platform heels and shiny satin pants, Hush ruled the airwaves and concert stages of the 1970’s. Fringe 2019 sees Get Rocked! pump out HUSH’s classic hits, plus tunes that influenced their background and the story behind

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The Flaming Sambucas also will be performing Your Song – A Love Story, a tribute to the songs of Elton John. The show reflects on Elton’s enormous musical gift to the world, and takes a journey through his amazing hits. With vocals by Natalie Ermer Jensen, Jodie Dry & Shelley Lund, with Matt McNamee on drums and Rob Pippan on guitar. The Bald Eagles – Livin it Up at the Hotel C will be performing the great hits of the Eagles, in their own inimitable and often comic way. For the first time at the Adelaide Fringe, leading AC/DC tribute band ‘Back in Black’ and ‘East’, a tribute to Cold Chisel, join forces to bring you two classic Australian rock albums in the one night, performing the entire Back in Black and East albums. Both albums have redefined Australian hard rock over the last four decades; Oz rock at its best! Hot tribute band Rumours - The Fleetwood Mac Show will be performing the music of Fleetwood Mac at In Concert Series after a sold-out show in 2018 to rave reviews. 19ADELE25. will re-visit the life of Adele, told in her words from humble beginnings as a student studying alongside such greats as Amy Winehouse, through to the smash hits ‘21’ and ’25’. Starring Erin Sowersby as Adele and musical direction by Ray Lindon.


MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Some of the performing artists at the Media Day Photo: Sue Hedley

Terry Nicholas - The Flaming Sambucas

Ross Wilson performing on Rock The Boat 2018

In a Fringe first, two of SA’s leading female fronted tribute bands Devine Alls and More P!nk Tribute join forces to stage one huge show together.

except for Beeb Birtles’ show which will be concert style row seating. Dinner and snacks are available for separate purchase on each night.

US Rock Show performed by the Jukebox Kings is a musical tribute to the great American artists of the 70’s and 80’s (Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cougar, Foreigner, and many more).

Channel 10, QATAR Airways, Cruise FM and the Adelaide Fringe are the GC – Grand Central on Angas sponsors for 2019.

Photo: Sue Hedley

Even Humphrey B. Bear (separate to the In Concert #4 Series) will be having a children’s show packed with music, dance and audience interaction. This show will be held in the GC Underground, on Angas St Adelaide on Saturday March 16th at 2pm. Event Producer Rob Pippan says “This series is my most ambitious undertaking yet. I’m thrilled to continue my on-going partnership with The GC’s Alan Rosewarne and Colin Koch and together creating a formidable series. I have gathered some of my favourite all time Australian and International acts under one umbrella, into a package that I believe will attract a lot of interest. It’s also exciting to promote a wealth of significant SA-based artists. I hope Adelaide Fringe audiences come and enjoy our blend of classic, legendary artists plus local acts at The GC – Grand Central on Angas”. All shows are cabaret style seating with tables,

Photo: Sue Hedley

Official show dates are listed on the few next pages. For Full show details: www.thegcadelaide.com.au/venue Book your tickets now at FringeTIX: www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix

be seen in

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The House Of Mirrors Photos by Sue Hedley The Garden of Unearthly Delights opens 14th February at 7.30pm until 17th March. The Garden presents over 100 shows with over 1600 ticketed performances. More than 750,000 people visit The Garden every season and its popularity continues to grow each year. This year’s latest attraction is the visually stunning House of Mirrors, which has been the sell out sensation of Melbourne Festival and Brisbane Festival. House of Mirrors is a fascinating walk-through installation composed of 40 tonnes of steel and 15 tonnes of carefully arranged mirrors, geometry and pure optical illusion. It is open from 5pm – 10pm weekdays and 10am – 10pm on weekends and public holidays. $15 gets you in. Attend at any time on the day of your booking and allow 30 minutes to complete. During busy periods long wait times are possible. Allow ample time before seeing another show. House of Mirrors will remain open in most weather conditions. It is suitable for all ages.

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MEGAscene was fortunate enough to have a walk-through of this freaky maze of mirrors and corridors before the opening night. So many mirror images that it was hard to see who was real and what was a mirror image. We would love to know who the mirror cleaner is and if she cleans the same mirrors over and over. :) We hope you find your way out... For information on what shows are on at the Garden Of Unearthly Delights check out the website https://www.gardenofunearthlydelights.com.au/ Suitability Rated: G To buy tickets: https://www.gardenofunearthlydelights.com.au/ what-s-on/house-of-mirrors


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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Live Sound Advice by Frank Lang

DREAM ON

I’ve mentioned before that the experience of listening to genuine HIFI can benefit sound engineers, because of the detail, depth, soundstage, pace, refinement, dynamic range, grace, and speed. Yes I’m showing off now but must admit I just skimmed over a couple of pages of my favourite HIFI read (when I can afford it) ‘HIFI plus’, to get some sound descriptors. This particular issue ran a review of the Constellation 2, Hercules 2 stereo amplifier, priced at 85,000 pounds and the reviewer states: “This Constellation Audio, Hercules 2 stereo amplifier from the company’s reference class is the best amplifier I have ever heard, and by a significant margin.” Yes it would want to be, and often these reviewers have a tough time, either giving back the review model or even concentrating on the review when the sounds they are hearing make them forget they are supposed to be writing a review. Often writing how they hear things they never knew were on the recording, or simply being taken away as they listen. It’s another world admittedly but these days a pair of active studio monitors around the $3,000-$5,000 mark can offer a similar (not at the Hercules 2 level) accurate sound. And admittedly, there is room treatment and a great deal of Hocus Pocus, some even build a room for their HIFI. A HIFI system needs correct setting up, where you have perhaps one listening position and try to optimise speaker placement, for optimal listening. Live sound engineers on the other hand, have a different acoustic environment to contend with almost every time they work. And many of these are abysmal sound environments’. I think the last thing on most architects mind are the acoustics of any given environment, and pubs, well you’re stepping into anybody’s guess. In a real world pub you are, to the best of your abilities making do. How many times have 10 people talking, sounded like a defending roar and you can’t even hear yourself think and then have

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people talking, sounded like a defending roar and you can’t even hear yourself think and then have to mix a band? Some of the older beer barns were quite alright and the old Tivoli Hotel was a gem of a sound environment until some bright spark took out a wall and made it bigger, and ruined this acoustic gem. And the same bright spark decided to put subwoofers under the stage. We also lost a lot of good potential band rooms when Pokies were introduced years ago. Now as a bass player I have suffered immensely at the old Bridgeway Hotel room and the Gov when the subs under the stage resonate the stage at sub frequencies, and suddenly even a soft pick or pluck on the bass strings produce a minor earthquake and the band gives me the dirty look and the sound guy even has the nerve to then ask me to turn down. So we have bad sounding rooms, installation companies who put the wishes of pubs before sound sense, and architects who love the look of reflective surfaces. Sound engineers have some tools at hand to cope with these issues; graphics, parametric equalisers’ compressors and hopefully some large dose of common sense. And then this environment changes over 4 hours as folks get up to dance, move to the front for a better squiz, or drift outside during breaks. And my point here is, the better sound system you have at home, the better prepared you are to tune and then mix and then adjust your sound over the mix. Treat yourself to the Highest HIFI you can afford. Cheers, Frank

Adelaide is a

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

SA Paranormal By Allen Tiller The Corio Hotel, Goolwa

In January this year, I was invited to host a talk at the Para Hills Library called Haunted Hotels in South Australia. I thought I’d continue that theme in this edition of MEGAscene with a quick rundown of paranormal goings-on in two hotels in South Australia. The Corio Hotel, Goolwa was built in 1857. It is named after the paddle steam-ship Corio, which sank on the nearby Murray River in 1857. The Corio Hotel license was approved in 1850 and issued to William Ray on March 31st of that year. The Corio Hotel also that are part of the shops have been used blacksmiths, a general

has adjoining shops hotel complex. The as a saddler shop, store and a barber.

The Corio Hotel in Goolwa was alleged to be haunted by a female ghost who hates other women. It is claimed that this spirit once held a woman down on a toilet when she tried to stand up after finishing her business. The woman stated that as she tried to stand up after using the toilet, she felt a strong hand force her back down. She freaked out as no-one was in the cubicle with her, or in the toilet at all. Suddenly the hand let go, and she shot out of the toilet into the hotel and ran out through the front door, only to tell her story later when she had calmed down. A ghostly woman was witnessed in the Corio Hotel in 1977 by staff member Gary Crouch who described her in a witness statement as; “A short woman with grey hair that had a bluish tinge. She was wearing a dress that hung down loosely over her knees.” Gary and his boss saw the ghostly woman head toward the female’s toilets from the central games room. Thinking it was a person locked in after closing, the two men went to ask her to leave, only to find no living soul in the women’s toilets. The men checked the rest of the hotel, which had been locked up for closing, to find nobody other than themselves inside! The ghostly presence isn’t just centred on the women’s toilets, it is also known to go about its business in the men’s! Male patrons have reported toilet rolls spinning at incredible speeds of their own volition.

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Coreo Hotel

Photo: Allen Tiller 2018

Other witnesses have seen the ghostly woman standing at the front bar, when staff have turned to serve her, she has vanished. The temperature in the room is also said to drop dramatically in the apparition’s presence. There once stood a blacksmith at the rear of the hotel, which today is part of the bottle-shop. A bottle-shop worker once witnessed the apparition of a man walk through a wall, where once there was a door, and off through the car park, through a fence, disappearing as he crossed a road.

The Ambassador Hotel King William Street, Adelaide

It is claimed the Ambassador Hotel is haunted by a former employee named Mary. There has long been the insinuation that room 103 is allegedly haunted by Mary’s spirit, but after interviewing staff in 2016 for the Haunted Buildings in Adelaide library project, that story can now be amended. Staff claim Mary haunts the dining room and is known to set up table service and do the dishes! It is thought Mary is a former employee who started work at the hotel at the age of 15, living on site. She died at the age of 93 in the hotel and has been helping staff ever since! Mary is not the only ghost haunting the Ambassador Hotel, another alleged spirit is that of John Gray, who died when a previous hotel on the same site was demolished. Mr Grey was crushed by a falling wall and is now alleged to haunt the basement. Room 11 is thought to be haunted by a man


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Allen Tiller (ALIAtech, DipFamHist) is Australia’s most recognised paranormal investigator, eminent paranormal historian, and star of the international smash hit television show “Haunting: Australia”.

The Ambassadoor Hotel Photo: Allen Tiller 2016

named James Wilson who died in the hotel in 1890. Another as of yet unidentified ghost is seen upstairs from time to time in a number of different bedrooms, drifting from room to room as if in search for someone or something.

Allen is also the founder of Eidolon Paranormal, South Australian Paranormal and the author of book and blog, “The Haunts of Adelaide: History, Mystery and the Paranormal”. He is winner of the 2017 “Emerging South Australian Historian of The Year Award” as presented by The History Council of South Australia. Employed as “Historian in Residence” in 2016/2017 with the Adelaide City Council Libraries and employed by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield Council to write the popular, “Ghosts of the Port Self-Guided Walking Tour”. You can find Allen online at: www.AllenTiller.com.au www.EidolonParanormal.com.au www.twitter.com/Allen_Tiller w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / AllenHauntingAustralia https://www.facebook.com/ TheHauntsOfAdelaide

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. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

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Kevin Borich

Interview with Louise Pearson Dino Jag

Gig photos of Painters and Dockers

Dusty Lee

Gig photos of Electric Mary

Gig photos of Deep Throat

Gig photos of Dino Jag

Gig photos of Phil Emannuel

Gig photos of Full Tilt Janis

MEGAscene

. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

Beeb Birtles gets inducted into the AMC SA Music Hall of Fame

2018

Gig photos of The New Dead Metalfest VIII

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Issue 12

Issue 11

Gwyn Ashton

Davinyls

Gig photos of Painters And Dockers

Sophie Downey, the Saxoffender, talks about art, sax, and rock ‘n roll

2018

Gig photos ofBurn

Interview with Phil Lanzon

Hindley Street Country Club

Gig photos of Andrew Strong

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

MEGAlocal Send your local music news to: rsm@risingstar.com.au THE ORIGINAL WEST ENDERS AT THE CUMBY The Original West Enders will hold a concert series Live at the Cumby EVERY Friday 15/2, 22/2, 1/3, 8/3 and 15/3 during the Adelaide Fringe Festival 2019. They will have various performers and live bands during these 5 events. 15th February will be hosted by: Adam Cocca, Steve Potochnik, AKA Tomlin, and Dominic Anthony Guida Band Tickets can be purchased from Fringe Tix. https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/theoriginal-west-enders-af2019 Come and support the Best of the West!

IN LOVING MEMORY OF PRINCE Andrew De Silva’s Purple Revolution is a heartfelt dedication to the music of one of the greatest icons of the 21st Century… Prince. You can see him at The Gov on Saturday March 16th.

THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN TO PLAY THE GOV THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN bring their trademark searing, feedback drenched rock and roll back down under. They will be appearing at The Gov on Friday 15th March. Brothers William and Jim Reid led THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN to become pioneers of the post-punk notion. Like mad scientists, the brothers would concoct formulas of noisy, effects-driven scores to accompany lyrics of angst and discontent. This would be there modus operandi from their 1985 debut Psychocandy through to their most recent work, 2017’s Damage And Joy. THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN took on many forms through the years, notably featuring Bobby Gillespie on drums, before he moved onto Primal Scream. THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN announced their split in 1999. The split would last until 2007, when the band reformed to perform at Coachella and have “continued on a stellar resurgence resulting in some of the best live gigs in the band’s history” (The Ginger Quiff) THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN were ‘cuttingedge’ back in ‘85 and “now, thirty-something years on, as the feedback fades, the smoke clears and the years roll by, the band are as compelling as ever”. Their live shows are still a “spellbinding experience” with a setlist bursting with classics - Just Like Honey, April Skies, Head On, Darklands, Happy When It Rains, Some Candy Talking, Far Gone and Out, Reverence to name a few

Andrew De Silva, from leading R&B group CDB, and a multi–platinum ARIA award winner joins forces with Australia’s leading musicians to take the audience on a respectful yet soulful musical journey through the life of Prince.

Tickets are $82.70 + Booking Fee from www.thegov.com.au or www.oztix.com.au. Doors open at 7.30pm.

This show promises to bring you the songs, the costumes, the energy, and the individuality that is Prince.

MON CHERI

Doors open @ 12pm. info on the show call

For more The Gov.

Tickets $44.50 + Booking Fee and available from: www.thegov.com.au or www.oztix.com.au.

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Mon Cheri are joining Squeaker, Gail Page and other bands in a mini festival celebrating Woman In Music for International Women’s Day at The Gaslight on 8th March. Only $10 a ticket at the door. Support our local women.


MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

THE SCREAMING JETS DIRTY THIRTY TOUR The Screaming Jets announce special shows to showcase and celebrate the last 30 years of their illustrious career. They will be at The Gov on Saturday 25th May on their Dirty Thirty Tour. Celebrating 30 years The Screaming Jets are taking a step back in time and revisiting their musical history. Songs like ‘Sister Tease’, ‘Stop The World’, ‘Blue Sashes’, ‘Think’, and many more gems are due to be unwrapped and unleashed onto Jets fans in a select few shows . Special guests at The Gov will be The Poor. Fans should get ready for The Jets to blow their ears and minds away with a live retrospective of the bands thirty year career… 8 studio albums, 2 live albums, 3 EP’s. With well over 100 original songs in an extensive rock catalogue, The Screaming Jets are going back to their roots and uncovering songs they possibly haven’t played for years. In 1989 nobody knew the potential of this bunch of hard rockin’ blokes from the burbs of Newcastle but by 1990 they busted out of Steel Town to introduce themselves to the wild Aussie pub rock scene and the international stages of the US, UK and Europe. Fast forward 30 years, countless gigs and over a dozen albums and The Jets are a household name. Obviously not in some of the more high falutin’ households and especially not the Hinze, Bjelke Peterson or Clive Palmer households, But in the heartland working class strongholds, they sit proudly alongside Chisel, The Angels, the Choirboys and the other bands who have shaped Oz Rock as we know it today and will continue to do so for many years to come. Tickets are $39.50 + Booking Fee and available from: www.thegov.com.au or www.oztix.com.au.

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

John Schumann & Shane Howard @ The Gov Photos by Sue Hedley 16/12/2018

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Dino Jag @ The Marion Cultural Centre Photos by Sue Hedley 02/02/2019

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

MEGAreviews live Newstead Live Folk Festival by Michelle McGoldrick - Writer On The Road

Newstead in central Victoria is the classic ‘you wish’ town that tree changers dream about. It is a self-contained and quietly artistic little community situated close to hipster centres like Castlemaine, or Melbourne under 1.5 hours drive away. The community hosts the Newstead Live Folk Festival every Australia Day weekend with events running across various venues in the centre of the town including the Railway Hotel, the town’s community hall, a marquee at the football ground and the public swimming pool. The proximity of these venues to each other encourages many free impromptu jams and singalongs on street corners and footpaths in the main street.

Campbell the Swaggie

Photo used with permission

song barely kicked in. Literally anyone from eight to eighty were quick to jump up and let loose to the beat of the rumbling percussion and lively clarinet lead. Shoes off, kids in hand, exploring creative dance moves, being inspired and watching lovers entwined: Hello Tut Tut bring out the happy wild child in everyone.

More than 60 acts performed at the festival last month. Whilst every act was unique in their own way, highlights included the increasingly important cultural icon known as Campbell. Campbell is viewed as one of Australia’s last remaining swaggies and for many years he has lived on the road. Campbell has an animated talent for bush prose and story telling which he shares with everyone he meets as he travels the highways and back roads of Australia. His passion and big grin are hard to ignore and his stories are full of enthusiasm and bush drama. Hello Tut Tut from Melbourne were clearly a crowd favourite. The dance floor in Newstead’s community hall filled up before the band’s first

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Hello Tut Tut

Photo used with permission


MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Melbourne Colonial Dancers Photo: Michelle McGoldrick

The Melbourne Colonial Dancers on the other hand ripped up the dance floor in a completely different way. Backed by a live band on stage, a caller narrated the history behind traditional Australian folk dance whilst dancers demonstrated the techniques of old time, contemporary bush and colonial dances. An invitation to join a group of period-dressed dancers to be guided and waltzed across the timber floor was eagerly taken up by the audience. If the happy faces of the audience participants were anything to go by, the Melbourne Colonial Dancers personified everything a good festival is surely about: engagement, a chance to try something new, human connection and newfashioned fun. American east coast cowboy Skip Gorman transfixed audiences with songs of American folk history. Skip explained how early American folk music was not transcribed and it is the story in the song that sustains it. Skip moved through his set list explaining the roots of his chosen songs: he talked about how the ballad “Streets of Laredo” originated from an Irish folk song, and how Texan cattle herders sang songs to skittish cattle at night to pacify the herd. Skip used much American prairie lingo that reinforced American ‘outback’ with lyrical imagery of coyotes, bison, outlaws, native American Indians and cattle drives from Mexico to Kansas. He described much of his repertoire as honouring the ‘pretty little cowboy song’ and maybe that explain how quiet and teary-eyed audiences tended to become during his performances.

. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

Issue 9 2017

Issue 10 2017

Kevin Borich

Interview with Louise Pearson Dino Jag

Gig photos of Painters and Dockers

Dusty Lee

Gig photos of Electric Mary

Gig photos of Deep Throat

Gig photos of Dino Jag

Gig photos of Phil Emannuel

Gig photos of Full Tilt Janis

Skip Gorman

Photo used with permission

As a boutique festival, Newstead Live relies on the creativity and friendliness of the community for the success of the event and this year the local community was generous as ever. Visitors were welcomed, and many musicians commented on the hospitality the locals provided them. It is the sweet and seductive sounds of clarinet, violin, fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, percussion and harmony that characterise Newstead Live. But the festival also encourages diversity, artistic expression and audience participation to explore folk as a genre that incorporates acoustic sounds through to tribal beats. Whilst the festival’s slogan says ‘small is beautiful’, the motto of the festival surely must be ‘sing and dance like nobody is watching’. Website: www.newsteadlive.com Performers interested in playing at Newstead Live Folk Festival 2020 can check out the Newstead Live website for details.

MEGAscene

. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

Beeb Birtles gets inducted into the AMC SA Music Hall of Fame

2018

Gig photos of The New Dead Metalfest VIII

. . . featuring music, lifestyle and fashion in Adelaide

Issue 12

Issue 11

Gwyn Ashton

Davinyls

Gig photos of Painters And Dockers

Sophie Downey, the Saxoffender, talks about art, sax, and rock ‘n roll

2018

Gig photos ofBurn

Interview with Phil Lanzon

Hindley Street Country Club

Gig photos of Andrew Strong

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

MEGAmarket Scene Here are some of the markets on in Adelaide.

Adelaide Central Market When: Tuesday 7am - 5.30pm, Wednesday & Thursday 9am to 5.30pm, Friday 7am - 9pm, and Saturday 9am - 3pm Location: Grote Street, Adelaide Shop at the Market with First hour free parking Tuesday - Saturday About: A huge range of fresh food, all under one roof - fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, gourmet cheeses, bakery products, sweets, nuts and health foods. www.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/

City East Market Location: 230 Flinders Street, Adelaide About: The market features a broad range of sellers and products from around Adelaide.

Bowerbird Design Market When: Twice a year Location: Adelaide Showgrounds Entry: $5 (Children free entry) Time: Fri 4pm – 9pm, Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm About: Adelaide design market. Talented designer makers from SA and around Australia http://bowerbird.net.au

Adelaide Showground Farmers Fisherman’s Wharf Market Market When: Every Sunday 9am -1pm Location: Adelaide Showground, Leader St Farmers markets are the best place to find healthy food direct from the source. You will be supporting local industry, growers and farmers as well as getting the freshest produce.

Blackwood Craft Market When: 1st Sunday of the month 10am - 4pm Location: Blackwood Memorial Hall Cormandel Parade, Blackwood Entry: Free About: handmade craft items Contact: Kerrie Gould kgould6@bigpond.com

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When: Every Sunday from 9am - 5pm and Monday Public Holidays Location: Black Diamond Square, Port Adelaide www.fishermenswharfmarkets.com.au

Gawler Lions Station Market When: Every Sunday 8am - 12pm Location: Gawler Railway Station About: Arts and crafts, fresh local produce, bric-a-brac, tools and more.

Gepps Cross Treasure Market When: Sundays 7am - 1pm Sellers admitted from 5am Buyers admitted from 7am Location: Mainline Drive In 588 Main North Road, Gepps Cross Entry: $1.50 per buyer (under 14 years free)


MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Gilles Street Market

Makers and Shakers

When: October to May the market is open on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. From June to September over autumn/winter the market is held on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Location: Gilles Street Primary School 91 Gilles Street, Adelaide 10am – 4pm About: a focused fashion & accessories market only www.gillesstreetmarket.com.au

10am - 3pm Location: Woodville Town Hall 74 Woodville Road, Woodville Entry: $2 (Kids under 12 free) About: Homewares, furniture, food, flowers, stationery and photography. Also in Melbourne and Sydney. www.themakersandshakers.com

Labels Style Market

When: 1st Sunday of the month Time: 10am - 2.30pm Location: St Bedes Anglican Church 200 Military Rd, Semaphore Location: Druid Ave, Stirling Entry: Free

Time: 10am - 4pm Location: Plant 4 Bowden Third Street, Bowden Entry: Free Contact: labelsbuyswapsell@outlook.com Organiser: Katelyn Gabriel http://www.labelsstylemarkets.com

Lollypop Markets

Semaphore Community Market

Semaphore Twilight Market Friday nights during December January each year from 6-9pm

and

Time: 10am - 3pm Wild At Hart Fresh Food Market, Location: Morphettville Racecourse Port Adelaide About: It showcases unique, boutique and handmade, or of limited supply items for When: Open Sundays 9am - 2pm expecting parents, babies and children. Location: The Harts Mill precinct http://lollipopmarkets.com.au About: A farmers market with fresh food and produce http://www.wildathart.com.au Market Shed on Holland When: Sunday, 9am - 3pm every week Where: 1 Holland Street, Adelaide (behind the Gilbert St IGA) Contact: marilyn@themarketshed.com.au About: One big bustling shed is filled to the brim with local food producers selling their wares. The market focuses strongly on organically and locally produced food.

Round She Goes Market Adelaide

Held in Adelaide 3 times a year check dates on website http://roundshegoes.com.au/ whenwhere/adelaide-dates/ Location: Woodville Town Hall 74 Woodville Road, Woodville Entry: $2, 10am-3pm About: Pre-loved Designer and vintage clothing, and handmade jewellery. Also in Melbourne and Sydney. http://roundshegoes.com.au 51


MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

Matterhorn

Photo: Sue Hedley

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

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MEGAscene • Issue 16 - 2019

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John Schumann and Shane Howard Photo: Sue Hedley

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