They are alphabetically: AC/DC, Bill Armstrong whose Armstrong Studios is where some classic Melbourne records were cut and launched, John Farnham, Olivia Newton-John, the Palais Theatre in St. Kilda, Archie Roach, the country’s first and most influential rock DJ Stan Rofe, The Seekers, the legendary ‘70s Sunbury Festival and one of the first Australian ’50s rock’n’roll bands The Thunderbirds.
Also announced this morning is a star-studded celebratory concert at the Palais on Friday November 20. John Farnham will headline with a 30-minute set. Confirmed so far are Archie Roach, Kate Ceberano, Brian Cadd, Normie Rowe, Colleen Hewett, Vika Bull, Angie Hart and Mark Seymour. More will be announced.
The show is hosted by RocKwiz’s Brian Nankervis with musical backing by the EG Allstars featuring Pete Luscombe (musical director), James Black, Bill McDonald and Ash Naylor. $5 from each ticket goes to Support Act Ltd to help musicians in need.
Angus Young from AC/DC said of the induction, “Victoria has a special place in our hearts, especially the early years of the band. Thank you for the induction into The Age Music Victoria Hall of Fame. It’s an honour.”
Although AC/DC formed in Sydney, their legend really began in Melbourne when they moved into 6 Lansdowne Road, East St Kilda which became a 24-hour party house. Whole Lotta Rosie was a neighbour, Angus’ school uniform made its debut in Melbourne, and the Long Way clip shot in Swanston Street and the naming of AC/DC Lane strengthened their ties to the city. Their early manager Michael Browning said, “If it hadn’t been for Melbourne, AC/DC wouldn’t have existed. There wasn’t enough of a support system anywhere else in the country.”
Archie Roach was thrilled with his latest honour, saying “It is a great honour particularly as it is a Victorian award and I am a proud Victorian. It is also amazing to be mentioned in the same breath as the other recipients who are some my musical heroes, artists that I look up to and admire.”
Neil Croker, CEO of Palais Theatre Management, pointed out that his company’s revitalisation of the Palais in the past eight years had seen it now listed (by America’s Pollstar magazine) as best performing Australian theatre and ranked #14 in the world. “We have a passion for this venue, our community, the artists and our patrons and are proud to be part of the Palais Theatre’s continued rise,” he said.
