The stars of 70s (and surrounding years) Australian rock were together on stage once again, last night at The Palace in Melbourne, to show that (well most of them) still had it, and more importantly, they were there for their inspiration, their mentor and their friend, Lobby Loyde.
Loyde has been given his rightful place in history, being inducted into the ARIA hall of fame (much later than was due) and thanks to gigs like this, which although inspired by his advanced stages of lung cancer, was an exhilarating experience for everyone involved.Last night was special. It was special because Lobby Loyde, the man who had inspired so many, yet taken so little in return, was given the kudos he deserves. It was special for the 1800 strong crowd who turned up at 7pm on the dot. It was special just for the endless supply of legendary bands that had pooled their talents in support of Loyde.
Younglings The Sparrows opened the show with two tracks that sounded surprisingly relevant amongst the old blokes who followed, and follow the old blokes did.
The first set was filled with classics by Brian Cadd (who also moonlighted on behalf of an absent Glenn Shorrock as Axiom), Blackfeather, Madder Lake, Ian Rilen (who had come straight from the hospital, for his own cancer treatment) and a fantastic reformed Painters and Dockers.
The second half, after Spectrum and Chain performed their few classics, was for rock and roll. It was loud. In fact, it was deafening.
Lobby's former band, Wild Cherries, had reformed to perform three songs, the third of which featured on guitar, the first of three appearances the guest of honor would make that night.
Masters Apprentices wowed the crowd with their two favorites, 'Because I Love You' and 'Turn Up Your Radio'. "That man gave me my break. I will be forever grateful. I love him", Masters bassist and now legendary music manager Glenn Wheatley told the crowd.
Rose Tattoo almost wiped the crowd out with three brutally loud and unforgiving tracks, including 'Nice Boys' with Sarah McLeod on lead vocals before organizer Billy Thorpe took to the stage with his 'Most People I Know (Think That I'm Crazy)', a song that has been stuck in people's heads since it was released in 1972.
Jimmy Barnes climbed onto the stage to belt out his solo hit 'Working Class Man', followed by the Easybeats track 'Good Times', which Barnes recorded a decade ago with INXS.
The energy in the room was intense. It wasn't sad, it was exciting and it still had further to go. By the time Lobby Loyde joined the Aztecs on stage the Palace was in serious danger of having its roof literally blown off. So when Colored Balls performed a 15 minute version of their signature tune 'G.O.D.' (Guitar Over Drive) that was it, the show could go no further.
The entire cast, including hosts Red Symons, Michael Chugg and a very drunk Jack Thompson
Lobby has his rightful place in Australian rock history, and thanks to the $90,000 raised by last night's performance, his kids will have the chance to get a head start in life too.
