Working for an ‘80s radio station, we play a lot of Aussie music. And I truly believe that the ‘80s was the best decade for Aussie music.
And I fear the hey day of Aussie music is forever gone. It doesn’t help that the world is so accessible nowadays. You can discover new artists anywhere in the world, which worked for artists like Tones and I and The Kid Laroi, but isn’t easy, and not long lasting. So now an Aussie will listen to a Norwegian metal band but won’t listen to some young Penrith band.
Once upon a time people went to pubs to hear new bands, any night of the week you could head to a local pub and hear a band. Some went nowhere, some were INXS! I love when you see someone on socials showing their old ticket that has two icons on the bill and they paid like $5 for the ticket.
Bands grew and flourished by playing so many gigs. Line-ups changed and were consolidated and classic hits evolved in live shows.
Pubs were full and bars were making huge money from live gigs. A night out was electric.
Things started changing in the ‘90s, right around the time that poker machines became popular. Venues started realising that they made more money from pokies and live bands were shoved aside. Venues became scarce and Australia moved on to discover talent from TV shows. It was sad, because we may have missed some truly wonderful bands that never got that shot because they were unable to book one of the few venues.
It’s easy to become complacent when discovering new music. Spotify will even compile playlists for you, revolving around your taste. But here’s your challenge, try and find some locals bands and see if you can support them. Stream their music and even better, go see a live show. Go see some new bands. And if you’re around my age, you can go and relive your youth!
This old man will now stop shaking his fist and saying, ‘Back in my day…’
Wayne Tunks hosts the breakfast program on My88.
