Many readers of this column, and those old enough to remember local AM radio station 3SR, will recall British ’70s band Paper Lace, which had two Australian number one hits in 1974: Billy Don't Be A Hero and The Night Chicago Died.
Under the name The Original 70s Paper Lace, the band remains active and touring heavily to this day and will be in Australia next month to undertake a string of live concert dates.
Today the line-up comprises two founding members, Phil Wright on lead vocals and drums and Cliff Fish on bass and vocals, and they are joined by Phil Hendriks on guitar and Dave Major on keyboards.
The band members, last in Australia in October 2017, are looking forward to returning next month.
“We have rearranged most of the songs in the set and now we play all songs from the Paper Lace catalogue apart from a couple of encores, which we hope we get,” Wright told me this week.
“It’s a bit of a precision set, meaning its more along the vein of Paper Lace in concert with a 1970s spirit.
“I am sure fans will be transported back to the greatest music era, the Seventies.”
Next year Paper Lace celebrates fifty years since achieving worldwide success.
“I pinch myself each morning, when I think that I’ve been doing this for so long,” Wright said.
“Next year, because it’s our 50-year anniversary, it is going to be something special.
“I do think I have a vocal guardian angel who has protected my voice from deterioration, because all the songs from the catalogue are still sung live, no tracks added, and in the same key as they were originally recorded.
“So, there is an authenticity of the sound in our performances.”
And what has been the secret to the band’s longevity?
“To not get complacent,” Wright said.
“Although the record success left us a while ago, we are proud of what we achieved at the time, especially the number one in America.
“And that pride means that every time you go out on stage to perform, you are reaffirming that success in a live performance.
“If you don’t give it all you have, you won’t get what every performer needs, and that’s an appreciation from your audience.
“That’s the drug that keeps most of us doing what we do, and instant appraisal of our efforts by the people we do it for.”
An Australian music icon remembered
Last week the Australian music industry came together at the National Theatre in St Kilda to remember and celebrate the life of Australia’s late and great queen of soul, Renée Geyer. MCs for the night were record executive and former business manager Bernard Galbally and television presenter Richard Wilkins. The evening began with members of Renée’s family sharing stories of her early life, along with a photographic slide show. Music historian Glenn A. Baker then gave an overview of her career. Video messages from Colin Hay, Bryan Brown and Bonnie Raitt were screened, and messages from those who could not attend such as Daryl Braithwaite and Jackson Browne were read out as well.
Band members who worked with Renée, such as long-time Geyer pianist Jex Saarelaht, also took to the stage to share their stories. Then it was time for the live performances, which included a line-up of Russell Morris, Rebecca Barnard, Deborah Conway, Ross Wilson, Kevin Borich and Paul Kelly, who told the story of how he came to write Difficult Woman for Renée.
The finale saw Kate Ceberano perform a blistering version of Heading In The Right Direction and It’s A Man’s Man’s World, before all the musicians returned to the stage to perform Say I Love You, with the audience all joining in a singalong. We may have lost one of the greatest Australian artists of our time, but her voice and spirit will continue to live on through her music.
Music news bites
In the latest radio ratings survey, Shepparton’s Triple M has come in at number one for people 40-plus. The most listened to and popular local radio show in the region is the station’s breakfast show, hosted by Josh Arthur. Since Josh’s arrival, the station has also seen an increase in listenership, which is the highest it has been in over seven years.
Is AC/DC about to embark a new world tour? After being away from the live circuit for the past seven years, the band recently announced its first live show since 2016, as headliner for the upcoming heavy rock Power Trip Festival in the US in October.
Fun fact
Did you know that during Cold Chisel’s existence, the band has only ever performed in Shepparton on three occasions? The first was in March 1976 at the GV Hotel, the second was again at the GV Hotel in June 1979 and the third and final time was in February 1982 at the Civic Centre.
Readers can send feedback, suggestions, share their music related stories and more to: MusicalMusings@mmg.com.au