Australian Music History

Ticket to Narara 1984

Our article from sometime back on the Narara Concert of 1983 has proved to be one of our most popular with many folks leaving their recollections and memories in the comments. Many also commented that they’d like to see an article about the 1984 Narara concert. The problem has been a lack of reference material though. I still haven’t been able to find a full list of the acts that played. Rather than hold off, I thought I’d get the post started with the little information I have and let the commenters fill in the blanks once again.

Here’s what I’ve got so-far…

Like the 1983 concert, Narara ‘84 was held on the Australia Day long weekend from Friday the 27th the Monday the 30th of January 1984. It was held at the same location, being Somersby NSW.
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Australian Music History is looking for contributors to help document Australian Music History. You don’t need to be a writer, but more of a researcher. The most important quality though is enthusiasm. You need to have a bit of a passion for Aussie music. If you’ve got that then we can provide the rest. For more information click here.

Here is the end of year singles chart for 1976 based on sales.
*Denotes Australian artist

1. Fernando - ABBA
2. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
3. Dancing Queen - ABBA
4. Howzat - Sherbet*
5. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart - Elton John & Kiki Dee

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About

Melbourne based band from 1969-1973 and 1989-1991. Also known as the Indelible Murtceps

Innovative, uncommercial band at first but they deserve a special place in the history of Australian rock. Playing original material, their sets contained long instrumental breaks with unusual lyrics, complete with light shows.”
From the Who’s Who of Australian Rock

I’ll be gone - 1971
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Wayne “Swampy” Jarvis was one of Australia’s most respected and longest serving road crew. He is regarded as one of the first “professional” roadies and went on to be an internationally regarded tour manager.

From his site: “He set standards and developed operational criteria that have become the Worldwide Industry benchmark for just about every activity involved with touring and concert production. He gave the industry, as a whole, a level of dignity, professionalism and compassion that is very often missing in this day and age.”

 He unfortunately passed away back in 2004 and his family were forced by financial circumstances, to auction off his vast collection of Aussie tour memorabillia. Unfortunately Swampy was around in a time when most roadcrew didn’t have such luxuries as superannuation. His family have a site up which is a nice tribute to a well loved character and some of his tour passes etc are still available from eBay.

Have a look at his site for more info & links to the remaining items. There is a lot of history there waiting for a good owner and the proceeds go to a good cause, his family.

From Daddy Cool’s manager, Mark Sydow …

A tragedy has befallen Ross Hannaford, the guitarist of iconic Australian band Daddy Cool.

In the early hours of Saturday morning Ross Hannaford’s white 1989 Toyota Hi-Ace Van QRN 479 was stolen from a Yarraville street. The van was most likely stolen by joy riders, but the real loss is the musical equipment concealed under a tarpaulin in the back. [Read the rest of this entry...]

About

Sydney based band 1978-present

Formed in 1978 by vocalist/guitarist Matt Moffitt and drummer John Prior, the sound owed much to Matt’s impassioned voice and lyrical songwriting and John’s dynamic musical arrangements, complete with Jeff Clayton’s melodic, economical guitar parts and Rick Grossman’s muscular bass.
from the Matt Finish website

Always Another - 1984
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These are the songs that Australians were listening to in 1975. Here is the end of year singles chart based on sales.
*Denotes Australian artist

1. Fox On The Run - The Sweet
2. January - Pilot
3. Mama Mia - Abba
4. Summer Love - Sherbet*
5. Horror Movie/Carlton - Skyhooks*

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These are the songs that Australians were listening to in 1974. Here is the end of year singles chart based on sales.
*Denotes Australian artist

1. My Coo Ca Choo - Alvin Stardust
2. Billy Don’t Be A Hero - Paper Lace
3. Evie (Part 1) - Stevie Wright*
4. The Night Chicago Died - Paper Lace
5. Seasons In The Sun - Terry Jacks

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About

Sydney based rock band.

Mandrake consists of brothers Conrad & George Passas on guitars & vocals, and Harry on the Drums. Known for their “Stadium Rock in a Pub” shows, they have recently been touring with Deep Purple & Status Quo.
from Mandrakes MySpace page

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