November is a busy month for many, and the rock music sector is no exception. Here are some notable events, birthdays and anniversaries related to Australian rock music history that took place in the month of November, from the Australian Truck Radio Rock’ N Roll Diary!
November
1973: AC/DC officially formed after playing their first gig the month before, with brothers Malcolm and Angus Young creating the band with drummer Colin Burgess, bass guitarist Larry Van Kriedt and vocalist Dave Evans.
November 1
1967: She may not be considered rock royalty, but Tina Arena, who was born on this day, is well renowned for her singer-songwriter work, including her popular releases ‘Chains’ and ‘I Remember (Sorrento Moon)’.
November 6
1947: George Young of The Easybeats (more on them later), Vanda and Young, Flash and the Pan and many other rock bands, was born in Glasgow, Scotland as George Redburn Young.
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November 9
1984: Renowned Australian songstress Delta Goodrem was born, going on to release popular songs ‘Born To Try’ and ‘Lost Without You’.
November 10
1979: Bass guitarist for Australian alternative rock band Silverchair Chris Joannou was born. Nicknamed ‘Lumberjack’ by Silverchair fans for his love of trees and plaid shirts, Joannou was taught how to play bass by fellow band member Ben Gillies before becoming an integral part of the popular band.
November 17
1966: Australian rock band The Easybeats rose to prominence with the release of enduring single ‘Friday On My Mind’. The song is known as the first Australian rock song to achieve international success.
November 18
1947: Australian singer-songwriter and musician Ross Wilson was born. Known best as the front man of rock band Daddy Cool that unleashed ongoing cultural hit ‘Eagle Rock’, Wilson was also the co-founder of Mondo Rock.
November 21
1977: The drummer of Australian rock band Wolfmother, Myles Heskett, was born. Part of the renowned trio that produced hit single ‘Joker and the Thief’, Heskett drummed with the band from 2004 until 2008, when he departed alongside fellow bandmate and bassist/keyboardist Chris Ross.
November 22
1967: One of the saddest days in Australian music history, as INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence passed away aged 37.
November 23
1952: Singer-songwriter Sharon O’Neill, known for her hits in the ‘80s and her contributions to the Australian music scene, was born. The New Zealand singer-songwriter and pianist rose to fame in Australasia with her release ‘Maxine’ in 1983 while also being renowned for songs such as ‘Losing You’ and ‘Physical Favours’.
November 29
1951: Popular songwriter and Australian musician Don Walker was born in Ayr, Queensland. Walker is known best for writing many hits for Australian pub rock band Cold Chisel, including smash hits ‘Khe Sanh’, ‘Cheap Wine’, ‘Flame Trees’ and ‘Saturday Night’. In 2012, Walker was inducted into the Australian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
November 30
1965: Icehouse drummer Paul Wheeler was born. After starting to play the drums at age 16, Wheeler became a key part of Icehouse three years later before contributing to other acts such as Choirboys.
These events highlight the influence of Australian rock on both the local and international stages, particularly with bands like AC/DC, INXS and Crowded House shaping global music trends.
November is full of anniversaries that mark key moments in the evolution of Australian rock music that powers Australian Truck Radio 24/7 around the nation.
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