Plenty of famous birthdays line this month’s edition of Australian rock music history dates. Unfortunately, tragedy is also part of it, with multiple deaths, including that of former AC/DC frontman Bon Scott, part of February’s folklore.
Here are some key milestones, birthdays, and anniversaries in Australian rock ‘n’ roll history for the month of February, from the Australian Truck Radio Rock ‘n’ Roll Diary:
February 2
2006: Drummer Geoff ‘Drainpipe’ Plummer passed away on this day. Known as the drummer and a vocalist for band Ol ’55, he also was part of The Fives throughout the ‘80s.
February 4
1975: Not quite rock music, but Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia was born on this day. Well known for hit single ‘Torn’, she’s popular for her singer-songwriter career, as well as for being an actress.
MORE OWNERDRIVER TRENDING STORIES:
- Floods cause Bruce Highway closures
- SRV Road Freight acquires food and beverage carrier
- December TOTM: AKV Haulage’s tribute truck
- Works to repair busy Western Highway for grain trucks
- Historic funding announced for the Bruce
February 10
1944: We’re taking it back a bit to the day Paul Allen was born. The Australian singer-songwriter, musician and entertainer was renowned for his flashy performances and vivid costumes, with songs like ‘Go to Rio’ still being staples today.
February 14
1960: On this day, Frank Seckold was born. A keyboardist who also provided vocals, guitar and other instrumentals for 14 bands, Seckold was members of bands such as Mad Gorilla, Freeway, The Beatnix and The Generation.
2007: 47 years after Seckold’s birth was a sad day in Aussie music history, as country music legend Smoky Dawson passed away. With a career lasting more than six decades, Dawson passed away almost 95 as an icon after a glittering life of country rock music and entertainment.
February 15
2012: Another sad day in music history as English-born Australian guitarist and songwriter Clive Shakespeare passed away from cancer at age 62. Known as a co-founder of pop rock group Sherbet, he was part of the band’s success in the ‘70s through hit singles such as ‘Summer Love’.
February 17
2010: Ruby Hunter, also known as Aunty Ruby, passed on this day. The Indigenous Australian singer, songwriter and guitarist had a stellar career, with Hunter also being the life and musical partner of the well-known Archie Roach.
February 18
1953: Back to another date of birth, with English-born Australian drummer Derek Pellicci born on this day. He’s best known as a founding member of Little River Band, and now lives in Melbourne with his family after a successful career.
February 19
1980: One of Australian music’s most sorrowful days as former AC/DC lead vocalist and lyricist Bon Scott passed away. From the formation of AC/DC in 1974 until his death he was at the head of one of the world’s biggest hard rock bands, being named by Classic Rock in 2004 as the leading greatest frontman of all time. He was also previously part of Fraternity and The Valentines.
February 28
1952: We’re back to Sherbet again. This time, Australian drummer Alan Sandow was born in Adelaide. Now aged 72, Sandow was a key member of the massively popular rock band.
2007: A final bleak day in Australian music history as Billy Thorpe passed aged 60 on this day. The English-born Australian singer-songwriter was lead singer of his band Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs, which rose to prominence in the ‘60s.
There were plenty of tragedies occurring in February when traversing through Australian rock music history, but there are also plenty of great members who were born this month. Check back in next month for another edition of Australian rock music history.
Subscribe to the weekly Owner//Driver newsletter here.