December is a month rich in milestones and anniversaries for Australian rock ‘n’ roll. Here’s a look at some key events, album releases, and notable birthdays that have shaped the Aussie rock scene over the years.
December
1981: After being released by Australian band Men at Work, ‘Down Under’ quickly goes to number one in Australia on its way to also chopping the New Zealand and Canadian charts in 1982. Just a year later it would also be the number one song in the US.
1986: While it was released in September, by December, ‘You’re the Voice’ by John Farnham was a clear number one on the Australian charts. It would soon become a historically beloved song, instilling Farnham as a cultural icon.
MORE OWNERDRIVER TRENDING STORIES:
- Followmont Transport announces new CEO
- Inside the changes to Volvo’s new FH Aero
- NHVR outlines top three HVNL review tips
- How much does industry value truckies’ time?
- SARTA welcomes SA heavy vehicle licencing changes
December 1
1950: Often known by the nickname ‘Hanna’, Daddy Cool guitarist Ross Hannaford was born on this day. He was widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest guitarists, being part of The Pink Finks and Daddy Cool, with the latter known for hit single ‘Eagle Rock’.
December 9
1958: Born in Benalla, Victoria on this day, Nick Seymour went on to become the founding bass guitarist and mainstay of rock group Crowded House. The younger brother of Mark Seymour from Hunters and Collectors, Nick was an instrumental feature on singles such as ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’, ‘Fall at Your Feet’ and ‘Better Be Home Soon’.
2008: Founding member and original bass player in Cold Chisel, Les Kazcmerek, passes away aged 53. The Australian pub rock band originally formed in 1973, with the band rising to fame when it brought in front man Jimmy Barnes in the ‘70s.
December 14
1949: Bass player for AC/DC Cliff Williams was born on this day in Romford, London. After starting his professional music career in 1967, he became the bassist and backing vocalist of the popular Aussie rock band and was inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an AC/DC member in 2003.
December 20
1948: Stevie Wright of The Easybeats was born on this day as Stephen Carlton Wright. Born in Leeds, England, Wright’s family moved to Melbourne when he was nine. The Australian singer was known as the nation’s first international pop star as the lead singer of The Easybeats.
1955: Ed Keupper of The Saints and The Laughing Clowns was born in Bremen, West Germany. The German-Australian guitarist, vocalist and songwriter co-founded punk band The Saints in 1973 before also getting involved with experimental post-punk group the Laughing Clowns and The Aints!.
December 25
1950: Dave Tice was born. Tice was the founding mainstay of Australian rock band Buffalo since August 1971, while also being part of acts such as Headhunters and Tice & Evans.
December 28
1947: Another The Easybeats member was born in December, with Dick Diamonde being born in Hilversum, the Netherlands on this day. Born as Dingeman Adriaan Henry van der Sluijs, he would grow up to become the bass guitarist of the popular ‘60s band.
December 30
1955: On this day, Mick Pealing was born. Pealing was a founding member and lead vocalist for Australian country rock band Stars, which formed in Adelaide in 1975 and disbanded in 1979 before reforming in 2019.
December 31
1973: Iconic Aussie band AC/DC playing their first live show at the Checkers Nightclub in Sydney. This marked the start of a legendary career that would eventually take them to global rock superstardom.
December has provided countless pivotal moments for Australian rock and roll, with legendary album releases, unforgettable performances and the birthdays of musicians who have made lasting impacts on the global stage. From the hard rock of AC/DC to the popular releases of Crowded House and The Easybeats, the month of December is a tribute to the diversity and vitality of Australian music.
Subscribe to the weekly Owner//Driver newsletter here.