" IN MY LIFE ".
Part 1
The 1960s.
I am presently in my mid 60s and the mid 1960s was an exciting period in my life and an exciting period in History.
One of my earliest memories is of the occassion when myself aged 14 and my younger sister Kathy caught a train from Penrith where we lived to Town Hall in the city 30 miles away. From there, we walked 2 miles to Potts Point/Kings Cross where "The BEATLES" were staying at the "Sheraton Hotel" in Macleay St.
It was a cold June morning in 1964 and myself and my sister had a "cunning plan" to sneak into the hotel and try to meet our idols "The Beatles". The street was jammed packed with screaming fans; we all sang their songs and screamed their names and we had all fallen under their "magical spell".
We snuck away from the crowd to explore the side of the building where we discovered we could climb up some wall piping to a balcony/terrace on the first floor. We climbed up ok and then proceeded to enter a doorway into the 1st Floor where we were spotted by security and quickly tossed out the front door.
For a few moments we believed we would succeed with our plan; we were young and nieve
.
The Moptops finally came out on their 8th Floor balcony and waved to me and my sister and we went home "starstruck" and happy; we had seen "The Beatles".
The Moptops finally came out on their 8th Floor balcony and waved to me and my sister and we went home "starstruck" and happy; we had seen "The Beatles".
"The Beatles" would share "destiny links" with me for the next 50 years and I shall share some of these encounters in "Parts 2 & 3 "of this Blogg, so stay tuned.
The greatest music was recorded during this time and I was a member of a popular Pop band called "The Limit". It was a 3 piece band to begin with, I was the drummer, my brother Graham the guitarist and main vocalist and a guy called Glen was on bass guitar.
I was aged 16, just out of school and playing in a local Penrith band whom went on to win "the Hoadleys Battle of the Bands" and become the "No1 local Pop Band." Young girls would at weekend sit outside the front of my parents house in Fisher st, Penrith hoping to get to meet myself or my brother.
We were immediately signed to an Agent whom handled our Bookings and we began working every Friday,Sat and Sunday, often being the support band for major recording artists and bands. They included "The Easybeats", "The Loved Ones", "Johnny Okeefe", "The Masters Apprentices", "Dave Miller Set", "Jeff st John" and "Normie Rowe" to name a few.
The Easybeats
I remember one evening we performed as the warm up act for "The Easybeats" at the Penrith Bowling Club. The place was packed to the rafters and we were well received by the audience being the most popular band in the region. We played for about 35 mins and it was hard to hear ourselves above the screaming of our local fans. Wow , what a mind blast that was.
When Little Stevie and the lads hit the stage the place went berserk as they played their hits such as " For my woman", "She's so fine", " Wedding Ring" and "Sorry" just to name a few. They gave a sensational performance and I was in awe of their talent and their persona.
Dave Miller Set
On another occassion we performed at the Glenbrook Community Centre with the "Dave Miller Set" whom were riding high in the Charts with a great song called "Mr Guy Fawkes". The hall was full of drunken westies whom hated bands because the local girls swooned over us as we strutted our stuff onstage. At the end of the gig, we were attacked by 3-4 of these drunken louts whilst trying to pack our gear into our van. My father Ken came to the rescue and beat the guys off with a mike stand and soon had them fleeing. Thanks Dad, you saved us from a bad beating.
I remember one evening we performed as the warm up act for "The Easybeats" at the Penrith Bowling Club. The place was packed to the rafters and we were well received by the audience being the most popular band in the region. We played for about 35 mins and it was hard to hear ourselves above the screaming of our local fans. Wow , what a mind blast that was.
When Little Stevie and the lads hit the stage the place went berserk as they played their hits such as " For my woman", "She's so fine", " Wedding Ring" and "Sorry" just to name a few. They gave a sensational performance and I was in awe of their talent and their persona.
On another occassion we performed at the Glenbrook Community Centre with the "Dave Miller Set" whom were riding high in the Charts with a great song called "Mr Guy Fawkes". The hall was full of drunken westies whom hated bands because the local girls swooned over us as we strutted our stuff onstage. At the end of the gig, we were attacked by 3-4 of these drunken louts whilst trying to pack our gear into our van. My father Ken came to the rescue and beat the guys off with a mike stand and soon had them fleeing. Thanks Dad, you saved us from a bad beating.
. Not all gigs went smoothly "out in the west" and there still existed a territorial war between the Mods and the Rockers. There was always fights between the gangs of Penrith verses the gangs of St Marys and riding the trains at night was always risky.
Strangely I remember playing at a number of functions at the local Bikie Clubhouse which were a total hoot and massive piss up. They treated the band members like "royalty" and we were always coaxed into playing until the wee hours of the morning. And after all the piss that we all had sunk, we had a lot of weeing to do. They were rough and tough and a loverly bunch of blokes whom I hope went on to achieve notoriety and infamy.
They taught me to "never judge a book by its cover" and "always be open to other peoples lifestyles and opinions". Its true; not ALL OF US want to live "normal lives" or "conform to social standards and beliefs".
Nothing ever changes by staying the same and nothing moves forward by backward thinking" .
"Those with silent voices often whisper words of wisdom whilst those whom scream the loudest speak the words of fools".
We have much to learn from those whom live an "alternative lifestyle" instead of following the traditional. The Bikies I knew were a great bunch of blokes, whom loved their lifestyle of motorbikes, booze and sex. What more did an aussie bloke need in the mid 60s? yeah I forgot to mention they loved their Rock n Roll.
When we played for them we played a lot of Rock n roll and played it loud and pumped the place up; they loved our drive and enthusiasm.
On another night I remember sharing the Bill with "The Loved Ones"at some nightspot on the North shore. "Gerry Humphries" the lead vocalist had one of the best voices I had ever heard and his stage presence blew me away .
They were an awesome band who unfortunately only released one album "The Magic Box ", which I still have today. They had a unique sound and a stage presence out of this world and sharing a concert stage with them was a highlight in my life at the time.
Again the concert hall was packed to the roof and as noisy as all fuck; the place was pumping at such a late hour; its was 11pm for gods sake.
I was maybe 17 at the time and late night gigs were taking their toll as I was also holding down a full time day job; being 7.30am- 4pm Monday to Friday.
DRUGS.
In those days I don't remember "drinking booze" at all but I do remember being introduced to "Purple Hearts" and "crystal speed" at the time, which we all took to help keep us awake and pumped up. This way we were able to play until maybe 3am and play at 3-4 venues in one night.
We would do our first gig maybe around 8pm for an hour and then travel 30 mins to our 2nd gig at 10pm. We would do maybe 45 mins before heading to our 3rd gig at 11.30pm. Many Friday or Saturday evenings would include a 4th Booking for 1am.
At this time Sydney had over 300 live venues and there was no shortage of work and all the bands in those days worked their asses off. We were so busy working that chit chatting or socializing with other bands were few and far between. If there was a "backstage" we would always make friendly chat with all the Stars and bands we came into contact with.
Being only 17 and in the middle of a music and social revolution was exciting and there was no time to be bored. If i wasn't working my day job or playing at gigs, the band would spend the time learning new songs and introducing new members that came and went just as quicking.
In those days I don't remember "drinking booze" at all but I do remember being introduced to "Purple Hearts" and "crystal speed" at the time, which we all took to help keep us awake and pumped up. This way we were able to play until maybe 3am and play at 3-4 venues in one night.
We would do our first gig maybe around 8pm for an hour and then travel 30 mins to our 2nd gig at 10pm. We would do maybe 45 mins before heading to our 3rd gig at 11.30pm. Many Friday or Saturday evenings would include a 4th Booking for 1am.
At this time Sydney had over 300 live venues and there was no shortage of work and all the bands in those days worked their asses off. We were so busy working that chit chatting or socializing with other bands were few and far between. If there was a "backstage" we would always make friendly chat with all the Stars and bands we came into contact with.
Being only 17 and in the middle of a music and social revolution was exciting and there was no time to be bored. If i wasn't working my day job or playing at gigs, the band would spend the time learning new songs and introducing new members that came and went just as quicking.
THE ROLLING STONES.
When we could we would attend concerts by all the major artists and bands touring Australia and one such concert was at "The Sydney Showgrounds" at Moore Park in 1966. Before we went inside the auditorium, the four of us were sitting all alone on the grassy area of Moore Park and chatting and maybe smoking?
Suddenly 5 guys came walking towards us and believe it or not, it was "The Rolling Stones" and they seemed happy and began chatting with us. This was the original line up of The Rolling Stones and Prince Charming "Brian Jones" shone like a true Star
When we could we would attend concerts by all the major artists and bands touring Australia and one such concert was at "The Sydney Showgrounds" at Moore Park in 1966. Before we went inside the auditorium, the four of us were sitting all alone on the grassy area of Moore Park and chatting and maybe smoking?
Suddenly 5 guys came walking towards us and believe it or not, it was "The Rolling Stones" and they seemed happy and began chatting with us. This was the original line up of The Rolling Stones and Prince Charming "Brian Jones" shone like a true Star
The Rolling Stones
We exchanged chit chat for a couple of minutes before "Mick" said they had to go and the "Stones" rolled away.
We went inside to hear the concert which featured "The Newbeats", "The Rolling Stones" and Top Billing "Roy Orbison". We had front row seats and we were all blown away by all of them but "The Big O" was unforgetable.
We exchanged chit chat for a couple of minutes before "Mick" said they had to go and the "Stones" rolled away.
We went inside to hear the concert which featured "The Newbeats", "The Rolling Stones" and Top Billing "Roy Orbison". We had front row seats and we were all blown away by all of them but "The Big O" was unforgetable.
Meeting the "stones" was a real blast and me and my friends attended many other concerts by "The Who", "The Kinks", "The Animals" and the "Small Faces".
The Small Faces
We lived in a "Musical Paradise" and I had such a wonderfull time during my teens and lived through a period when "the times were a changing".
Sometimes we worked as a 3 piece and other times we would incorporate a keyboardist; a rythum guitarist and even another lead vocalist for a short period. The 3 piece worked best; we were tight together and knew the routine; plus we only had to share the performance fee between the 3 of us.
I was the original drummer for "The Limit" but after about 18 months we came across a better drummer than I so I went out and bought a bass guitar and amp and became the bands Bass player.
During the change over, we took a 2 week break for me and the new drummer to learn the songs and prepare for "live performance".
I already knew how to play the guitar quite well so converting my knowledge and skills didn't require much time before i was a confident player.
My first gig as the bands Bass player was at a huge "outdoor" concert near Windsor before an crowd of maybe 20,000. The stage was on a "Little Island" which had a moat around and a "makeshift" bridge that led to the stage. Due to the huge crowds, the band was "escorted by security guards" where ever we went and we felt like "Pop Stars" at last.
We played well that day, playing such classic songs as "Tin Soldier" , " The kids are alright", "My Girl", "In the midnight hour", "Happy Together" and " Land of 1000 dances". We had the crowd up on their feet and dancing ; it was utterly amazing and surreal.
This was 66/67 and the hippies were there in the 1000s and the air smelled with the sweet perfume of marijuana. I had never tried it at this time but I knew the smell of it and was keen to give it a try asap.
There were several Top bands and Artists on the Bill that day and heading the Bill was the late,great "Johnny Okeefe" whom tore the place apart.
We stood backstage as he "memsmerized the audience" with his stage pressence and energy.
"She's my baby"
He was Australia's " wildman" and "King of Rock" and rightfully so; the man was a "true showman" and a "legend".
He was Australia's " wildman" and "King of Rock" and rightfully so; the man was a "true showman" and a "legend".
He wasn't the greatest singer in the world but he knew how to work an audience into a frenzy and hold them in the palm of his hands. He was amazing to watch as he weaved his magic and took control of the audience; working them up to a orgasm and a state of ecstacy. There was no one like him and like most "pop stars" he died far too young.
GETTING HIGH.
It was soon after this amazing concert that I would share a "joint of grass" with some friends and rediscover "music" on a different state of consciousness.
So began "three summers of love" and all we needed was Love and Love was everywhere; we were in Love with Love. "Free love" was real and everyone was promiscuous and we all explored new perceptions of sensuality and sexuality.
Women had been given access to "the Pill" (contraception) and now for the first time were free from possible "unwanted pregnancies".
It was soon after this amazing concert that I would share a "joint of grass" with some friends and rediscover "music" on a different state of consciousness.
So began "three summers of love" and all we needed was Love and Love was everywhere; we were in Love with Love. "Free love" was real and everyone was promiscuous and we all explored new perceptions of sensuality and sexuality.
Women had been given access to "the Pill" (contraception) and now for the first time were free from possible "unwanted pregnancies".
The period was a "Sexual and Social Revolution" surrounded by wars and global unrest. The Hippies only wanted to bring some
Enlightenment to this world while the powers that be wanted to imprison us in darkness.
These dark forces killed off "JFK", "Martin luther King" and "Bobby Keneddy" and "silenced anyone who asked questions". A Conspiracy of Silence remains to this day on the assassinations of these three great men.
The 1960s wasn't all Love and Light and was equally hate and darkness.
I lived each day the best way I could, working, playing, smoking and shagging my my brains out.
Smoking pot made my music feel more real and became one of my best friends as I began to explore psychedelic music and the "flowering hippie culture" that was springing up all around the world.
I went out and bought some "hippie orange pants and a paisley shirt" and then melted in with the "in crowd" and "bohemians". I was so "far out that I was in" and became a "follower of fashion" and a "man of the world".
My "white room" became my "holy florescent sanctum" and my heroes hung their heads on my wall. Dayglow posters were scattered over walls and ceilings and my parents must have been puzzled by my behavior?.
At this point in my life I was a quiet reserved introverted individual whom escaped within to explore my world and to find meaning.
At this point in my life I was a quiet reserved introverted individual whom escaped within to explore my world and to find meaning.
MY FIRST TRIP.
Around this time,myself , elder brother and a friend visited this little "hippie den" on Oxford st, Darlinghurst where we purchased our "1st LSD trip" for only $2.
We then decide to "drop our trip" once we reached Parramatta, which represented "halfway" home.
We did this; except the driver whom stayed straight and by the time we got to St Marys both myself and my brother were "tripping out of this world". Everything was alive; pulsating; shinning; fluid; multi-coloured; translucent and strange. This was "another world" I had stepped into and everything spoke to me and its seemed like that I was being made aware that all "living matter shares the same Collective Consciousness".
Jefferson Airplane
By the time we reached home, we were so "not of this world" that we stayed outside on the front and back lawns listening to music on a small transistor radio and gazing up to the glittering heavens. At sunrise we climbed into our parents caravan and crashed out for a few hours.
That night marked the beginning of my search for "Esoteric Knowledge" and the "meaning and purpose of life and creation".
We returned to this "hippie den" on a number of occassions but stayed the night there and "tripped" in a huge room with dozens of other people. Our Hosts would provide "water and fruit" to sustain us and would keep us all "calm and happy". I remembering hearing The Beatles "Sgt Peppers" album for the first time whilst tripping inside this "hippie den" and was blown away by the music, especially the songs "Within you and without you" and "A day in the life".
Acid changed my entire perceptions on life which I still hold today although perceptions are often changed during the course of time.
Around this time,myself , elder brother and a friend visited this little "hippie den" on Oxford st, Darlinghurst where we purchased our "1st LSD trip" for only $2.
We then decide to "drop our trip" once we reached Parramatta, which represented "halfway" home.
We did this; except the driver whom stayed straight and by the time we got to St Marys both myself and my brother were "tripping out of this world". Everything was alive; pulsating; shinning; fluid; multi-coloured; translucent and strange. This was "another world" I had stepped into and everything spoke to me and its seemed like that I was being made aware that all "living matter shares the same Collective Consciousness".
By the time we reached home, we were so "not of this world" that we stayed outside on the front and back lawns listening to music on a small transistor radio and gazing up to the glittering heavens. At sunrise we climbed into our parents caravan and crashed out for a few hours.
That night marked the beginning of my search for "Esoteric Knowledge" and the "meaning and purpose of life and creation".
We returned to this "hippie den" on a number of occassions but stayed the night there and "tripped" in a huge room with dozens of other people. Our Hosts would provide "water and fruit" to sustain us and would keep us all "calm and happy". I remembering hearing The Beatles "Sgt Peppers" album for the first time whilst tripping inside this "hippie den" and was blown away by the music, especially the songs "Within you and without you" and "A day in the life".
I became a Cosmic Being with Earthly connections and KNEW that I was "much more than a mere human being".
As a band we played at "Dances", "Private functions", "Nightclubs","outdoor and indoor concerts", "Drive ins" and "Swimming pools".
As a band we played at "Dances", "Private functions", "Nightclubs","outdoor and indoor concerts", "Drive ins" and "Swimming pools".
We played regular afternoon gigs at The Penrith Drive in and the Granville Swimming Pool. We had a regular weekly gigs in Lalor Park and St Mary's which we topped up with Private Parties and functions, such as Weddings and Engagements.
I remember one night playing at a Private function for the Labour Party just down the street from my home and got to meet both Gough Whitlam and Bob Hawke; whom both became the Prime Ministers of Australia.
I bet they still remember the occassion because I do.
"The Limit" was my first band and lasted for 4 years between 1965- 1969 and was a great time I shared with my older brother Graham.
He moved out of our parents home in sydney and into a unit in the inner east where he also worked a day job. The band soon split up and my brother joined a local band in the eastern suburbs.
I bought an acoustic guitar and began planning a Solo career in music for awhile, once I had mastered some songs and performance skills.
As the 1960s came to a close I fell in and out of love a number of times; I explored the world "within me and without me" using meditation and drugs.
Many weekends were spent "tripping the light fantastic" with friends and exploring the great outdoors, for the Blue Mountains were my playground.
The 60s ended with the Beatles singing "Let it Be" and we heeded their advice. The Dream was over and the Fab Four went their seperate ways in early 1970 and the Swinging Sixties came to an end.
"In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make".
(Lennon and McCartney)
"End of Part 1 ".
Contact; utaalkback@hotmail.com
"The greatest story never told".
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