During the latter part of yesterday’s ‘Rockin’ the G, I paid a visit to Icon’s office to make a deposit of used ale. Whilst at the Wailing Wall, a guy that was new to the venue had come in to do same. He seemed slightly intoxicated and acknowledged me in an Aussie way that was both a question and answer in one word … “HowYaGoin’MateAllright”. I responded with a “good mate”. As not to compare, our eyes were transfixed on the yellow lollies during part of the conversation (it’s a bloke thing ladies).

Anyway, he proceeded to tell me about the past 10 years of his life. Eg: becoming a divorce stat, dull & dreary nights alone at home and the violence in the doof-doof scene. Eventually, our transactions were complete. With guns back in holsters, we were comfortable in facing each other during the verbal exchange. He continued saying that he was told by locals about the great rock & roll Sundays at the Ferntree Gully Hotel. “I finally made it today mate” he said.

“Yous guys gotta terrific scene” he said. “The bands pump man, the dancin’ is grouse and the people are so friendly. It’s all just too unbelievable … everyone just gets on so well” At this point, I had reflections of some probs in the R&R community. Especially of the past cuppla years and said to this guy, “You get problems in all scenes”. With that, he replied with another great Aussie one-worder … ‘YeahNahMateBut” “I’m talkin’ drugs, fightin’ and young bucks spewin’ on ya”

Obviously, he went into far-more detail of his experiences / feelings using colourful adjectives that slowed the trip from the trough to the wash basins to the towels. I must point out that this guy was neither slurring nor staggering. He may have been affected by lunatic soup and his tongue loosened by alcoholic ‘neck oil’, but his passion was true. I didn’t catch his name but the important part of this guy’s confessions was his initial thoughts of the rock & roll scene and his description of the alternatives. I welcomed him to the scene and told him there were many more bands, venues, dance schools & friendly people if he wanted to pursue further.

With washed hands and backs slapped, we parted company with a good feel. He vowed to return next week, hopefully with some of his friends. I gotta admit that my memory was triggered and this write up was prompted by Baby Ruth’s chat box comment on people working together …’Imagine’ … yes, I’m a huge John Lennon fan.

By the way … The Atomics & Firebird rocked the Gully with extreme prejudice without taking any prisoners yesterday. There was a steady crowd flowing in and out all day & night. The venue owners would have been very happy and the bills were certainly paid. Sorry, no pix, forgot my camera, but feel free to add.
Next week … Shane & his Blackhill Ramblers keep the party goin’