Nostalgia in Katanning: Residents Reflect on 1970s Rock Legends

In Katanning, a small town located nearly 300 kilometers southeast of Perth, local residents are reminiscing about the unforgettable rock concerts of the 1970s, particularly those featuring iconic Australian bands like AC/DC and Sherbet. As the countdown for triple j's Hottest 100 approaches, the town's memories of its vibrant music scene during what many consider the 'golden age' of rock 'n' roll are being relived.

Brent Ladyman, a former local radio station employee, vividly recalls attending an AC/DC concert in 1975, where tickets cost a mere $3.20. "They were a new band, and like all the bands, they needed to be promoted, so the way to do it was to contact the local radio station," he stated. The concert took place in the Katanning Town Hall, which has a capacity of about 600. Ladyman described the atmosphere as electric, with the hall full of enthusiastic locals eagerly awaiting the performance of a band that would go on to achieve monumental success.

After the concert, Ladyman shared stories of joining the band members, including the late Bon Scott, at a local pub. The night was filled with laughter and camaraderie, a stark contrast to the band's later massive international arena shows. "It was huge. I remember being in the bar and drinking beer with these guys. Don't remember too much really; it was late in the night," he said, reflecting on the intimate and personal experience that has become a cherished memory.

Sherbet, another seminal Australian band, also made their mark on Katanning. Andrew Pritchard, the owner of the Katanning Travel Centre, fondly recalled playing cards with lead singer Daryl Braithwaite during the band’s 1978 visit. Pritchard emphasized the pervasive presence of live music in the 1970s and 1980s, noting that local venues hosted numerous acts that would eventually rise to international fame. "It was quite interesting to play cards with Daryl Braithwaite at the motel in June of 1978," he said, reminiscing about a time when live music was a staple of local entertainment.

Despite the fond memories, both Ladyman and Pritchard lament the decline of live music in regional areas. Ladyman pointed out that attracting major acts has become increasingly challenging. "It’s a pity that bands and festivals barely make it to Perth these days, let alone the regions," he noted, attributing the issue to demographic changes and economic factors. Regional Sounds arts development officer Sarah Hinton echoed these sentiments, highlighting logistical challenges such as travel costs and equipment transport as significant barriers to bringing artists to rural areas.

Hinton also underscored the economic and social benefits that music festivals bring to regional communities. "At a live music event, you get great entertainment, but then there are also food-truck vendors, small businesses providing necessary infrastructure, and accommodations for artists. We always say that the government can subsidize us, but we will provide a huge return on that investment," she explained. Hinton believes that events like triple j's Hottest 100 can help revive interest in local music scenes by encouraging community discussions about their musical heritage.

As Katanning’s residents look back on the days when rock legends graced their town, the hope remains that future generations will have the opportunity to experience live music in their communities once more. The memories of the past continue to resonate, serving as a reminder of the transformative power of music in connecting people and enriching local culture. With ongoing efforts to bring more concerts to regional Western Australia, there is a tangible sense of optimism that the vibrant music scene of the past may yet see a revival in the future.