Honoring iconic figures in February
February is a significant month in Australian rock music history, marking various milestones and events that have shaped the landscape of the music industry. While the month is filled with notable birthdays of influential figures, it is also marked by tragic losses that have left lasting impacts on the music community.
One key date to remember is February 2, which commemorates the passing of drummer Geoff ‘Drainpipe’ Plummer in 2006. Plummer, known for his work with bands like Ol ’55 and The Fives, made significant contributions to the Australian music scene. Another significant birthday falls on February 4, celebrating the birth of Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia, known for hits like “Torn” and her versatile career as both a musician and actress.
On February 10, we remember Paul Allen, an Australian singer-songwriter and entertainer whose vibrant performances and timeless songs like “Go to Rio” continue to capture audiences’ hearts. February 14 marks the birth of Frank Seckold, a talented keyboardist and vocalist who was a part of several bands, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry.
Tragedy struck on February 15 with the passing of Clive Shakespeare, a co-founder of pop rock group Sherbet, who succumbed to cancer at the age of 62. This loss was deeply felt by the music community, highlighting the impact of his contributions to the industry. Another significant loss on February 17 was Ruby Hunter, an Indigenous Australian singer, songwriter, and guitarist, known for her remarkable career and partnership with Archie Roach.
February 18 commemorates the birth of Derek Pellicci, an English-born Australian drummer who played a pivotal role in the success of the Little River Band. His contributions to the band and the music industry as a whole are celebrated on this day. The following day, February 19, marks the passing of Bon Scott, the former lead vocalist and lyricist of AC/DC, who left a lasting legacy as one of the greatest frontmen in rock history.
On February 28, we remember Alan Sandow, the drummer for Sherbet, whose talent and contributions to the band continue to be appreciated by fans around the world. The day also marks the passing of Billy Thorpe, an English-born Australian singer-songwriter, and lead singer of Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs, who left behind a rich musical legacy.
While February is marked by tragic losses in Australian rock music history, it is also a month that celebrates the contributions and legacies of influential figures who have shaped the music landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on Australian rock music history in the coming months.