HEART/THROB

Lives and times to find. Fingers on the pulse.


Wednesday August the 7th ~

Last night our tiny little late-night outpost of vintage eclectica Palmer & Co took out the award for Best Bar in the entire Merivale empire, for an unprecedented second year running.

If you've never experienced this timeless and spectacular subterranean haunt it's about time you did - and there is no better night of the week to do so than Wednesdays, when Swingin' at the Speakeasy fills the joint with live music and wild dance.

From 7 til 10PM you'll hear New Orleans boogaloo from The Crawfish Po' Boys, then myself on the decks til close at 3 AM, all free of charge. Be kind to the staff - they will all be exceptionally hungover!


Saturday August the 10th ~

Come Saturday we've spectacular musical offerings day and night. First Jack Off hosts the redoubtable Emma Russack prior to her album launch at Golden Age that evening. Tune in from 3 til 5 to hear her live.

Last week's program ended up being an extremely emotional experience as I found out only a few hours before going to air that my dear friend Damien Lovelock - a man who did more for my mental and physical health than any other since we met (ironically due to his being a fan of my radio show) 7 years ago - had died that morning.

I had known for a long time that Damo was terminally ill but just a few weeks ago he was still teaching yoga (and taking time afterwards to help me with my crook back). I left for Splendour and simply didn't get to see him thereafter. I'd texted with offers of help and company - and to check he was home and not in hospital, (which was, at least, affirmed with gratitude). I was driven to call him last Friday afternoon but the phone rang out. I didn't know that he was already slipping into a semi-conscious state and I'll never know whether he ever heard the message I left telling him I loved him.
So a planned program in tribute to Doris Goddard of the Hotel Hollywood became a very raw tribute to Damien too - and the texts from listeners were coming thick and fast. It is such a dire duty to pass on grievous news about the loss of loved ones - but at least we know how to celebrate their character and nature: with honesty and music.
If you knew and cared for either of these great Sydney icons of independence and ethics you may want to listen back to the program here. I strongly urge every one of you, whether you knew Damo or not, to read this faithfully brilliant obituary written by our wonderful mutual mate Steve Cannane. You will be grateful for the experience I promise. It may even make you a better person.

Soon after the program I'll have set up for my second-ever Saturday residency at the aforementioned Hotel Hollywood, freshly adorned as it is by yellow roses (from the romantic, hilarious and true-to-form funeral that celebrated Doris yesterday), not to mention handcrafted balloons left by homeless folks from up the way (who remember her kindness back in the day).

All of these experiences make me determined to aim infinitely up - to honour those I esteem via my own efforts and deeds. Please join us for free between 9PM and 2AM so that we might raise a glass and have a dance. It means the world.


Sunday August the 11th ~

Lastly, on Sunday, we can reconvene on a chilly but bright arvo for some songs out in the sunshine at the Petersham Bowling Club.

Bands inside begin around 6 but you can catch me out by the greens for free from 2 til 5, heart beating, eyes aloft.