The first, annual “Legends of Rock” dinner, ably organised by the big-hearted folks from Savage Events, was held last Friday 24th October at The Shores Function Centre in Adelaide where over 250 music lovers gathered to witness a sterling line-up of some of the genuine stalwarts of Aussie rock. Stevie Wright, back by a house band of exceptional local players, sang four Easybeats classics, GANGajang played a set packed with hits including “Sounds of Then” and “Gimme Some Lovin’”; Swanee, Tice & Evans, The Beards and Doc Neeson belted out crowd favourites and Sheridan Stewart held the show together, even though some of us were afraid her dress may not have held her together!

The purpose of the dinner was to raise money for Support Act Ltd, the benevolent fund set up by Michael Chugg & other music industry luminaries to assist music industry workers who have fallen on hard times. Wallets were emptied & there was particularly fierce bidding on the Elvis Presley car seat (yes, a piece from the seat of his Cadillac) and the Mark Evans (ex-AC/DC bassist) signed guitar. The generous dinner-ites raised well over $12,000.00 from the auction, table raffles and ticket sales which is an incredible effort in these tough economic times. Thanks to the lads from Toop & Toop who kept the auction turning over at such a fierce pace.

Chairman of Support Act Ltd SA (SALSA), David Day said, “…it was an extraordinary night that was on a par with the old Grand Prix and Clipsal 500 balls. This is going to be ‘the’ social event for SA each year as it gets bigger and better. Support Act Ltd is proud to be the beneficiary of such an event that is planned to go national in 2009.”

Plans are already well under way for the 2009 event, with many famous faces already pledging their support for such a worthy cause.

For those who wished they were there, or want to re-live their glory days, Stevie Wright, Swanee and Tice & Evans will be back in Adelaide to take part in the Adelaide International Guitar Festival “AC/DC – We Salute you” Tribute concert, alongside the Hoodoo Gurus, Adrian Belew, The Party Boys, Angry Anderson & many, many others, which closes the Festival on Sun 7th Dec in Elder Park. Bookings from Bass or visit www.adelaideguitarfestival.com.au.

The next SALSA monthly lunch will be held at our spiritual home, the Rob Roy Hotel in Halifax Street, city on Wed 19th Nov at 12.30pm with “Mr Radio” Paul Thompson the guest speaker. Anyone with a genuine working history in the music business, whether on stage or behind the scenes, is welcome to attend. That can include radio, TV, journalists, technicians, venue owners, musicians etc. Simply email Gary Burrows at APRA SA on to register your interest or visit www.supportact.com.au for further information.

The Board of Support Act Limited (SAL) are pleased to confirm the official launch of SAL in South Australia. The National Branch Co-ordinator, Brian Cadd, was invited to attend the launch which was held in conjunction with the inaugural S.A. Debonairs luncheon.

The South Australian Support Act Committee comprises:

• David Day – Chair
• David Minear
• Jane Intini
• Rob Pippin
• Gary Burrows
• Brian Gleeson (consultant)

This committee will plan local fundraising initiatives and events on behalf of Support Act and anticipate strong support from the S.A. music industry.

“A rousing rollicking start to South Australia’s entry into the SUPPORT ACT family along with the launch of Industry lunch group THE DEBONAIRS (SA). Once again our South Australian music Industry has thrown itself enthusiastically into making contributions to our ongoing program of events and fundraising. Good luck and congratulations to them! We look forward to seeing what their first year is going to bring.”

Brian Cadd

A big thanks to David Minear who supplied a range of wines from his 2Mates Winery to celebrate the occasion as well as flying Brian in and out of Adelaide for the event.