The Australian Music Industry was shocked and saddened last week to learn of the passing of singer/songwriter/performer Richard Lane. In the days since a GoFundMe page has been created to help Richard’s young family in moving forward, with a live streaming event to be staged by his friends and colleagues this Saturday, May 23, to pay tribute to the man and raise awareness for his fund.
Richard was a founding member (with Dom Mariani) of The Stems, one of Western Australia’s most iconic rock’n’roll bands, who fascinate fans around the world to this day. He was instrumental in the kick-off of another Perth garage-power-pop institution The Chevelles, as well as The Rosebuds and The On-And-Ons. Richard rolled with many solo endeavours over the years and mentored hundreds of musicians both in the Perth music scene and the youngsters who have thrived under his tutelage at Penny Lane’s Music Workshop in Fremantle. In recent years he brought his beautifully deft rock’n’roll touch to Big Boss Man and The Painkillers.
This Saturday at Mojos The Painkillers + Very Special Guests Raise Funds And Volume For Richard Lane livestream event will see the other members of The Painkillers – vocalist/guitarist Joe Bludge, drummer/vocalist James Baker and bassist Martyn P. Casey – play several songs in honour of their beloved bandmate. Joining in to perform Richard’s parts on guitar will be Luke Dux of The Floors, also a friend (and in some ways protégé) of Richard’s.
Complementing the performance will be thoughts from friends and colleagues such as Dave Faulkner (Hoodoo Gurus), Steve Kilbey (The Church), General Justice (RTRFM), Flick Dear (The Holy Rollers/Wooden Fische), Paul McCarthy (The Jackals/Circus), John Phatorous (The Volcanics), Martyn P. Casey (Bad Seeds/The Triffids/Painkillers) and Moana (solo artist/Penny Lane’s Music Workshop). The evening will be hosted by music journalist Bob Gordon, also a long-time friend of Richard Lane.
Tune in this Saturday from 8.30pm on Mojos Facebook page to watch this heartfelt tribute to a WA music legend. All funds raised will go to Richard’s family – Cathy, Penny and Daisy.
GoFundMe Page – Mojos Facebook Page – FB Event Page
