MIDNIGHT Oil founding member, drummer and songwriter, Rob Hirst officially launched The Making of Midnight Oil exhibition at Noosa Regional Gallery on Saturday 3 September.
In a customary, symbolic welcome that occurs at each venue hosting the exhibition, Rob poured beer on a sticky, vintage, pub carpet, part of “The Antler Room” exhibit.
Guests included founding members of Australian rock band Powderfinger – lead guitarist Ian Haug and bass player John ‘JC’ Collins, esteemed songstress and Queensland Music Festival Director, Katie Noonan, along with Rob and Lesley Hirst, local radio identities ABC Coast FM’s Annie Gaffney and Jasmin Midgley, and 92.7 Mix FM’s Tim Aquilina were also in attendance.
Local Gubbi Gubbi man Lyndon Davis entertained guests by sharing his memories of the legendary band and what their songs meant to him and his people.
Mayor Tony Wellington addressed the audience with a warm Noosa welcome, “Noosa Gallery is both lucky and proud to be able to present this fantastic touring exhibition – an exhibition that began its life on Sydney’s rorthern beaches.”
“In the late ’60s, the foundation was laid for rock music to take over from folk music in speaking directly to the politics of the day.
“This was the firmament that laid the foundations for the conscience-driven, uncompromising rock music that followed. And here in Australia, Midnight Oil became the flag bearer of that tradition.”
Gallery Director, Nina Shadforth added “This is a significant coup for Noosa. We are the only venue in Queensland to be showing this important snapshot of popular Australian rock history, through a meticulously curated exhibition that navigates through Midnight Oil’s oeuvre as well as important political and social issues.”
Other highlights of the evening included stunning acoustic performances by two of Queensland’s current emerging musicians and QMusic Award winners – Ayla and Sahara Beck.
The exhibition is now showing at the Noosa Regional Gallery through until Sunday 20 November, 2016.
There is an extensive program of events and activities for all ages including after-hours events with rock music industry guests, workshops and free art activities.
For more information and bookings, please visit www.noosaregionalgallery.com.au, phone 5329 6145 or find Noosa Regional Gallery on Facebook.
