Who knew that Wellington Street in St Kilda was a pivotal point in the local music scene? Not as a grungy venue, but as home to key players in the music business.
Michael Gudinski started his pioneering Mushroom Records label from offices in Wellington Street.
The Musicians’ Union and the Musicians’ Club of Victoria operated at 65 Wellington Street for over three decades – its now the site of an apartment building.
And later, upcoming Jazz signer Judith Durham had an office in the street where she planned gigs and sometimes held rehearsals.
It’s highly local story with Athol Guy, Keith Potger and Bruce Woodley having met at Melbourne Boys High School. Later Guy met Durham when they both worked in an advertising agency.
In 1962, as fate would have it, Guy, Potger, and Woodley recruited Judith Durham to form The Seekers – and worldwide success followed.
Speaking at the naming ceremony, Bruce Woodley said he was St Kilda born and bred. ‘St Kilda was my playground and inspiration’, he said recalling many days at the Junction Oval following The Saints footy team.
In a message read at the ceremony, Keith Potger wrote that St Kilda put the finishing touch to many teenage years with Luna Park fun, and then there was its great cafes, restaurants, pubs, and the odd big band.
‘As trad jazz clubs emerged nearby in the 50s and 60s, folk, blues, and gospel gaining large followings, including four individuals pursuing completely different agendas.
‘St. Kilda’s musical foundation, venues, and structure would ensure plenty of opportunities to find their niche. and each other and finding the seeker’s way.’
Council keen to recognise musical heritage
Council currently has proposals to remember the significant contributions of late local musicians Renée Geyer and Spencer P. Jones are out for community consultation:
Geyer Lane is proposed for a laneway in St Kilda, opposite the Memo Music Hall, near where Renée lived and regularly performed. Council has also commissioned a large mural of Renée Geyer by celebrated local artist Ling for the wall next to the lane in Carlisle Street.
Jonesy Lane has been suggested for Spencer P Jones, who performed with the Beasts of Bourbon, the Johnnies, played guitar with Renée Geyer and Paul Kelly, and released critically acclaimed solo albums under his own name.
Crowded House member Paul Hester is remembered by Paul Hester Walk, established next to Elwood Canal in 2005, and the late Rowland S Howard’s contributions to local music were recognised in 2015 when a St Kilda laneway was named after him.
