Moreton Bay, get ready to rock!
Published 11 September 2023
City of Moreton Bay is proud to present Pub Rock, an exhibition that celebrates the people, places and sounds of Australian pub rock and its enduring impact on our nation’s identity, now open at Pine Rivers Heritage Museum.
Pub Rock celebrates the people, places, scenes and sounds defining 1970s and 1980s Australia.
Drawn from the National Portrait Gallery’s collection and enriched with works by leading Australian music photographers including Tony Mott and Wendy McDougall, Pub Rock tells the story of this era through staged portraits and publicity shots alongside images captured during unguarded moments and the grungy energy of live performances.
City of Moreton Bay’s Mayor Peter Flannery urged locals and visitors to take advantage of this spectacular free exhibition open until November 19 at Pine Rivers Heritage Museum.
“Experience the ultimate 1980s rock music journey as the Museum transforms into a live gig arena, complete with rockstar dance parties, historical insights, and a vibrant exhibition for all rock enthusiasts,” Mayor Flannery said.
“The line-up includes iconic images of Aussie legends and homegrown performers - The Bee Gees as well as The Church, AC/DC, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, INXS, Nick Cave, Paul Kelly, The Easybeats, Little Pattie and Johnny O’Keefe.
“Perfectly located in the historic precinct of Old Petrie Town, why not pack a picnic and enjoy a low-cost, entertaining day for the whole family. “Council is committed to providing a diverse program of free and affordable cultural and creative experiences for all ages to help foster inclusive, connected and inspiring communities.
“And we can achieve this by partnering with organisations such as the National Portrait Gallery to give our local communities increased access to high quality touring exhibitions and initiatives.
Karen Quinlan AM, Director of the National Portrait Gallery said the exhibition celebrates one of the aspects of Australian culture that many have missed during lockdown. “The very essence of live music is about coming together, in close confines, to listen and celebrate a common interest. We wanted to capture some of the excitement and energy of the pub rock scene,” she said.
Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of Australian music, or looking for a fun family day out, this exhibition offers plenty for everyone to rock out to.
Pub Rock is on at Pine Rivers Heritage Museum until 19 November 2023. Entry to the museum is free. The Museum is open Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am-3pm. To find out more about the exhibition or associated events visit Moreton Bay Galleries & Museums
This exhibition has been developed by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.
Image credit: Angus Young, AC/DC, LA, 1978 by Rennie Ellis Collection: National Portrait Gallery, Canberra.