The SAL Board would like to thank the organizers of the Benny’s Bar 2007 Reunion night which was held in Sydney on December 5th, raising $2,500 for Support Act. It was a great night and Marty and Grant promise an even bigger event in 2008. Keep an eye on this web site for details.

November 7 2007: The Jack Daniel’s name has been synonymous with live music since 1892, when its legendary founder formed the Silver Cornet Band. Styles have changed a little since then but the brand has stayed just as committed to supporting and celebrating live music and that’s why in 2008, Jack Daniel’s will launch The JD Sets, a concert series that will bring more Australian bands to more people around the country.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Senior Brand Manager Jonny Croft explains, “We are really excited about The JD Sets program and the opportunity it will provide us to take recently signed bands all over Australia. Jack Daniel’s has a wonderful history and association with live music. We’re looking forward to supporting fresh new talent by getting them on the road and in front of audiences all over the country.”

To support this new initiative, Jack Daniel’s has upgraded its agency partnership and enlisted The Sound Campaign to manage the music side of the business. Jonny says, “We chose The Sound Campaign because they understand our brand and understand live Australian music. Just as Jack Daniel’s takes years to mature, we know that bands need to be supported in their development.” Jason Fielding, Director of Sound Campaign adds, “The relationship between brands and music is ever evolving and we are delighted to be working with Jack Daniel’s, who has continuously pushed the boundaries of this relationship into new and exciting projects. The JD Sets will take this to a new level again and we are really looking forward to the year ahead.”

Working with The Sound Campaign will be Chugg Entertainment. Director Michael Chugg says, “It’s always been tough for young bands out there but initiatives such as this will give them great opportunities to be heard and play to an audience bigger than those they’re used to playing in pubs around Australia. In this day and age, having partners like Jack Daniel’s make the tough realities that up and coming bands face much easier.”

Chugg Entertainment Managing Director, Matthew Lazarus-Hall goes on to say, “In past years Chugg Entertainment has always had an interest in breaking new talent, however, with our core business focused on international artists, our opportunities to work with local talent has been limited to festivals and support spots on major international tours. We are very excited about the JD Sets initiative which will give Chugg Entertainment the opportunity to continue our plight in breaking new acts, with a renewed focus in the local community”.

The JD Sets represent the next step in Jack Daniel’s significant investment in live music. The JD Sets will involve multiple bands touring both regional and metropolitan Australia throughout the year. This new program builds on the established profile of the Jack Awards and the brand’s long standing relationship with live music through its association with festivals such as the Big Day Out, Splendour in the Grass and Homebake. Jack Daniel’s is withdrawing from these festivals to focus on showcasing live Australian music through The JD Sets.

A key element of The JD Sets will be involvement with Support Act Limited (SAL) Australia’s Music Industry Benevolent Fund which provides relief and assistance to members of the Australian music industry in need or suffering hardship.

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

Over a lifetime a special time may pass you by. Sometimes you don’t realise how good it was (until it’s gone). But on those days reflecting back you remember by talking about it. Was it your wedding, divorce, 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th love? Stealing that 1st car, your 1st child, your school days, winning lotto or just having lots of sex, sometimes with girls?

But mine was the following…A little bar hide out in Challis Avenue, Potts Point. A place that was set up by 2 not fit and proper persons and a debarred solicitor. But most of you would have only meet Grant Hilton (not Paris’ dad) and Grants little brother, Marty Clapp, that’s me. From Mangoroa Valley NZ to Bathurst to Kings Cross. I met Grants partner Julian and the next thing I am heading down to Kings Cross to work in a place called Benny’s. A late night hide out for Rock n’ Rollers, road crew, management, music executives, film and television and advertising gurus. What did I know? Rugby, cricket, slice of heaven, BBQ, darts, haka, boat races, rugby, meat pies, schooners, jugs, rugby world cup, why did I bring up that?

On my first night I was told the following. Just stand at the door, when the red lights goes on, open the door, and say these famous words “Do you intend on having dinner this evening?” It should have been “Do you intend having dinner this morning?” At 3am in Bathurst the patrons would be leaving, you folks would be just arriving – this was said only if I didn’t know them – that was everyone from Jimmy Barnes, Richard Clapton, Ian Moss, Mick Cox, Don Walker, Rob Walker (I knew Rob Walker), Mark Hunter, James Reyne and the list goes on as well as the management, road crew and studio owners etc etc even Patty Mostyn. If you didn’t play rugby I didn’t know you. But the place was about to become my home and like with you, a special part of my life.

Well here we go, Benny’s. The toilets looked like they held 500 people, well over a night they did. Maybe someone should have changed the “lines” oh no I mean words to that song…You can always find me in the kitchen at parties. Kitchen – we had one. 1 spring roll, 1 bowl of rice, 1 TV dinner, unless you had been and early Benny’s goer you may have had a real home cooked meal (roasts) by our mum…a bar that would hold 150, 350 less than the dunny. It’s one dunny I think Kenny never found. Some round tables; some dark corners but there was one more special thing, well three things, Mickey, Molly and Dominic (what a team). So it started, and as time went on I got the feel of the place, I think I was beginning to understand that place, or though I did turn away Michael Hutchins because he didn’t intend to dine, until Dominic saved the day. Later someone asked me if I would like a line, my answer was “of which song?” Now I have back catalogue.

25 years ago (very close) it had everything. But no incriminating photos, no youtube, no books and no movies. Many laughs and a lot of toilet paper. But we all have a story to tell so let’s get together again and share them and the magic times and have a drink for lost family and friends while we still can. Please forward this email this letter to anyone that you sat and drank with who you think would love to be there and would appreciate those early days of Benny’s. 1980-1988

The Benny’s Bar 2007 Reunion
Wednesday 5th December 6pm
Dolphin Hotel, Crown Street, Surry Hills
$50 Donation to the “Support Act” Organization

There will be a lucky door prize but only if the bloke gets through customs. There are still some outstanding bar tabs with interest around $47,000,000.00 so bring your cash & cards.

Marty Clapp Mob: 0412 414 418
PS: My first drink will be for the late great Steve Hands.

At the recent AMA (Australian Music Association) conference held on the Gold Coast, generous retailers at the Annual Dinner responded to a speech by SAL Board member, Brian Cadd, and donated approximately $4,000 and pledged a quantity of goods which will be auctioned off at future SAL events.

This is the second time this association has asked dinner guests to dig deep for SAL and the Board of Support Act would like to extend their sincere thanks for the contribution which is now in excess of $10,000.

It is only with the strong support of organizations like the AMA and their members that SAL can continue its good work helping those in the music industry who fall on hard times.

Our heartfelt thanks to everyone concerned.

Wall of Fame 2007

The Wall of Fame is an activity of the Brain Injury Unit at the Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney. It began five years ago when Dr Clayton King, Medical Director of the Brain Injury Unit realised that the stories that people had to tell, of their accidents, recovery and rehabilitation were inspirational. These stories were not only important to the patient and their families, but would be an inspiration to others who are just beginning the journey of recovery following traumatic brain injury.

Participants in the Wall of Fame are former patients who have made significant achievements following a brain injury. Sometimes achieving a goal of learning to speak again, to play a guitar, or to engage in conversation is a significant outcome in their rehabilitation program. Each individual story is an inspiration to new patients who enter the Brain Injury Unit at ROYAL REHAB.

At the Wall of Fame the participants are presented with a framed photo and story that conveys the message of their achievements. Their “story” is then hung on the wall of the Brain Injury Unit as an inspiration to others.

At the 2007 Wall of Fame, messages of congratulation and support came from the Prime Minister John Howard and sporting legend Dawn Fraser. Brian Cadd representing Support Act was a special guest at the Wall of Fame.

Support Act Board member Brian Cadd had a special message of support and encouragement to a young musician, Tim Grant who is now using his music as way of expressing his journey of recovery and rehabilitation.

Tim Grant
“I am hoping…to inspire others to believe in their dreams, be positive and never get the blues.”

In late Febuary, 2006, I was driving myself to church during a severe thunderstorm. There was a lot of water on the roads and my car aquaplaned across to the opposite side of the road, spun around and went backwards into an oncoming semi-trailer.

I was in a coma for three weeks, and had post-traumatic amnesia for the next four months. Of those five months, I have no memory.

At first, I thought I was just having a bad dream. Being so unaware of my state, I figured I would get better if I simply did as I was told…. I first talked in August, then walked in September. It took me nearly a year to become more intelligible and confident enough to speak more freely.

As a musician, not playing the piano or guitar was at first, very upsetting. I have worked very hard to regain these skills, and it has been good therapy, both physically and mentally.

My goals? Perform with my music, go back to some form of tertiary study… I am also hoping that I can use my experience to encourage and inspire others to believe in their dreams, be positive and never get the blues.

At yesterday’s “Music In The House” lunch, Glenn Shorrock was presented with an Award for Excellence in Community Service for his tireless efforts for charity which have enriched the fabric of the Australian community.

Variety International’s Pauline McFetridge presented Glenn with his award and commented that “We are proud to honour a man that has given his time and talent for countless good causes both in Australia and Internationally”. A perpetual trophy has been produced which is on permanent display in NSW Parliament House with recipients names added each year.

In accepting the award Glenn said “This is a wonderful surprise and it’s nice to get a surprise at my age. I’m very happy to be involved with fantastic charities such as Variety and Support Act Limited and endorse the good work they do.”

Hosted by the Hon. Nathan Rees MP, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister for Water Utilities, the lunch was attended by the cream of Australia’s entertainment industry with representatives from the Sydney Swans, Variety, and the Debonaires.

Keynote speaker, Frank Ifield, pointed out the importance of music in our lives. “Situations change, people change but the songs that have influenced our lives remain the same”.

Glenn Shorrock provided the entertainment with a wonderful acoustic set including hits Reminiscing and Help is on Its Away.

The Board of Support Act Limited would like to thank Michael Gudinski and Frontier Touring for the opportunity to collect donations in the foyers of the venues where the Countdown Spectacular concerts featured nationally. A special thanks to Gavin Wood for his wonderful Support Act message during the concert which alerted everyone to the Support Act charity.

A team of dedicated volunteers in each State rattled the Support Act buckets during interval and after each show and patrons of the event generously dug deep with donations ranging from 5cents to $50 bills.

We would like to thank everyone for their contribution to Support Act and are pleased to report the total sum collected was $12,500.

 

As a measure of the high esteem that Max is held in, the list of supporters grows daily. Audio, lighting, video, stage gear, road crew and even backstage catering has been donated to aid Max.

Merritt, who has lived in Los Angeles for more than 20 years, fell ill in April this year soon after he returned to America following a tour of his native New Zealand, during which he was honoured as an inaugural inductee to the NZ Rock and Rock Hall of Fame.

CONCERT FOR MAX

Sunday 21ts October 2007
Palais Theatre, St Kilda, Victoria
Tix on sale through Ticketmaster 14 September 2007

On Behalf of Max Merritt we are thrilled to acknowledge the generous support given by:

Anonymous - $25,000.00
Jeanne & Richard Pratt - $5,000.00
Graham Woodlock - $5,000.00
Support Act Ltd. - $3,000.00
Frontier Touring & Premier Artists - $3,000.00
Michael Chugg/Chugg Entertainment - $3,000.00
Andrew McManus - $2,000.00
Bluesfest - $2,000.00
Liz & Mike Anderson - $500.00
Palais Theatre - Venue Hire
McLean Audio - Audio & Crew
Phaseshift - Lighting
Natwide Management Group - Transport
Visible Ink - Design Work
New Breed - Security
Blakes Feast - Day Time Catering
Backdoor Catering - Night Time Catering
Howling Wolves Wine Group - Wine
Billy Hyde Stage Systems - Backline
Pro Stage - Risers
Beat Magazine - Press advertising
Inpress - Press advertising
Peter Bloomfield/McKenzie Ross - Insurance
Lawrie Masterson - Journalist
Ian B Allen - Business Manager
Enza Pantano - Event development
Danny Bishop - Web Design / www.maxmerritt.com.au
Julie Cavanagh - Publicity
Lionel Midford - Publicity
KMW Productions - Publicity
Jacinta Gascoigne - MySpace Site
Pioneer Electronics -Raffle Prize
Ticketmaster

Performers - with still more to follow
Kevin Borich
Mike Brady
Peter Cupples
The Delltones
Jon English
Dinah Lee
Brian Mannix
Marcie & The Cookies
Russell Morris
Paul Norton
Doug Parkinson
James Reyne
Normie Rowe
George Smilovici
Spectrum
Wendy Stapleton
Swanee
Wilbur Wilde
Ross Wilson
John Paul Young

Musicians - with still more to follow
Chris Barton (Drums)
David Beanlands (Keys)
Michael Cristiano (Guitar)
Lindsay Fields (BVs)
David Hicks (Drums)
Jo Imbroll (Bass)
Nicolas Killingbeck-Lyon (Violin)
Phil Manning (Guitar)
Eric McCusker (Guitar)
Warren ‘Pig’ Morgan (Keys)
Tim Neil (B3 Hammond)
Ron Peel (Bass)
Ron Peers (Guitar)
Jimmie Sloggett (Sax)
Bob Starkie (Guitar)
Glenn Suckling (Bass)
China Walker (Keys/Guitar)
John Watson (Drums)
Stewart Wilkinson (Keys)
Gary Young (Guitar)

Production Crew - with more to follow
Noel Bennett
Howard Freeman
Scrooge Madigan
Brent Pater
Alex Saad
Trogg Svenson

http://www.myspace.com/maxmerrittfans

The full list of the performers, crews, pledges & additional service providers will be added shortly.

Our thanks go out to everyone who have currently offered their services, without you, this will not be possible.

The Board of Support Act Limited (SAL) would like to thank all those concerned for allowing Support Act Limited to run a fundraising raffle prior to the commencement of this year’s Hall of Fame Awards.

With a generous donation from ARIA of a Table for 10 at the upcoming ARIA Awards and 5 tickets donated by APRA for the 2008 APRA Awards, the prize amounted to approximately $5,000.

Cheer leaders from the Melbourne Storm mingled with guests selling tickets and the lucky winner announced on the night was Domenic Carosa, CEO, Destra Corporation.

On the day of the Awards, The Debonairs (the Entertainment Industry Lunch Bunch) hosted a lunch for Support Act Limited to celebrate the induction into the Hall of Fame of two of their founding members, Brian Cadd and Wilbur Wilde. The lunch was well attended and included members of the Sydney SAL Board, Rob Potts and Phil Payne (Entertainment Edge), John Evans (Destra Entertainment), Ed Nimmervol, David Flint, Keith Colias, Paul Thorn, Angela Batties (Channel 7), Alison Taylor (Reality Illusion Productions), Michael Whyte (Freemantle Media), Nigel Davis, Sara Hood (Australian Music Association), Sue Gillard (SAL Victoria), Adrian Barker, Rolf Popp and Mary Renshaw along with the usual suspects.
View photos from the Hall of Fame Lunch.
View photos from the Hall of Fame Awards.

We would like to thank all these people for their generous support for SAL and the people it is assisting in their time of need.