By Bonny Burrows
Australian rock royalty is heading to the Pakenham Hotel this weekend.
Dale Ryder, former frontman of ’80s group Boom Crash Opera, is performing for one show only in the pub’s revamped beer garden, supported by local singer/songwriter Joel Spence.
Pakenham Hotel general manager Brendan Theobald said Sunday’s performance was an opportunity to see a “living legend” up close.
“Boom Crash Opera were one of my favourite bands growing up,” Mr Theobald said.
“It’s a real treat being able to have their biggest star performing for my customers.
“I’ll certainly be there on the day, whether to watch or work.”
The band grew out of the fertile post-punk scene in Melbourne in the 1980s, founded on the songwriting partnership of Peter Farnan and Richard Pleasance and fronted by Dale Ryder on vocals, Greg O’Connor on keyboard and drummer Peter Malsen.
Well-known for their high energy stage shows, their first single Great Wall was a top-10 hit and follow-up tracks such as Onionskin, The Best Thing and Dancing in the Storm became radio regulars that are still heard to this day.
Ryder left the band in 2015 and was replaced by Andrew De Silva, formerly of CDB.
He is currently on tour and performing with Brian Mannix of Uncanny Xmen and Scott Carne of Kids in the Kitchen, but will take a break to perform in Pakenham this Sunday 12 February from 2pm before jetting off for the next leg of the Absolutely ’80s tour.
Sunday’s event is strictly for adults 18 years and over.
Tickets are $10 per person.
For bookings call the Pakenham Hotel on 5941 1748 or for more information visit the hotel’s Facebook page.
