It was the coming together of the young and old on Wednesday 27 October, with Australian music legends inducted into the annual ARIA Hall of Fame. Flying in especially for the event from her home in France, former “Young Talent Time” singer Tina Arena – who has gone onto an impressive global career since her stint as a teenage cast member back in the 1970’s – paid tribute to the show’s host, recording star Johnny Young.
While many remember Young primarily for his role on the hit variety TV show, it’s easy to forget he was also a coveted singer, record producer, and radio DJ. Now residing in Perth, the 63-year-old star was honoured onstage by his former protégé, who sang his rare track “Here Comes The Star”.
“He’s a dear man and I’ve never hidden the fact that he’s the reason I’m still here 30 year later,” Arena told the crowd. “He’s a risk-taker and he taught me some very basic fundamental things a long time ago. He taught me to trust my gut and go for it. I don’t think the honour could be given to a more beautiful and interesting man who’s given so much to the creative community.”
Also honoured on the night was “Under the Milky Way” legends the Church, who gave the evening one of its highlights when frontman Steve Kilbey took to the stage. “Next time I appear in Waverly Court, can you be my character witness?” he asked TV presenter George Negus, who introduced the band. Country great John Williamson also took to the stage to perform his classic “Old Man Emu”, saying, “In a way I finally feel legitimate and accepted by the entire music industry, not just country music”.
Rockers Models kicked off the night with their rendition of “I Feel Motion”, before being inducted by Wendy Matthews, while also honoured on the night was ‘60s icons the Loved Ones, who were introduced by Diesel.
Also appearing on the night were Short Stack, Megan Washington and Sara Storer.
MC’d by “Rockwiz” hosts Julia Zamerio and Brian Nankervis, the ARIA Hall of Fame was held at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney, NSW, after moving from its traditional home in Melbourne. It will be screened on SBS this weekend – at 9.20pm, Saturday 30 October.
