THE vibrant ’70s music scene will be remembered tomorrow night as Mount Gambier band Justice steps back onto the stage for the release of debut EP In-Justice.
Ready to “rock and roll” like the good ol’ days, the four talented musicians Don Telford, Baden Butler, Greg Lockwood and Peter White – who originally formed the band in 1974 – will be joined by fellow band Avenue at the Barn Palais as they raise money for men’s health.
“It is really exciting to be in our home town together again, it is always good to get with the boys and hang out, playing music is the icing on the cake,” Don said.
Previously regrouping in 2006, 2010 and 2016 to perform, Mr Butler said they were looking forward to putting a fresh spin on the old favourites and introduce some of their new songs, which were recorded on the central coast of New South Wales.
Showing that musical talent really does run in the family, the group worked together with Don’s sons Josh and Sam Telford and Baden’s son Jacob – who is known throughout the country for his success on Australian Idol and X-Factor – to produce five catchy songs for the EP.
“There wasn’t a lot of stress in it, we just hung out, talked about the good ol’ times and the music followed – it was a fun process,” Don said.
Beginning with 17 songs, the group cut it down to the top five, including one titled Sweet Country Life which was written by the band in the ’70s.
“Last time we performed that song live was at the West Gambier Football Club in 1978, so it is great to finally have recorded it,” Baden said.
“We did have to remember the lyrics though and ended up re-writing a bit – it rocks along a bit more than it did last time.”
Reminiscing on their times playing in the Blue Lake city as teenagers, Baden said while weekly gigs are no longer on the agenda, they still know how to put on a “rocking” show.
“There was a vibrant music scene here in the ’70s, we were at South Gambier every Friday night, there was a lot going on,” he said.
“We supported The Angels once, a lot of those bigger bands performed here being the half way point between Melbourne and Adelaide.
“It will be great to get back onto the stage alongside Avenue and my son Jacob.”
Ready to take a step back in time and relive the ’70s, Baden said there would be a great mix of songs to enjoy.
“The bands really complement each other, Avenue performs a lot of The Doors, Santana kind of music, while we are more Bad Company and Status Quo,” he said.
“Jacob will also play specific ’70s music too, so it is really all from that period.
“It will be a great night out, for anyone out there who doesn’t go out anymore – like us – please go down to Chapmans Newsagency and buy a ticket, we would love to see you there.”
The launch will take place from 6pm.
