By Luke Voogt
Australian rock legend Glenn Shorrock is still tearing up the stage, despite hitting 72 a couple months ago.
“I never thought I’d be still rocking and rolling at this age – although I’m more coasting now,” he said ahead of his Geelong show next weekend.
“I won’t stop until someone tells me to shut up.”
The “instant gratification” of a live audience is what keeps Shorrock going.
“I’d be very sad if I was to leave the stage and people weren’t entertained,” he said.
“The money’s not bad either.”
Shorrock’s Little River Band made history in the ’70s and ’80s, becoming one of the world’s most popular bands.
But he still owes a “nod” to Geelong after a trip to Little River inspired the band’s name in 1975.
“We were on our way to a gig in Geelong and I thought that sounds like the name of a band,” he said.
“Had we gone a few miles the other way we could have been named ‘wrong way go back’.”
Despite Little River Band’s success, Shorrock’s first outfit The Twilights was his favourite, he said.
“They grew out of friendship rather than ambition.”
The band, a group of friends from Adelaide, won Hoadley’s National Battle of the Sounds in 1966.
The national music contest was one of Shorrock’s fondest memories and launched his musical career.
“That took us to England and gave us the experience of being known as the best band in the country – but that didn’t last long.”
Shorrock started singing at 17 and said he had aspired to two goals.
“I would like to be doing this when I’m 50 and I would like the respect of my peers. I’m well beyond 50 now but I’m still enjoying it.”
Shorrock will celebrate his musical journey in The History of Rock and Roll – Part 1, with hits from Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Beatles and more.
“It’s a self-indulgent show in a way,” he said.
“I just wanted to explore my path and let people know what inspired me – you can’t do the history of rock and roll in one night – so it’s part one.”
Shorrock will sing at Costa Hall on 17 September, backed by a nine-piece band.
“The hall is the perfect place for it,” he said.
“I’m doing the Palms Hotel at Crown the night before, so I’ll be well-oiled.”
Shorrock will also release new album Rise Again this week, which grew from an EP thanks to a little help from his friends.
“When I started recording it, I started getting calls from colleagues saying they had songs for me,” he said.
“You’ve got to keep re-inventing yourself in this game.”
