About This Footage
The grainy, black-and-white footage of a backstage scene at the 1968 Valedrome concert in Melbourne, Australia, is a rare gem that offers a glimpse into the vibrant music scene of the late 1960s. The clip, shot on 16mm film, captures the chaos and camaraderie of a rock concert in its heyday, with The Twilights, Lyn Randell, and other musicians milling about in the wings.
At this time, The Twilights were one of Australia's most popular bands, known for their catchy pop-rock sound and energetic live performances. Formed in 1964, they had already released several singles and EPs by 1968, including the hit song "You've Got to Earn It". Their music was a staple of Australian radio and television, and they were often featured on popular music shows like "Go!" and "Bandstand".
The Valedrome concert, held on December 17th, 1968, was likely one of the biggest events of its kind in Melbourne that year. The venue itself, with its large capacity and state-of-the-art sound system, would have been a major draw for fans of live music. And backstage, the excitement and anticipation were palpable as the performers prepared to take the stage.
The clip's significance lies not only in its rarity but also in its candid portrayal of life behind the scenes at a rock concert. Unlike the polished, staged performances that we're accustomed to today, this footage shows musicians interacting with each other and their crew in a more relaxed, informal setting. We see Lyn Randell chatting with a roadie, while another musician fiddles with his guitar strings. The atmosphere is lively but also somewhat disorganized, reflecting the improvisational nature of live music.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this footage is its connection to Molly Meldrum, who appears in the clip as a young man. At the time, Meldrum was still an apprentice at a local radio station, but he would go on to become one of Australia's most influential and beloved music personalities. As the creator of "Countdown", the country's longest-running music television program, Meldrum played a crucial role in shaping Australian popular culture.
Watching this footage is like stepping into a time capsule, transporting us back to an era when rock music was still in its formative stages. The clip's black-and-white aesthetic and 16mm grain give it a nostalgic, retro feel that's both charming and evocative. As we observe the musicians interacting with each other, we're reminded of the camaraderie and creative energy that defined the early days of rock 'n' roll.
This rare footage is more than just a historical curiosity – it offers a glimpse into the vibrant music scene of 1968 Australia. With its candid portrayal of life backstage at a rock concert, The Twilights, Lyn Randell, and Molly Meldrum's appearances make this clip an essential watch for anyone interested in the history of popular music.
Curated from public records and music databases.
