GOLD ROCK is a new music festival that has a focus on all the rad Bendigo/Dja Dja Wurrung Country rock/punk/shoegaze/post hardcore/synth-pop/power pop bands, plus a secret special out of town headliner.
With famous, authentic heritage attractions and world-class gastronomic delights, the regional city of Bendigo is about to become an electrifying hub for music lovers this April with a brand-new rock music festival, Gold Rock 3550.
The inaugural celebration of independent Bendigo homegrown and affiliated bands and artists, Gold Rock 3550 will take over Handle Bar in Bendigo on Saturday, 1 April featuring a smorgasbord of great music – both local and further afield.
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Running from 3pm until late, the free festival will feature local bands Bendigo noise-rock/post-punk group Alarms, Derwents, The Bridesmaid (the musical side project of Four Lions guitarist Keith MacQueen), Loui Froia Band, Mystic Park (the new vehicle for Bendigo-based singer-songwriter Shann Lions, a 25-year veteran in the independent music scene), and local superstar Mia Mazzarella – straddle, overlap and represent the various threads that comprise the rock genre.
Headlining the event is Stepmother, the Melbourne power trio who recently supported You Am I in Castlemaine. Fronted by Graham Clise (Annihilation Time, Lecherous Gaze, Rot TV, Witch) and with Equal parts motor city proto-punk and feedback-drenched fuzz on the darker side of psychedelia, Stepmother plays anthems for the poor depraved sickos and rock n roll miscreants. With influences ranging from Blue Cheer & The Pink Fairies to Nervous Eaters & The Damned, these guys are sure to bring all the rock n roll vibes to Bendigo this April.
The new festival is the brainchild of the aforementioned local musician Shann Lions, best known as frontman/chief songwriter for roots rockers Four Lions, and prior to that, indie rock combo Ruteger.
“For me, Gold Rock is about showcasing the different styles of music Bendigo has to offer in the best backyard venue in the town,” Lions says.
“Having bands who are playing Handle Bar for the first time is exciting. We are putting on a day out for the music fans of this town to come and listen to bands that they may become new fans of, and share in their journey.”
MC Sam Bastian will oversee festivities, Bendigo Vinyl will be DJing and Cornella Brewery will provide a hazy beer brewed especially for the festival.
“Local brewers and the local independent vinyl shop being part of this local day is a big part of it,” Lions said.
Entry is free, and doors open at 3pm.
Keep up with the latest event updates here.
