Pleasure and Pain

“What a life” were the words Chrissy Amphlett concluded a Facebook post with, revealing her battle with MS. The news came on the eve of a 2007 tour. Driven by the power of music and an unreal strength, she would perform every show with a fiery disposition. She would collapse once the applause had settled, but she owned the stage – such was her way. A breast cancer diagnosis would come three years later.
On April 21, 2013, she passed away. Amphlett was born and bred in Geelong and formed the Divinyls after meeting Mark McEntee in 1980. The band would release five albums before splitting in 1996. In February, Amphlett Lane, off Little Bourke Street between Spring and Exhibition streets, was officially opened by Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, following the collection of more than 7000 signatures.
On Sunday, October 25, Chrissy’s birthday, Geelong’s Barwon Club will pay homage to the one and only. TV presenter and singer Angie Hilton, The Voice’s Michael Stangel, Dave Stevens and Grant Whiteside and Roger Pedretti of The Glitter Gang will form an all-star band, while Neanderthals of the Future and For Pluto serve as support. The show will also serve to support Multiple Sclerosis Limited. It should be a ripper.