Music memorabilia collectors should check out this upcoming online auction dedicated to the filthy raw Rock n Roll experience that is so uniquely Geelong.
Take a moment to think of an iconic music photograph. Perhaps it’s Johnny Cash flipping the bird to photographer Jim Marshall during his legendary San Quentin State Prison concert. Maybe it is the Beatles and their last public performance on the rooftop of their Apple Corps headquarters. Many have had these images on their wall, on a t-shirt or as a screensaver.
Locally, Ron McPherson is a photographer who has spent his life documenting the Geelong music scene (’70s-’90s), immortalising moments of bands and artists remembered and forgotten but all of whom during their time in the sun provided a soundtrack to summer days and winter nights. They are images that make us feel part of a story.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Unfortunately, Ron has been having some health issues and a photography book he had in the making has been put on the backburner.
Having spent his entire life documenting the filthy raw Rock n Roll experience that is so uniquely Geelong, the community is rallying behind the photographer with a number of fundraising efforts to help fund the creation of the photobook, including a fundraising auction.
Organised by Rick Chesshire – one of our favourite Aussie rock and roll cartoonists – the auction will take place from Tuesday, January 25 and run until Friday, February 18 2022.
Included in the auction are some rare and collectable items from the likes of Radio Birdman, Magic Dirt, Tumbleweed, Warped, Anti-Fade, Dr. Colossus and heaps more, many bands synonymous with the heyday of 90’s Geelong rock’n’roll. Items include a BORED European tour poster from 1990, a Magic Dirt pack with assorted LPs, CDs, singles and stubbie holders, River Rocks original art and Warped vinyl and CD pack, among many others.
Bidding starts at prices ranging from $30-$100, with all money going directly to help Ron with getting his health in check and a book on the shelf.
You can view the auction here.
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Alongside the auction efforts, there is also a GoFundMe organised by Rick Chesshire with a goal of $5000.
“I’ve set up this Gofundme to thank Ron McPherson for taking so many amazing photos during Geelong’s Music Scene Circa 70s-90s. I missed the entire era and without his photos, I just wouldn’t have the same connection to it,” the Go Fund Me description reads.
“His photos will leave your jaw on the floor for days. No flash, no bullshit. 100% as raw and alive as the music he captured.”
The third is a fundraiser locked in at the Barwon Club on January 25, 2022.
Future Tongues will kick off the night, followed by Sacramento Sweaters, Shanty Tramp, The Dive Bombs, Poppin’ Mommas and Swedish Magazines. DJ Two Fingers (Mick Simpson of Grindhouse) and DJ Bebe Claw (Rick Chesshire and Bridie) will keep things cooking.
Every little bit helps, and we thank you for it.
You can purchase tickets to the BC gig here.
