The History of Rock Music from the 1960s Onwards course celebrated its first birthday in August at the Cronulla School of Arts with terrific contributions from the group – and cake!

The course members gathered for a relaxed festive event where we reflected on what we’ve covered in the first year. It’s certainly been eclectic!

We started with The Beatles’ 1966 album Revolver as it symbolised both great change for the band and the era they were living in. Since then, we’ve explored The Easybeats, The Yardbirds, Creedence Clearwater Revival as well as Leonard Cohen and Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells, Carole King’s Tapestry and the original album version of Jesus Christ Superstar. One of our group members gave a presentation on rock bands he’d seen in the UK as their careers were burgeoning, including Dusty Springfield.

During our first birthday party, group members shared a short favourite song they’d chosen, which we played thanks to YouTube videos. They included: Sonny and Cher’s I Got You Babe, INXS’ Never Tear Us Apart (with a beautiful video clip set in Prague), Gary Moore’s Still Got The Blues and Lou Reed’s Walk On The Wild Side.

It’s been a richly rewarding first year, thanks to the wonderful members of the group, and we’ve only just begun!

The History of Rock Music From the 1960s Onwards meets on the first Thursday of the month (excluding school holidays) at the Cronulla School of Arts at 10am.

Contact Robin : robinu3asydney@gmail.com