The ARIA Hall of Fame just got a little more crowded, with six acts awarded the honour last night in Melbourne. Australian musical masters joined some of the hottest new talent to celebrate the new inductees.
Sneaky Sound System‘s Connie Mitchell duetted with disco diva and Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines, before Harry M Miller inducted her into the Hall of Fame. The legendary stage producer watched over a young Marcia when she starred in Hair.
Western Australian roots outfit The Waifs performed “I Remember You” in tribute to inductee Frank Ifield.
Jimmy Barnes then took the stage to introduce fellow musical icon and new Hall of Famer, Brian Cadd. Barnesy compared Brian’s songwriting skills to American masters Ray Charles and Hank Williams. As if to prove a point, Brian performed two of his biggest hits: “Ginger Man” with The Audreys, and “Little Ray of Sunshine” with Thirsty Merc’s Rai Thistlethwayte.
Other inductees included punk pioneers Radio Birdman, the Hoodoo Gurus, and Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons. Music manager John Woodruff, best remembered for his work with Savage Garden, was given a lifetime achievement award.
Stay tuned for a final Hall of Fame inductee to be revealed ahead of October’s ARIA Awards ceremony.