Tag: Sherbet

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gimme That Guitar Becomes Harvey James Tribute

The forthcoming Gimme that Guitar concert, which was to be a fundraiser for the late Sherbet guitarist Harvey James, will now be a tribute show celebrating the music he played and loved.

“This is such a sad time, especially for Harvey’s family,” the remaining members of Sherbet said in a statement. “We were all hoping that he’d be with us for Gimme That Guitar; sadly it was not to be.  Harvey stepped into Sherbet at a critical time, and his stunning talent and infectious personality immediately shone through. After all these years, his wonderful solos still shine. It will never be the same again without Harv. RIP old mate.”

The remaining members of Sherbet will pay their respects, along with musical friends Richard Clapton, Renee Geyer, Ian Moss, Swanee, and more. Harvey’s sons Gabriel and Joshua will play guitar in the Band of Friends, and Gabriel will also take his father’s place in the Sherbet line-up. Longtime Sherbet fan and pal Libbi Gorr will act as MC.

If you want to go and don’t have a ticket you’re fresh out of luck. Tickets to the February 17 gig at Sydney’s Factory Theatre sold out in just two days. If you’d still like to make a donation to Harvey’s family and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, you can do it through the Gimme That Guitar website.

Image source: Gimme that Guitar website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

R.I.P. Harvey James

The Australian music industry has lost another of its own, with the passing of Harvey James. The Sherbet guitarist died last night in Melbourne aged 58 following a battle with lung cancer.

“Dad passed away peacefully at 8.15 pm tonight,” his daughter Alexandra wrote on the Send Your Love To Harvey James’ Facebook page. “We would like to thank everybody for all the wonderful support over the past 6 months. The love has been overwhelming. Rest in peace my gorgeous, funny, amazing father. We will miss you every day forever.”

Harvey joined Sherbet after stints with Mississippi alongside Little River Band’s Beeb Birtles and Graham Goble and Ariel, with Spectrum’s Mike Rudd. He replaced Sherbet’s founding member Clive Shakespeare, and was with the band for their biggest hit, “Howzat.” He left Sherbet in 1982, two years before they eventually disbanded.

Sherbet planned to reform for the Gimme That Guitar benefit concert to raise funds for Harvey next month. At this stage it’s unclear whether that sold-out show will go ahead, but we’ll keep your posted. Until then, here’s the video for that mammoth hit.