The Life and Time Stories of Australian Musicians, Performance Artists and those who commenced their contributed to the Australian Music industry from the 1950’s through to the 1970’s.
Australian Rock of Ages is a series of interviews conducted with artists, entrepreneurs, managers. Those who promoted and contributed to the Australian Music Industry. All were born in Australia or settled in Australia during the halcyon years of the late 1950’s through to the late 1970’s.
We present a different story each month.
This program features the 4-part story of Chris Stockley.
Born in the UK in 1948, we learn about Chris and his family which includes his grandparents.
Chris became enamored with music at a young age. He developed a love for Rock ‘n’ Roll, but a passion for the Blues. In fact he was 14 when the British music scene of the 60’s exploded around him.
We follow the story of a somewhat distressed Chris. He was uprooted when his parents migrate to Australia in the early 1960’s. The trigger for his dismay was that it was all “happening” musically around him in the UK.
We learn of the misgivings the family had when they arrived in Melbourne. This pales into comparison with Chris’ dismay about the music scene he found on his arrival.
However, Chris connects with another young man who had a similar tastes in music – John Pugh. All of a sudden life isn’t so bad and he sets out to start his first band.
Part 2
He quickly realises that Melbourne, and indeed the Australian music and cultural scene, was years behind Britain. At first dismayed he explains how he then saw an opportunity to fulfill his music dreams.
So he forms his first duo which mutates into his first band – The Roadrunners.
Chris’ story takes us through a journey of the embryonic Melbourne music scene. A journey as seen through the eyes of this gifted and somewhat musically besotted teenager.
Eventually Chris joins his first professional group, Cam-pact.
Cam-pact has some success even though most of their recordings were covers of American soul music. The group tried writing their own music but it would not fully meet Chris’ musical needs.
However he was receiving recognition among his peers as a talented musician. He was invited to join the legendary Brian Cadd and Glenn Shorrock in the amazing group – Axiom.
Learn how the group, at its height of popularity, travelled to work and record in the UK and, flopped! Chris candidly shares the stories and reasons behind this unexpected and disastrous failure.
Part 3
Much of the program is spent peeling back the layers of the development and history of the Dingoes. They were unquestionably one of Australia’s most iconic groups of the 1970’s.
The group amassed an amazing live following and released some amazing music on albums. Chris tells further helped him develop not only his guitar licks but also his song writing.
Little is held back as we follow the story of the Dingoes success and their tour of the USA.
Here fame beckoned!
Then, just as their music was about to explode and their touring to take them onto major stages, it all imploded!
This was a dark time for Chris. He hides little as he talks about what happened and how he was “invited” to leave the band.
However, out of this “disaster” further opportunities arose, as Chris relates to us.
Part 4
We have listened to the story of a man who migrated to Australia in the early 1960’s as a young teen. A young man who carved out a remarkable career in some of our most noteworthy music groups.
Chris continued to play for some time, most notably, in the group Stockley, See and Mason.
However, Chris also shares how the time came when he had to focus his career on writing his own material.
This led to his recent, and first solo album – Pale New Sun.
Yet Chris still needs to play live. He formed BRAM to keep his chops up to date and to fulfill his love of Blues, Rock and Americana.
But during this program, we divert from music. Chris shares how he and his wife Jenny moved into the world of location catering for films.
And, there’s more!
Chris shares his thoughts on a range of social issues. This in turn helps us, the listener, understand even more about this amazing man.
He is now into his 70’s. Chris lives with his wife and his dog in a quieter lifestyle. It is one largely leaving the hustle and bustle of the music scene behind.
Will he ever play live again? Never say never!
Chris Stockley – Part 1
Chris Stockley – Part 2
Chris Stockley – Part 3
Chris Stockley – Part 4
Previous stories in Australian Rock Of Ages can be found via these links:
Program #1 – Bob Bright: Click here
Program #2 – Normie Rowe: Click here
Program #3 – Mike Rudd: Click here
Program #4 – Phil Manning: Click here
Program #5 – Marcie Jones: Click here
Program #6 – Ross D. Wylie: Click here
Program #7 – Lynn Thorpe: Click here
Program #8 – Sam See: Click here:
Program #9 – Mick Hamilton: Click here
Program #10 – Claire Humphrys: Click here
Program #11- Glyn Mason: Click here
Program #12 – David Flint: Click here
