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 3-part story of Howard Freeman.
Now, if there’s one thing the Baby Boomer Generation is generally known for, it’s speaking their mind. Another is, remaining active! Howard Freeman could be said to be speaking for many Boomers when he says, “We aren’t finished yet!”
This man is outgoing, active and a deeply considerate man. Not for him a life of contemplation and resignation. For him, life is still about contributing. This is demonstrated with the Australian music industry where worked hard to assist in its support and development.
Even in retirement he focuses a lot of his energy into his local community. But he will tell you he still remains actively committed to Australian live music.
His work in and for the Australian music industry began at the incredibly young age of four. Now his resume from that point on is to say at the very least, incredibly impressive.
Howard remained incredibly active through the 1960’s and into the 21st Century.
This is demonstrated as you listen to Howard talk. He shares a highly informative and fascinating journey through the Melbourne and Australian music scene.
As we continue with the story of Howard Freeman, in Part 2 of his story, we begin to unpick the many elements to his industry involvement. For example, he has been a venue owner, group manager, stage manager and a production manager.
His activities cover dealing with small local Melbourne “underground” groups through to some of Australia’s greatest music groups.
Among the known Australian groups he has worked with are, Sherbet; Dragon; Jimmy Barnes; The Divinyls and Midnight Oil.
We learn the major International acts Howard has worked with many. These include but not limited to, Barbara Streisand; Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, Luciano Pavarotti, Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones.
Furthermore it becomes clear that Howard’s story is not one of simply a list of artists, group’s facts and figures. It is the story behind these artists shows. Do it is his story reveals the untold story of the work put in by Aussie road crews. It is also the story of Howard flying over 6.5mllion kilometres in his work.
We share in how the shows he worked on and organised assisted in breaking down apartheid in South Africa. All this while he thoroughly entertains us with his stories of life on the road.
Through his stories we understand his work in the music industry is far more than just being a key organisational figure. Howards stories involve educating the public on the pressures and stresses on Aussie road crews. These are the road crews that bring amazing shows to Australian audiences.
By Part 3 we begin to understand that despite his larger than life personality, Howard is rarely seen “out front”. He is the man responsible for organising and getting huge international artists from one venue to another. He is responsible for organising the pulling down of the stages, equipment and associated props. But then he has to organise, moving them, and overseeing the setting up at the next venue.
All this means Australian audiences will have seen the best possible show where the artists can work creatively. They don’t need to be worried about any organisation issues; they can focus on their creative skills.
Having been involved at the highest level, after almost seven decades of this hectic, demanding work, he has backed off.
It has taken its physical and mental toll on Howard but he remains active in a different role. Now he works to make certain a new generation of stage and show workers are properly equipped. He now works to make certain live performances and the music industry in general remains – VIBRANT!
Over recent years Howard has put a lot of time and energy into assisting ageing road crews.
Not for them the luxury of retirement with Superannuation. Now Howard works closely with Support Act. This is an industry organisation that assists Australian artists. 
However, his “baby” is Roady4Roadies. They Organise and raise money for those ageing road crews who are suffering mentally and physically. These are conditions bought about by decades of dedication to the live music industry.
It is hard to find a better legacy to be remembered by.
Howard Freeman – Part 1
Howard Freeman – Part 2
Howard Freeman – Part 3
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
Program #13 – Chris Stockley: Click here
Program #14 – Frank Howson: Click here
Program #15 – Mick Elliott: Click here
Program #16 – Pat Wilson: Click here
Program #17 – Lindsay Field: Click here
Program #18 – David Pepperell: Click here
