The Life and Time Stories of Australian Musicians, Performance Artists and those who commenced their 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, and 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 story of Sam See.

Four part programs are generally representative of someone whose life story is both well told, and extremely full. This is the case with Sam See.

Sam and his story helps us realise that age is no barrier. Boomer artists they are still very much active and continue to leave quite a legacy.

The story entertains and informs us with a combination of humor and well-developed story- telling skills and in doing so, he lays before us his journey into a life of music.

Here we are actually sharing in a form of living history.  Both the development of contemporary Australian music and social actions from the 1960’s have had a major impact Australia today.

Through Sam’s experiences and observations that we get a unique snapshot of this highly energised period of musical development in Australia.

In Part 1 of the program we learn how Sam’s music started with violin lessons in school. The lessons that also involved the piano and cello.

We learn how Sam became enamoured with the guitar. This was despite being taught violin, piano and cello.

With the use of well developed storytelling skills and more than a dash of humour Sam unravels his journey into the world of music and performance. We follow how he made the transition from being a group of mates playing occasionally, to becoming a full-time musician.

But there is more! We are reminded of the way our society was rapidly changing as we moved through the 1960’s.  However, it is the 1970’s where he begins to connect with some memorable bands and artists. This in turn leads to creating his own memorable moments.

Among the many groups he was a member of in this period were, Flying Circus, Sherbert, and Fraternity to name a few.

Into part 3 and we learn a lot more of Sam and his musical passions.  He continued playing with many seminal bands and artists. These included such bands include Sherbet and The Johnny Farnham Band:

The Zarsoff Brothers:

Stockley, See & Mason:

As his story unfolds we learn about his musical adventures in the USA, especially living in San Francisco in the very early 1970’s, and of his time in Canada.

We learn that there are real highs and desperate lows.  When the adventures were over, it was time to return to Australia.  Then, he was immediately “grabbed” by another Australian band, and taken to England.

So it is we all travel with Sam through the 1980’s and ‘90s enjoying every moment of a well told story.

Over the years he has honed his skills as a guitarist, keyboard player, vocalist and songwriter.

His story is both entertaining and educative as he shares his many experiences in the Australian and overseas music scenes.

In Part 4 – the final part of his story, Sam reflects on his career.  He brings us up to date with his latest activities. In doing so it reminds us, that his memories are sharp, and his music is still in great demand. 

Sam is an accomplished songwriter. Among his successes is having written the track “Reasons”, which John Farnham recorded and turned into a massive hit. And so it is that his career continues today.

Continuing to be in great demand in 2014 he toured with Brian Cadd and Glenn Shorrock on their national tour. That tour was titled – “Sharkey & The Cadman”

He continues to write and compose and produce for a range of artists and projects. He has an ongoing collaboration with his close friend and well known vocalist and guitarist – Glyn Mason. This partnership is in the form the form of their very popular duo, The Pardoners.

Even more recently he formed the trio, Field, See and Mason, with the addition of Lindsay Field. Playing extensively around Melbourne, with their album – “Down Under The Covers”, forming the basis of their show.

This trio was then further expanded into a 6 piece show playing larger venues with the show – The Wilbury Legends.

The Wilbury Legends lineup stars Field, See & Mason, acclaimed harmony act with vocalists Lindsay Field, Sam See and Glyn Mason with a stellar band –

Angus Burchall (drums) from John Farnham Band

Adrian Scott (keyboards) from Air Supply

& Paul Cartwright (bass) from Brian Cadd and Glenn Shorrock bands.

His career will continue for as long as he is able to play, as music is more than a job, it is part of his soul.

Sam See – Part 1

Sam See – Part 2

Sam See – Part 3

Sam See – 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