The Life and Music Journey of Mick Hamilton in Australia

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. 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 Mick Hamilton.

Born in Victoria in 1947, Mick epitomises those born into what we now call the Baby Boomer Generation.

australian rock of ages: number 9 - mick hamilton — Mick Hamilton: circa 1968 – CLICK to enlarge

Well educated and with excellent communication skills Mick takes us on a well-constructed journey through his life.

Join him on his story from his earliest recollections onto that of a young man and the development of his career.

Learn how he developed his music career and what he had to do to keep himself alive while developing it.

Mick’s career takes off like a rocket with the group, The Moods. They get the job of supporting the Rolling Stones on their second tour in Australia. This helps assist them in developing a large and devoted following.

In Part 2 of the story, Mick recollects how music and culture were both undergoing massive changes during the 1960’s. He was earning from his music in three nights work, as much as his father did in a week.

There are many fascinating stories that he shares. Among them is his Vietnam experience. Mick missed out on being conscripted by the ballot being held at this time. Along with his group, The Vibrants, he went to Vietnam to entertain the troops. His recollections of the events of that time are shared with his views of that period that he now holds today.

This is great listening!

Part 3 – Mick has played professionally in rock bands from his mid-teens, as a guitarist and vocalist. He worked in many capacities including as a sideman. However, he has also worked as band leader, solo performer, record producer and musical director.

He played an important role in the bands and individual artists with whom he has worked from the 60s.

These include The Moods (recording ‘Rum Drunk’) and The Vibrants (‘Something About You Baby’ ). He also performed in the Springfield Revival and the rockabilly band the Mighty Guys.

He worked and recorded with, Alan Caswell, Keith Glass and Gary Young. With the latter pair as Glass Hamilton Young. They recorded the tracks Rocking Cowboy, Songs The Radio Taught Us and Unidentified Playing Objects.

He and Glass also recorded as the Dimmer Twins.

His list of artists he has worked is is indeed vast.

Mick has also toured extensively outside Australia. These include appearances in Thailand, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, the UK and the USA.

Mick makes it clear that even though he is still playing today, like many Baby Boomers, he’s winding back.

He also shares why he has a dislike for the new music streaming systems. This leads into why it is hard for any artists to make a living these days.

This is the final part of his story of Baby Boomer Mick Hamilton. We share an extensive discussion about the state of the Australian music industry.

Mick also shares why he is pessimistic about where this once great Australian cultural industry is at now.

He talks about while his professional music making is backing off, it has by no means ended.

Mick is also a passenger on spaceship Earth and holds very strong views on the state of this planet. He shares his views on the state of this planet in regard to ecological issues.

Like many of us, he has experienced his share of ups and downs. Mick now lives a contented life with his partner, Lynn Thorpe. it is clear that he sees life as a terrific journey, and it’s a journey that is far from over.