In late March I was lucky enough to be in Sydney to see my dear friend (and regular lunch companion) Murray (Muzz) Burns perform with a reformed Mi-Sex, a band that he was a founding member of in New Zealand in the late 1970’s. Matt and I danced down the front at The Annandale Hotel and sang/screamed every word to songs that Murray wrote at the top of our voices with quite a few hundred others! It was so much fun, one of the stand out shows I have been to in years! and throughout it all Muzz was beaming, thoroughly enjoying himself.
After the show I ran upstairs to the band room and gave Muzz a big squeeze and told him just how awesome he was, we congratulated the rest of the band on an outstanding performance and wished them well for their gig the next day.
That very next day Murray suffered a debilitating stroke, 3 songs into their gig at Melbourne’s A Day on The Green.
Over 25 years ago Murray and his Mi-Sex band mates were travelling through Byron Bay, and as they stood on Coolamon Scenic Drive overlooking Byron Bay at 6am, Murray knew he would return. In 1996 Muzz bought two hectares of land not far from where they stood that morning. Murray works as a musician, composer, producer, original & current Mi Sex keyboardist and he plays bass with local band “Goodrich”.
Friends, fans and family are gathering on the night of ANZAC DAY, Wednesday, April 25th for what i am sure will be an unforgettable night of rock & roll featuring a star-studded line up of Murray’s musical pals to raise funds to assist Murray during his period of recovery.
The confirmed line up consists of:
Brian Cadd – Member of the ARIA Hall Of Fame, internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and former member of The Group and the legendary Axiom. Brian’s signature hits include Little Ray Of Sunshine, Show Me The Way, Let Go, and Gingerman – WATCH VIDEO
Russell Morris – Member of the ARIA Hall Of Fame, and one of Australia’s most admired and successful singer-songwriters. His hits include The Real Thing, The Wings Of An Eagle, Sweet Sweet Love, and Hush – WATCH VIDEO
Glenn Shorrock – Member of The ARIA Hall of Fame, former lead singer of the famed Little River Band, Axiom and The Twilights, and now a highly successful solo performer. Famous for hits like Cool Change, Help Is On It’s Way, Shut Down Turn Off, Home On Monday & Dream Lover – WATCH VIDEO
Gyan – One of Australia’s most unique voices, Byron’s own Gyan is an ARIA Award winning singer-songwriter who has earned acclaim for her hits like Wait & It’s Alright, as well as her unique collaboration with the cartoonist Leunig – WATCH VIDEO
The Firetree – Byron Bay duo pairing sublime harmonies and contrasting yet complimentary vocals in one superb pop groove.
The hand-picked supergroup for the night will consist of Tony Naylor on Lead Guitar (The Bootleg Family, Brian Cadd), Alan Park on Keyboards (Cliff Richard, The Feramones), Kerry Jacobsen on Drums (Dragon), Greg Lyon on Bass (Crossfire, The Feramones), and Andy Thompson on Sax (Moving Pictures).
I have also been told that we should expect some surprise guests, surprise happenings, and a lot of great music, love and laughter to raise money to help Muzz with his recovery. A night to celebrate a great, gifted and gentle man. Get well soon Muzz!
Doors open 7pm – 25th April 2012 The Buddha Bar/Byron Bay Brewery
All Tickets: $50 at the door, or via the venue: Phone 0266855833 – Also available at the Mullumbimby Bookshop & the Byronian Cafe (Jonson Street).
If you would like to make a donation the details are as follows:
MURRAY BURNS TRUST ACCOUNT
Westpac Byron Bay
BSB – 732 573
A/C – 635 656
