The inaugural Rock & Roll Writers Festival takes over Brisbane’s Brightside on the first weekend of April. With events staggered across the two days, you won’t have to miss a single moment of the action, but just in case you need a beer break in between all the sex, drugs, and rock and roll, here’s our take on the panels you’d be mad to miss!
1. Thou Shalt Not Steal – Saturday, 11.15am
Likely to be one of the most politically and emotionally charged panels of the weekend, don’t miss this chance to hear Uncle Bob Weatherall, Kazman, Clinton Walker, and Samuel Wagan Watson discuss the importance of cultural identity, the dangers of cultural appropriation, and the ways in which Australia’s rich indigenous history can inform and inspire contemporary music and literature.
Moderated by Tammy Lee Rock.
2. Freakin’ and Peakin’ – Saturday, 3.15pm
The rock and roll is covered, so here’s the drugs (the sex comes later!).
Join panelists BC Michaels, Andrew McMillen, Jenny Valentish, and Jake Stone, as they discuss the influence of drug use on the creative process. Are they a help or a hindrance? A danger heavily romanticised, or a way to truly tap into hidden greatness?
Moderated by Geoff Corbett.
3. True Blue – Saturday, 4.15pm
Finish Saturday with a bit of Aussie humour, as panelists Thomas Violence, Mandy Nolan, Chris Endery, and Keir Nuttall discuss writing as and for local people. Covering Aussie slang, and the distinctly Australian sense of humour, it’s dead set to be great way to end the first day of the festival!
Moderated by Bernard Zuel.
4. Let’s Get It On – Sunday, 11am
Covering that final branch of the old cliche, don’t miss this chance for a bit of good ol’ fashioned Sunday morning sexy time.
If you believe that music truly is the food of love (or lust, perhaps?), then make sure you catch this discussion between Jackie Marshall, Nicole Hayes, Thomas Violence, and Nikki McWatters, exploring the relationship between music and… well… relationships!
Moderated by Bec Mac.
5.History Never Repeats – Sunday, 2pm
From Bob Dylan, to British punk, to rap and hip hop, music has often offered a social commentary on the world into which it was released, inspired by (and perhaps even inspiring) cultural change and upheaval. If you’re keen for a little bit of history, join Chris Salewicz, Clinton Walker, and Andrew Stafford for a brief look at how music can document a specific moment in time.
Moderated by Leanne Kelly.
Check out the full program (and plan your own rock and roll experience!) by clicking here!
A Rock & Roll Writers Festival takes place on the 2nd and 3rd of April, at The Brightside, located in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. Tickets are currently available through Oztix, at $119 +bf for the full weekend, with single day tickets being released closer to the event.
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