Paul O'Brien Collection 1970-1987
Collection
880 photographic negatives of bands and fans in the Brisbane punk scene from the late 1970s to early 1980s. The collection also contains Super8 and Video8 of youth culture in Queensland, and live performances of various Brisbane bands at venues such as The Outpost, Easts Leagues Club, Albert Park and the University of Queensland, from the late 1970s to the late 1980s. Bands include the Riptides, Pheromones, Chrysalids, Furious Turtles.
Brisbane in the late 1970s and early 1980s was characterised by a burgeoning independent music scene, as the punk rock movement swept across Australia. Numerous bands formed, along with independent record labels, often run out of bedrooms. The development of punk rock in Brisbane was unique, given its relative geographic isolation from the southern capitals. The conservative political climate in Queensland during the Bjelke-Peterson era, and the greater scrutiny afforded to student activity from Queensland police, generated some of the most antagonistic bands of the time in Australia, as young people reacted to the oppressive conditions and gave voice to their frustration. Lack of regular venues played a large part in how and where the scene developed, but Radio 4ZZZ, based at the University of Queensland provided a focus for musical endeavour and youth culture.
In copyright.
Library Board of Queensland