Rock legend set to visit region

There’s little Paulie Stewart OAM hasn’t done in his life and locals will be able to hear all about it when he visits Portland Library on Thursday, 29 August.

The Australian rock legend and activist will appear at a special Libraries After Dark event to discuss his memoir, All the Rage.

But those attending the free event will also get an extra treat – Paulie will perform a special live set with guest guitarist Colin Badger.

All the Rage explores how Paulie channelled his anger from the murder of his brother Tony, one of the Balibo Five group of journalists murdered by the Indonesian Army in the-then East Timor, into the infamous punk rock band Painters & Dockers that put the Australian music scene on notice.

From being formed with the intention of a one-time performance to pay a friend’s parking fine, Painters & Dockers became a 40-year-long punk rock band with a cult following.

Paulie’s activism also formed the Dili Allstars, which highlighted the plight of the Timorese, and he tirelessly supports Timor-Leste’s Alma Nuns.

And not only was Paulie a rockstar and activist, but he also worked as a music journalist with the Melbourne Herald Sun for 30 years, penning the All the Rage column.

A much-anticipated memoir that transcends music and activism, All the Rage is full of laugh-out-loud anecdotes of his encounters with major stars, including Billy Idol, Keith Richards, the Wiggles and Nick Cave.

St Kilda-born Paulie also has a close affinity with Australia’s First Nations people.

His daughter was the first female Prime Minister in Australia’s National Indigenous Youth Parliament, and he was instrumental in setting up charity and music industry groups the PRICS, the Mirabel Foundation, The Push and Ausmusic.

Despite a life-threatening liver transplant – Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos Horta, a close friend, quipped “Heaven didn’t want him and Hell wouldn’t let him in” – Paulie continues to mentor refugees and young people at risk and is still performing with the Dili Allstars and Painters & Dockers.

Details

Portland Library

Thursday, August 29, 7– 8.30pm

FREE event, light refreshments provided

Bookings preferred – either by phoning (03)5522 2265, email [email protected], or message Glenelg Libraries on Facebook or Instagram.