Aussie rock legends Jimmy Barnes, Jon Stevens, Ian Moss and the Choirboys belted out well-known tunes to a huge crowd at Lighthouse Rock festival at Burnett Heads on Saturday.
And for two Bundaberg musicians, Jackson Dunn and Abby Skye, it was a dream come true to perform on the same stage as some of the biggest names in Australian music.
Thousands of music lovers rolled in, some dressed to impress in matching outfits, to enjoy the Saturday afternoon in the delightful spring weather listening to fantastic Aussie rock at Burnett Heads.
Growing up in Bundaberg, Jackson Dunn is described as a powerhouse Australian blues and roots artist and he said he was excited to return to his hometown to perform in front of family and friends at Lighthouse Rock festival.
“I’m absolutely stoked – when I got the call I was in a hotel somewhere in the desert, and (I) had just finished writing ‘Feel My Lingo’ a song about living life on the road and chasing your dreams as a touring musician,” Jackson said.
“Then I got asked to join these proper legends of the industry at a concert in my hometown – that was an absolute ‘wow’ moment for me!
“It felt like everything was coming together.”
Lighthouse Rock line-up brings back fond memories
Jackson recalls fond memories of rock music legends visiting the Bundaberg Region when he was a child, which inspired him to pursue a career in music.
“I guess growing up in Australia, we all knew Cold Chisel and Barnesy,” Jackson said.
“I have a lot of memories of people asking me to play Khe Sahn at pretty much every town I’ve ever played.
“Growing up across the road from former live venue Krystals, as a kid I would often watch these legends load in and later that night hear them play from my bedroom as I fell asleep.
“I remember even then thinking how cool they were and that I wanted the same life.”
Abby has Lighthouse Rock home advantage
While Abby, who has delivered many performances in the local music scene recently, agreed with Jackson, saying it was a privilege to perform with the music super stars in her own town.
“Playing alongside these absolute icons of Aussie rock is obviously a career highlight, but also a life one!” she said.
“I definitely have the home-turf advantage, which I’m delighted about!
“This community gives me so much love and I know I’ll see hundreds of familiar faces, so there’s no nerves, just total excitement.”
As Abby warmed up the early afternoon crowd for the outstanding line up that was to follow at this year’s Lighthouse Rock festival, she said it had been an honour.
“I’m honoured to be on the bill with them for this phenomenal event,” Abby said.
“They’re all undeniable rock stars with music that will long outlive us all.
“The impact they’ve had in the Australian music scene is embedded in our very history – plus I just love their sound.”
The duo were also joined by local band Evergreen Aus who played a set as part of their win in the recent Triple M Battle of the Bands event at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.
Jayden Schmich, Daniel Szabo, Zach Riley and Liam Fitzgerald make up the eclectic rock four-piece.
