By JO HARRISON
FOUR best mates are hitting the live music scene in Armidale re-living the glory days of Oz rock with their new band ‘Oldscool’.
Paul “Tall Paul” Mailfert, Ron “Rocky” Lane, Brian “Lanky” Moore and Peter “PH” Holzberger have been around for decades playing in different bands all over NSW.
Their musical careers began in and around Armidale in the ’70s and ’80s with the exception of Peter Holzberger who played his early music in Brisbane before moving to Armidale in 1994.
They were playing among a new and raw Australian rock sound. Ron “Rocky” Lane can even say that legendary band Cold Chisel opened for his band Mantra during gigs in Armidale.
“We decided to form the band for my school reunion,” Paul Mailfert said.
“Most of us knew each other at Armidale High School and we have performed one way or another with each other for a number of years.”
The music scene in the late ’60s and early ’70s was particularly vibrant in Armidale, with most venues offering live music. The University of New England was a popular venue.
A love of music and performing has brought the best mates back together to form the band.
“We play mostly old stuff, from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s and we have tried to choose songs that have some relevance to us,” Paul said.
“The audience can expect a great show when they come along to one of our gigs, especially for those who remember us playing a few decades ago.”
Oldscool are Armidale Club regulars and will be performing this Friday night 12 July from around 8pm.
“We are starting the show a little earlier than usual to accommodate all us old fellas that don’t like to be out too late. It should be a great night.”
