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Willie's Bar and GrillRob Hirst Picador, Sydney, 2003 Reviewed by Julian Porter Did you hear the one about the drummer who wrote a book? Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst will have copped his fair share of smart-arse remarks since he decided in late 2001 to begin documenting the band's travels for a potential piece of travel writing/rock and roll reminiscence. Unfairly of course, most will realise that Hirst was always the most quietly articulate of the Oils. Here he goes into full cub-reporter mode, diligently noting events, thoughts and descriptions as the bands tour-bus wends its way from LA to New York and back on a torturous 25-city slog beginning only a month after September 11. Thankfully though theres more to it than that! Hirst is confident enough to break up the narrative regularly with anecdotes and memories ranging from a childhood of ship-spotting on Sydney Harbour through early Farm gigs and on to the bands heady late 80s peak. Perhaps scared this wouldnt be enough hes taken the time to pack as many interesting experiences into the trip as possible (music Halls of Fame in at least four cities) and to really observe the American people in their hour of grief. The result is a fascinating travelogue that gives uniquely individual perspectives on many of the worlds greatest (and least great) cities. Hunter S. Thompson wont be quaking in his boots but Bill Bryson might!
This review originally appeared in Time-Off, Brisbane Music Forum Vol 10 No 1 |
