Pub Rock Portraits

Celebrate the people, places and sounds of Australian pub rock and its enduring impact on our nation’s identity with PUB ROCK now on at the National Gallery until 14 February 2021 followed by a national tour.

The pub rock phenomenon spread across Australia throughout the 70s and 80s, resulting in an evolution of music that has had an enduring impact on Australia’s identity and culture. Numerous Australian bands cultivated their style and their followings in urban pubs, making these venues – some now long-gone – integral to the evolution of Australian rock and pop music. For the artists documenting this distinct cultural moment, the line between fan and portraitist was naturally blurred.

Pub Rock celebrates the people, places, scenes and sounds defining 1970s and 1980s Australia. Drawn primarily from the Gallery’s collection and enriched with works by leading Australian music photographers including Tony Mott and Wendy McDougall, Pub Rock will feature staged portraits and publicity shots alongside images captured during unguarded moments and the grungy energy of live performances.

Get in amongst the staged portraits, publicity shots and grungy energy of live performance as pioneering acts like The Easybeats, Little Pattie and Johnny O’Keefe share the stage with global players and local favourites. The line-up includes AC/DC, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, INXS, Nick Cave, The Bee Gees, Kylie Minogue, Paul Kelly, Yothu Yindi, Marcia Hines and many more.

This vibrant (sometimes sweaty) exhibition of homegrown rock ‘n’ roll, punk and pop features works from the NPG collection alongside images by leading Australian music photographers.

See the legends AND hear them!

Pub Rock have made an accompanying Spotify Playlist for your browsing pleasure

Timed ticketing is in place for those who are able to make the exhibition in person.

“For those who cannot travel outside their areas at present, the majority of portraits in the exhibition will be available online as well as videos and a curated Spotify playlist. In coming weeks we will launch a live streamed event together with a series of virtual tours and talks for visitors to participate in online.”

It’s Free – BOOK HERE

[main image – Jimmy Barnes at he Coogee Bay Hotel 1984 – Greg Matthews]