Live at The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley, 17 April 2021
Blowhard formed on the Brisbane underground punk scene in 1989, led by vocalist Brentyn “Rollo” Rollason. For thirty years they were a cornerstone of independent music in Brisbane. The band released the albums “Blowin’ Off” in 1993, “Hornbag” in 1996 and “The Toxic Swing” in 2009, along with countless EPs, singles and compilations.
Rollo was a larger-than-life character whose wild onstage antics left a mark on generations of punters. Offstage, he was a champion of DIY music, helping countless other bands get their start as a gig organiser and owner of record label Splurt Records.
Rollo died suddenly of natural causes in 2019, and the following year a park in the suburb of Norman Park was renamed in his honour, reflecting both his stature in the local music community and his years of service as an employee of Brisbane City Council.
In 2021, a huge tribute show called “The Last Blow” was staged at The Tivoli, headlined by Blowhard along with a massive cast of guests. Proceeds were donated to the Rollason family and community radio station 4ZZZ, which Rollo had a long association with.
Recorded by James Potts
Mixed by James Potts
Show production, engineering and host: Scott Mercer
Originally aired via Zed Digital, 7-8pm, Sunday 6 March, 2022