The Brisbane music scene was devastated by the loss of stalwart performer Alan "Fred" Noonan in May 2024 following a long illness. Fred’s extensive community of bandmates will come together for ‘and event, "Rocky’s Boogie", at the Tivoli in Brisbvane this Saturday, August 10 to celebrate Fred’s legacy from the last 40-plus years.
It is no exaggeration to say that Fred was a Brisbane punk rock legend. Prior to co-founding Blowhard in 1989, Fred was a member of pioneering punk bands Brothers Of Feedback, New Improved Testament and Public Execution (who supported Dead Kennedys in 1984).
Fred was with Blowhard from 1989 to 1993 (and intermittently since). In 1991, via his cowpunk alter-ego Rocky Outcrop. He formed side-project The Fred Band, which ended up being one of Brisbane’s longest-lasting musical legacies. After leaving Blowhard in 1993, Fred co-founded Sixfthick, another enduring Brisbane institution.
Fred also took Brisbane punk's status to the international stage, undertaking several overseas tours with Sixfthick and The Jim Rockfords and finding a second home in France's Brittany region.
Fred periodically manned the drum stool for Elvis and the Burger Kings, and more recently was a member of Surfari Krishnas, RL Crocodile and 57 Below. Fred's legacy is surpassed only by that of his already-departed mate Rollo. The pair are now reunited in the punk rock afterlife, where the beer is always fine.
Fred’s mates will gather for one last boogie at the Tivoli in Brisbane this Saturday 10 August with a monumentally rocking lineup:
- Arseless Chaps (Damian Cowell of TISM and Tony Martin of Martin/Molloy)
- Dave Warner & The Suburbs
- Gentle Ben & His Shimmering Hands
- Flangipanis
The lin-up will be rounded out by The Fred Band Members and Friends, who will perform songs from Fred’s bands spanning more than 40 years. It will be huge, as befits a man of Fred’s musical legacy. Tickets are available here.
