Max Merritt. A Loved Legend.

3 July 2008

Last night I went to a special function. It was a launch of a DVD featuring Australian rock luminaries from the 1960’s and 70’s playing in a concert. Normie Rowe, Doug Parkinson and many others belted out tunes with passion and voices that were as good or better than they ever were.

This passion was stirred by the fact that their great friend and fellow star, Max Merritt was seriously ill with kidney disease, and needed their help.

That’s why they were on the DVD. The proceeds were going towards helping Max. And last night all the people involved were together in the same room in Melbourne’s gorgeous Palais Theatre to launch the DVD and to pay tribute to Max.

What was fantastic about the night was the love. Speech after speech was made by people who obviously adore Max Merritt. There were plenty of stories of how Max started their careers or at least influenced them. There were tears, not the least from Max himself.

He was a bit emabrrassed by it all though. As the speechmakers were gushing over him, Max sat along at a nearby table with his head in his hand, occcasionally flicking me a bemused glance when words like ‘trailblazer’ and ‘greatest’ were tossed out.

To be at such a place for such an occasion makes you realise how our community can really be a community. Rock people are rarely rich, despite their hit singles, yet they still give their time and art to help one of their kind.

I’m honoured that I was asked to be there.

Max, by the way, will be on the Club this morning. have a listen if you can.

- Phil