Come January 11, for the first time in 30 years, Australian 1960s music legends Robie Porter (Rob. E.G), Lucky Starr (Leslie Morrison) and Little Pattie (Patricia Amphlett) will be in the same place at the same time.
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And they’re all coming together in Parkes because of one man – Digby ‘Dig’ Richards.
Dig was one of the country’s best rock and rollers in the late 50s and 60s, who passed away at 42 in 1983.
Now combine this trio with Dig’s brother – a Parkes man who’s also performed with a number of Aussie stars of the era – Doug Richards, Dig’s former drummer from the R’Jays Leon Isackson, and two local muscians Mick Green (piano and guitar) and Alec Riley (bass guitar), you can imagine it’d be one heck of a show.
That show is called the Wall of Famers Show, performed in honour of Dig, who is this year’s inductee on the Elvis Wall Of Fame in Parkes.
It’s called the Wall of Famers because the show will feature three artists who have been inducted on the wall, and Doug will be representing his big brother, the fourth inductee.
“We’re excited – I don’t get nervous, I get excited,” long-time friend and 2016 inductee Robie said.
“It’s going to be a heap of fun.”
The show is going to be a big dose of nostalgia for most of them, who all played together at one stage in their careers.
Best mate and 2006 inductee, Lucky said the whole occasion is “sensational”.
“Dig was a major star in the 60s, he had several huge hit records back then,” he said.
“And he was making international standards when he was struck down with his illness.
“We used to tour together, we had the same management. When I took the Lucky Starr Show on the road, Dig, Robie and the Delltones were my special guests.”
2017 will be Lucky’s first Elvis Festival he’s attended since being inducted.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
The now 76-year-old said he is still “very much into his music and performing”.
“It’s just what I do,” he said.
“I’ve been singing since I was 16 years old, that’s just over 60 years ago now,” he laughed.
For Little Pattie – who also hasn’t been to an Elvis Festival since being inducted 20 years ago – her visit back to Parkes is set to be a memorable one.
“It (the festival) was wonderful back then (1997),” she said.
“I haven’t been back since, I nearly got there a few times so this is a bit of a thrill.
“[Dig and I] co-hosted a TV game show for kids in 1965-66 – I was 15 or 16, I was just a kid.
“I think the show will be a great one.”
