Newport resident and music legend Bobby Bright is one half of ’60s and ’70s beat pop duo Bobby and Laurie. He speaks with Goya Dmytryshchak.
What’s your connection to the city of Hobsons Bay?
I came to live in Williamstown back in 1972 to escape inner-city madness. The view from Gem Pier convinced me I had found the right spot. Since then I’ve moved around the area a quite bit until finally settling in Newport.
In the 47 years you’ve lived in Hobsons Bay, what are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen?
All the building along the Strand and the view across to Webb Dock. The price of buying a home. I lived in Osborne Street when house prices there went from around $300,000 to $1,000,000 in a very short period. The influx of younger families. There was a time when you couldn’t buy black olives and artichoke hearts and many other delicious foods. Also, the number of cafes where you can get a good coffee.
What do you like about Newport?
From Newport I can be almost anywhere in 30 minutes – the airport, city or Brighton, for instance.
What would you change or what could be improved?
Not much. It’s got everything I need and no tourists.
What are some of your favourite places around Newport, particularly during the lockdowns?
During lockdown, it’s been my little home studio and the park down the end of my street. Also the deli in Second Avenue.
What’s your favourite local cafe or restaurant in the area?
Motorino in Vernon Street, South Kingsville. Never had a bad meal there and the staff are friendly and attentive.
You’ve had an amazing career. What are some of your fondest memories?
Performing at the Myer Music Bowl with Laurie Allen to 70,000 people. Playing the doctor in the rock opera Tommy, also at the Myer Music Bowl. Having our (Bobby and Laurie) first record, I Belong with You, go to No. 1 on the charts. Similarly with Hitch Hiker.
What do you get up to these days?
I do the occasional voice-over and I still write songs.
What are some of the voice-overs you’ve done?
In the ’70s, there was nothing I didn’t do ads for: Qantas, BHP, Myer, Holden, Ford, pretty much anything that needed voicing. In the ’80s, I was the voice of Bunnings for about 10 years. These days it seems I’m the voice of older people and I do mainly ads for old folks homes.
What type of music do you like listening to?
I really like reggae and I still like exploring for new music in any genre, as long as it is not rap.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I love listening to Agatha Christie novels on audiobooks. It beats television for me.
