Michael Chugg | Long Play Series

Michael Chugg AM, is a pioneering entrepreneur, artist manager and tour promoter. Born in Launceston, he started working in music at the age of 15 organising a dance with local band The Dominos to raise money for his cycling club. He was soon hitching between Launceston and Hobart, organising gigs for The Easybeats, The Twilights and The Groove. After moving to Melbourne, he joined Consolidated Rock Agency and in 1978, he co-founded the Frontier Touring Company, one of biggest promoters in Australia, touring acts like Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Guns N’ Roses and Bob Dylan. Throughout his career he has won many awards including Pollstar’s International Promoter of the Year, and in 1998 he was appointed Member of the Order of Australia for his services to music and philanthropy.
In this interview, ‘Chuggi’ talks to Brian Nankervis about the first Australian concert he ever attended, a double bill with Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs and Max Merritt and the Meteors. He also shares his experience working in the glory days of pub rock with bands like Chain, Spectrum, The La De Das, Daddy Cool, Jeff St John, Lobby Loyde and Billy Thorpe, and also his more recent experiences with Brisbane pop group, Sheppard.
Interviewer: Brian Nankervis
Location: Melbourne Room, Arts Centre Melbourne 2017
For more Australian Music Vault stories and information visit www.australianmusicvault.com.au/
As part of our commitment to capturing and sharing great Australian music stories, the Australian Music Vault asked some of the country’s most influential trailblazers and unsung heroes to open up about their lives in music as part of our Long Play Series.

[@Bluesology-Melbourne]

Thanks Brian Nankervis and Australian Music Vault, great interview. Michael Chugg is one of a handful of honest and straightforward Australian music promoters striving to protect proper payment to musicians and crew. Nice to hear recognition of roadies like "Scrooge" Maddigan, one of the founders of Support Act.

[@australianmusicvault4604]

Hi Eric thanks for the feedback, we also have a Long Play Series interview on this channel with Scrooge Maddigan himself which you might enjoy!

[@lordclassic3026]

Raymond J is such good interviewer.

[@seanmcwha9325]

Chuggy is such a legend. Love the way he is so open. People like him is how I grew up, such a larrikin, yet so honest. Loved it. Thank you again, and thanks Chuggy👍🏼👍🏼

[@margaretsweetman9283]

Argh the memories Michael.

[@kerridonelan8823]

Love you Chuggie, you are a legend xx

[@philipmatthews7128]

Great to watch, so many stories told and untold.

[@australianmusicvault4604]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@janama77]

Thank you for that post. It took me back through the years. Thanks Chuggy for your openness and honesty.

[@Aussietari]

So Wish you would Interview the Great "Harry Vanda."😌

[@allymayful]

Great idea. Also Snowy over here in WA.

[@leefisher726]

That will never happen... He's from the young and vanda stable but I would love it if he did but content...

[@brettsmith3173]

very interesting thanks

[@dailybackup8372]

his years are a bit out but good interview