Shirley Strachan - Living in the 70's (live 1988 soundcheck)

The late, great, Shirley Strachan at soundcheck for the Melbourne Music Festival performing the Skyhooks classic 'Living in the 70s'.
Love the casual stroll out to the mic with his hand in his pockets wearing thongs!

[@samsta65]

Walks on stage, smashes it out, hand in pocket, walks off stage. RIP Shirl.

[@TheCory42]

Samantha your right he had so much natural talent

[@ashleyb66]

Epic!!!

[@BS-hj6wx]

They don’t make ‘em like that any more sadly!

[@corypollard]

most amazing comment here, simples and testament to shirl....

[@russellbriggs2720]

Was this under the southern cross tour in Feb 1988? At Flemington?

[@jmc4357]

Australia’s got talent,bullshit we already had it RIP Shirl and thank you for all the great memories 🙏

[@v19c]

Back then we had REAL talent!

[@leokimvideo]

Natural raw talent. Shirl was like no one else and does his craft in stunning style even when it's a sound check.

[@robcolonnello2945]

200%👍

[@Primordilian]

Sounds lil like Mick Hucknall

[@user-fw7ze3hg2g]

Probably Hucknall sounds a bit like Shirl as shirl was before Hucknalls era I believe, but yes I can hear the comparison

[@darrylbonwick1872]

Great memories

[@ylilycam]

Was a sad day when we lost him. RIP mate

[@mascott1963]

Wow, Shirley made it look so easy , casually walks up to the mic , hand in pocket, belts out this classic song perfectly , then walks off. I miss this guy’s talent. Such a great loss 😢

[@melissajackson1217]

My amazement is how awesome the band and back up singers are - if you watch all the videos of 1988 soundcheck they don't miss a beat.

[@vviv7230]

Shirl was an effortless gifted singer, he never bragged of his natural talent, in fact he never sang much until he joined skyhooks. Let's not forget the genus of Red Symonds guitar playing.

[@davidandessi]

One the greatest vocalists in Australian Music History!

[@bloggaloggs]

God, if THAT was the soundcheck then imagine how good the SHOW would've been!

[@pixie3760]

It was brilliant

[@sueboyce5520]

What a voice! What a personality! What a loss!

[@44027]

The BEST thing to come from Australia. SKYHOOKS!

[@oskarvikstrom229]

Agree!

[@JubilationMedia]

this is better than most professionally filmed live performances. The sound is spot on. This is only a test run but sounds better than 99% of live shows. Props to Shirley and his crew

[@SuperDad58458]

Whose the cover band,They were awesome. And the girls.

[@johnfinn3023]

I was always blown away by Skyhooks live performances. I know this one was just Shirl, but the original band were as tight as a drum when playing live.

[@damo9413]

Cover what? That's Wilbur and Red too...

[@TheAshparry]

@@SuperDad58458 that is the skyhooks

[@larstorders9695]

No, it's definitely not. Shirl was the only original band member in this clip that I could see. @@TheAshparry

[@pauldunlea3669]

I met Shirl when I was about 13 years old. He had '' No Ego Of A Rock Star '' He Was So Friendly .

[@jondunmore4268]

Ego is not a dirty word.

[@shondra6]

Happy heavenly birthday shirl. It’s hard to believe you would be in the 70 s now. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@BobSpencerMusic]

Jeez Shirl was fabulous.

[@DMSProduktions]

Sure was Bob! He was my cousin thru marriage for many years! Always the gentleman!

[@DotsKangaroo]

He makes it look easy

[@kerryn6714]

Still miss Shirl heaps ✌️

[@marycolella5074]

I saw Skyhooks live when they started and they were amazing every time Shirleys vocals were just flawless. A talent like no other and the band just blew you away.

[@lighthousexiii2391]

Hey Bob, love your solo on Point in the Distance. I've taught it to some guitar students.

[@terryirvine7090]

Don't ya love how Shirl just comes on straight from "the beach" all casual laid back, no ego then does what he does well, then just walks off back to "the beach!" Sadly missed Shirl, a part of my teenage years went with you in 2001!

[@staff180908]

Pure talent no computers, LEGENDS.

[@bradleach8939]

He made that soundcheck sound like the real deal...what a talent Shirley was. RIP

[@cbccnc1283]

I would put him up there with the all time great singers such a powerful unique voice r.i.p mate

[@nickoly8731]

That was great. I hugged Shirl one time. He owned a night club in Brighton, I think it was called Alexanders. We were there to see Kevin Bloody Wilson and at the end of the night as we were leaving Shirl was at the door thanking everyone for coming. I couldn't help it I just had to give him a hug. It was an all round great night that one, it would have been about 1990. I listened to the Album " Living in the 70's" over and over again as a kid and I still have it on my ipod that I play in my car.

[@petervad]

Brilliant. Weird to think that just 10-12 years earlier Skyhooks were the biggest band in Australia with 1000s of fans screaming for them at every show.

[@TIME_LORDS]

18 years today since shirls passing, he was awesome and sadly missed by many..

[@kerryn6714]

It still tears at my heart that he died so young. Over 20 years gone now and I still think of him often.

[@karmicselling4252]

Great vocalist that Shirl was, this video clearly shows how great The Skyhooks were. Good as the backing band was, nothing could match Shirl singing with Greg, Red, Bongo and Freddie.

[@oskarvikstrom229]

I discovered Skyhooks in the 70s when a radio broadcasting guy in Sweden named Kjell Alinge (dead now) played a lot of early Skyhooks songs. At that time, that was the only program where you could listen to the band on radio. Skyhooks have a few but very enthusiastic fans in Sweden.

[@PJZombie]

Sound check that's better than most singers final recordings.. Unimaginable what Music we lost, never to hear because of his passing. RIP.... and Thankyou!

[@unproadventures4142]

Absolutley raw talent right there On ya shirl 🫶

[@robt4595]

What a legend. Just walks up casually on stage with no pretence like others and belts out a song at ease perfectly

[@led2goptyltd905]

Great Australian talent sadly missed !

[@robertmarshall7938]

So sad Shirley was a true performer he made shirls neighbourhood a great show and he certainly new how to sing died to young rest in peace you are sadly missed

[@bobbushy3846]

I miss Shirley he was taken too soon. Get on stage and shows how it’s done perfect and give the little salute at the end.

[@Lozzlej]

What a special voice.

[@georgeginis9043]

Fantastic Vocals . Saw Him Early 80s The Skyhooks Reunion. Absolutely Amazing. GGx

[@celiamacanlalay3775]

Shirl could have done exactly the same thing in front of a million people Gun ☘️❤️Skyhooks

[@judycasemore2168]

Shirley Graeme Strachan. The man had so much talent,a great front man. Always remembered. Loved by all . Missed by all your fans.

[@peggy981]

The soundcheck was way better than the actual performance. Look it up: Live under the Southern Cross. Pity coz this is awesome!!!!

[@deanbowell7501]

How Aussie can you get. Shirl rocks up wearing boardies, Quicksilver singlet and thongs. Then after singing one line,👍 i got this!

[@anneharrison3341]

All of these sound checks are incredible. I wish I was back there.

[@ianmontgomery7534]

I am just glad they recorded them!

[@DKashman]

He was so casual in his approach but dam even for just a sound check he was amazing. Out of many of our stars that we have lost he is one of the ones that I miss the most, Shirl Marc Hunter, Doc Neeson, Jon English..... All highly missed.

[@gregrankin8073]

Their best song for mine, and what a “tip top THICK slice” of Aussie music history that was.

[@zlindsgcpeteiwc7088]

18 years today since shirls passing, he was awesome and sadly missed by many.. Ah Shirl you are missed. One of the defining songs of my youth. Shine on mate! It's so good to hear his voice, I'd never seen this before.

[@underrated5006]

What a brilliant singer. We miss ya, Shirley.

[@jogrant3851]

What a ripper. Shirl was just amazing. Up there with Queen.

[@djizzah]

Much loved Aussie rock icon, greatly missed, never forgotten

[@danztastic]

This rehearsal is better then the actual concert the next day……👍

[@cg401]

i had their cassettes when they first came out but this is the best version of this song that i have heard, love the whole thing

[@martinn6333]

Legend then, legend now, legend always

[@OfficialAshArcher]

He was a truly phenomenal vocalist

[@markdp1983]

Wow, one of the best versions Ive heard - and a soundcheck too! Those 2 punters sitting on the grass looked like they enjoyed it!

[@Sfaknak]

God he had a great voice!

[@bassi3315]

the definition of perfection

[@TopJimmyWinn]

I like his voice

[@mightbepat]

His voice aged like wine. Legend.

[@Juniorgamingxy]

Great voice Shirl.Somewhat underated?RIP Legend.

[@Jules5]

It's so good to hear his voice, I'd never seen this before.

[@Bonzo1ish]

I literally cried when he crossed over way too young, such a brilliant man

[@payney23291]

Amazing how effortless he made it seem. What a legend

[@davidrobson9965]

Ah Shirl you are missed. One of the defining songs of my youth. Shine on mate!

[@PP-gy8gg]

When I was a kid I was at the Herald Sun building in Exhibition Street doing something involving the Good Friday Herald Sun Charity Appeal. I walked past Shirl and he walked past me. I saw him, maybe he saw me. Though I saw him, and I remember it to this day. I was a kid of Countdown. Every Sunday I loved it, as did my five sisters. We looked forward to Countdown. Now as a fifty plus year old who is doing ok in retrospect to others I give a $150 to the Royal Childrens Hospital every Good Friday. Ok it may not be much but I tell my story. When I donate I think of Graham "Shirley" Strahan RIP.

[@kerryn6714]

Excellent story. I dropped into Shirl’s surf shop at Phillip Island once in the 90’s but he wasn’t there. Your tale is heaps better ✌️🇦🇺😂👍

[@debradireen3625]

Fabulous sound and that’s just a sound check love and miss ya Shirl x

[@slidemcbride6121]

wow. so much power in his voice

[@deanbowell7501]

I'm living in the 70's, I'm living in the 70's, I'm living in the 70's, on 4KQ!😭

[@julianelder6667]

Shirl I love you I was living in Croydon when I first love you. ❤️.

[@mikehansen5073]

Ah Shirl you are missed. One of the defining songs of my youth. Shine on mate! Legends🤠 Great stuff, Shirl was the man!

[@davidschuller1640]

How good is this. Shirl is great. Great support band.

[@jayquangrant2111]

Fabulous, loved the Hooks to bits! Shirl was a great front man, much missed! Geez, all the band members look old and very well fed! Shirl though had a bloody good voice!

[@weburnitatbothends]

Blows me away every time, met Shirl casually at the ANZ bank in the Gabba in the mid 90s, good bloke

[@martinbourke7753]

Legend

[@whitneydurrett5239]

Jeez Shirl was fabulous. It's so good to hear his voice, I'd never seen this before. I literally cried when he crossed over way too young, such a brilliant man

[@ericmackenzie123]

What a voice!!

[@BS-hj6wx]

Legend sums it up!

[@hubertmantz1516]

Sorely missed 👎🏼 what a great singer/ frontman. What a great band!

[@freudsc4t447]

Man what an amazing version. Brilliant mix and Shirl, totally effortless.

[@dbzleagues3705]

And this is a sound check!!! My God, how good was the show??? Wow cheers to Skyhooks and more so Shirl, Legend.

[@jekpapa]

How did I miss this voice? He’s great!

[@LOVECHILDAUSTRALIA]

What an amazing vocalist!!

[@lauraschneider1039]

Awesome , so great to see & hear our Shirl & Skyhooks ! Takes one back to better days ! Where is Red these days ? RIP Shirl👍

[@staff180908]

Bloody legend

[@petervad]

omg, how effortless he made everything look! hitting those big notes and nailing the melody - so beautiful to watch. shirl is one of the greatest pop/rock singers and performers our country has ever been blessed with. and everyone seems to say he was a great bloke too. thank you shirl. and thank you so much for posting this. (PS awesome band too - who were they? very much captured the skyhooks sound).

[@roosterbooster9309]

Everything I was thinking, you said it perfectly :)

[@petervad]

@@roosterbooster9309 Thanks. And might I humbly suggest my acoustic rendition of Carlton for your consideration: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYa0YXh7jpWUe6M

[@bernadetteapps9303]

Sky hooks.

[@michaeldaly8597]

Miss you Shirl

[@LongliveEDL]

Shirl sang effortlessly!!

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Awesome singer!!! I am happy to have met him in 1980. Great guy :)

[@liverpoolpictorial]

Ashamed to say I'd never heard of him until this video. What a voice!

[@danielhopgood5202]

Where have you been hiding

[@user-wd1hq9wc2d]

Thanks shirl. 😊

[@Royalbigness]

What a shame we lost Shirley so young. Damn he was good !! Skyhooks had a great sound. I love listening to these songs on Vinyl on my proper HiFi system.... unlike this new MP3 CRAP ! MP3 and some other digital formats do this sound NO justice.

[@phamcantuannguyengangam6189]

18 years today since shirls passing, he was awesome and sadly missed by many.. Ah Shirl you are missed. One of the defining songs of my youth. Shine on mate! Fabulous sound and that’s just a sound check love ya Shirl x

[@corypollard]

Abos-mofo-lutley my friend. His loss is felt and will be felt through the ages as long as we shall be around.

[@VFAFOOTY]

this is fantastic thank you for sharing

[@jondunmore4268]

Wow! That effortless voice!

[@francrisp6614]

The quirkiness of skyhooks shirl Redmond and the band and those costumes ! They sure made a statement !

[@roscoemacphersonmusi]

Fabulous, loved the Hooks to bits! Shirl was a great front man, much missed!

[@daarkvaala2596]

I was too busy crusin with my buddies CB back then. Would have loved to know about this concert back then. Sadly I know where and when I heard about his crash. Was a sad day. RIP champ.

[@0000song0000]

started listening to the Skyhooks today, already a fan :O

[@nevillecooper7541]

How amazing was his voice....

[@marcosjuanenovo6613]

Gorgeous guy oh Shirl miss you Ah Shirl you are missed. One of the defining songs of my youth. Shine on mate!

[@denisbellars9260]

Wow how good is Shirl ??? fucking fantastic !!

[@malcolmedge5441]

Fantastic, what a talent. Miss you Shirl.

[@sueold8473]

how good is that...........just pure talent. loved Shirl

[@brendanbarnes3404]

This is so bloody good.

[@nicholaskovacs207]

Iam guessing thats derek from the little river band on drums🤔🤔 what a fantastic player he was🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@sueboyce5520]

Pretty sure you're right!

[@MiMi-ly7ge]

Bless you Shirley😊😊😊

[@wesmorris734]

Ha ha change of lyrics! Miss you Shirley. Love forever xxx Gotta love the denim!!!

[@pereraddison932]

wes Morris ... even we old fartz love love LOVE our old denim... original Levis'... you know, were made from hemp fiber SAIL cloth. Much heavier and tougher than canvass. It took about 5yrs of washing just to soft em up and stop yer knees from chaffing... !!! ...