Fresh off the heels of a sold-out concert in Bowral last weekend, the legendary Ross Wilson brought his electrifying energy to Kiama, performing at The Pavilion on Saturday 31 August. 

At 76 years old, the Melbourne-born artist’s career spans over five decades, with no fewer than 26 ARIA Top 40 hits under his belt as a singer, songwriter, and producer. As one of Australia's most awarded, respected, and beloved musical icons, Wilson continues to captivate audiences nationwide.

With a self-proclaimed "hippie" spirit, Wilson shows no signs of slowing down. Having been at the forefront of every major musical trend since the 1960s, his passion for music remains as vibrant as ever. 

A crowd of around 350 fans filled The Pavilion, eager to witness Wilson’s magic. Although initially seated, the audience couldn’t resist the urge to move once Wilson and his band took to the stage. Classic hits like Eagle Rock, Come Back Again, and Chemistry had the crowd on their feet, dancing in the aisles. The front of the venue quickly became a tight space as fans gravitated towards the stage, a testament to the magnetic pull of Wilson’s performance. It’s worth noting that The Pavilion may want to consider more room for dancing at future gigs, as the appeal of live music clearly knows no bounds.

Forming in 1970, Wilson fronted the band Daddy Cool which had a number one song Eagle Rock released in 1971 - by far his biggest song - that stayed at number 1 on the Australian singles chart for ten weeks. There is another Daddy Cool song he likes more, due to its simplicity: Come Back Again. It’s the sister song to Eagle Rock and he plays both at every gig saying that he never gets sick of it.

Daddy Cool’s debut album Daddy Who? was released in July 1971 and smashed all previous sales records in Australia - an astounding 50 years ago. Breaking up in August 1972, Daddy Cool briefly reformed during 1974-1975 before disbanding again.

The 1976 formation of Mondo Rock delivered several epic 80’s hits Cool World, State of the Heart, Chemistry, No Time, and Come Said the Boy. After 15 years of amazing success Mondo Rock disbanded in 1991, although they periodically appeared at reunion concerts.

Now in the 21st century Ross Wilson continues on as a solo performer, producer and major songwriter. He has continued to achieve success and make his mark during the 90s and beyond with his songs being recorded by artists as diverse as Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, DEF-FX, Custard, Jennifer Rush, Troy Cassar-Daley, Leslie Avril, Hey Gringo, You Am I, Uncle Bill, Keke, Renee Geyer, Christine Anu, Duane Jarvis, Elkie Brooks, Ann Kirkpatrick and Lee Kernaghan, Sovereign, Pleasantville, Beccy Cole, Sonic Jihad, and The Wiggles! Wilson has also produced songs for the legendary Skyhooks, Jo Jo Zep, The Johnnys, and The Screaming Jets. 

Over a 50-year span Wilson has actually never been out of the limelight and has been twice inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. He’s been working as a solo performer since Mondo Rock and gathers the best musicians he can find for his touring band to play his vast assortment of hit songs but retains creative control and high levels of professionalism.

He has been quoted as saying, “Musically, I’m more in tune than when I was younger. As a performer, I probably used to be a bit wilder, but now everything I do counts. I hire the best musicians I can because I like to sound good.”

His biography sums it up perfectly: “Ross Wilson is probably the only person in Australian rock music who can't make a comeback simply because he's never been away”.

Now resting on his catalogue of classics, in 2023 Wilson released the EP She’s Stuck on Facebook All the Time featuring four totally new tracks. To launch the EP he announced his biggest national tour since the 80’s with 40+ dates across the country from Oct 2023 - and he's still going!

There are still lots more venues to catch Ross Wilson live, so check out his website or FaceBook page for dates and locations all over Victoria and NSW. 

The closest to Kiama are: 

• Wollongong on 28 Sept. 
• Gundaroo 22 Nov. 
• Milton 23 Nov.