BULLRING MUSIC

SPOTLIGHT ON BLACKALLY

2011-04-15T22:30:00.002+10:00

Think Jackie Howe, the black stump, Tatts hotel, Central cafe, the Barcoo, Douglas ponds, aquatic centre, Paw Paw Douglas and other great sportsmen and women and of course...The Impacts...and what fantastic place do you arrive at....

BLACKALL

Roy the Boy from Yalleroi has always had a soft spot for the terrific central west town of Blackall, famous for many things and a gold mine of stories from the days when Russ Head and the Impacts played to rave reviews at dances throughout the central west and beyond. (No doubt many Gold Coastians will know The Impacts from the many years they played at the iconic El Rancho at Surfers Paradise...)

Roy the Boy is compiling many of these stories for the greatly anticipated and eagerly awaited book to the CD. Roy reckons it would be great to have some representation from The Impacts in the backing group to the, you know, greatly anticipated...CD.

In fact whether you are lucky enough to live in Blackall or just passing through and can't wait for the Bullring Music CD and book to be released (and we know you can't), why not pop in to the Universal Garden Centre and Gallery and get some great stories first hand from Barrie and Jenny. You may recognise the keyboard player from the famous Impacts..

2011-04-10T20:30:00.082+10:00

BULLRING MUSIC SPECIAL FEATURE FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP AND SENIORS' REUNION

BARCALDINE, MAY WEEK 2011.

Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and the Bullringer, while flat out organising great artists and putting the final touches to the music and lyrics leading up to the release of the greatly anticipated and eagerly awaited CD, the "making of" DVD, the book to the CD and essential but useless merchandise and paraphernalia, still found time among their schedule to dig up some memories for the visiting reunionists.

What better place than the pages of the famous, respected and much loved Longreach Leader? (LL was kind enough to give Bullring Music a plug). So if your name is Beaumont or Mathers or Walsh or McGrath or Pellow or Innocend or Searles or Whyte or Penney or Young etc etc then you may find your name in print below.

TIP: Just in case the eyes aren't as good as they were: clicking on a page will allow you to enlarge it.

The year is 1963...and the first clipping is about the great educator himself - Maxie Young. Not many years later Max had to deal with another snake - this one of the trouser kind and not in the wood heap but brazenly uncoiling in the classroom. Fortunately for the owner of this python the only rebuke he received was the comment "You got more hide than Jessie James ***s*!" which most considered very lenient indeed by Maxie's usual high standard in punishment administration.

Of course Maxie features in the hilarious ballad "Radio Theatre" on the forthcoming and highly rated Bullring Music CD, when Poj Sutton gets a tap on the shoulder at interval...

Sporting Endeavours

The girls won the shield and although not stated outright, the boys were clearly a big disappointment. Now where are my glasses?

And how was the golf?

Barcy cleans up, a pub changes hands, the shire clerk decides to stay..it was all happening..

Roy the Boy from Yalleroi is always very modest about the 100 points he was awarded in the Trinity College music examination, however such natural musical genius came in handy in the greatly anticipated and eagerly awaited Bullring Music CD. It allowed Roy the Boy to create the new musical genre "Western Marlafonte" as used as in the haunting, tragic but ultimately uplifting number Oh! Tambo.

It also allowed him to create "Western Rock", as used in the real life drama beautifully captured in Barcy Hospital Blues.

While not up to Roy's standard, you all did very well:

Speaking of Roy the Boy from Yalleroi, he still speaks of the day he inspired his team to a four run victory over Barcy. Is there any other connection to Roy the Boy on this page?

Lawbreakers beware:

Bees escape from the school hives and the fire brigade excels..

Bits and pieces...

The Bullringer and Roy the Boy from Yalleroi hope you enjoyed the clippings. If you want electronic copies (which can be enlarged even more and printed) please email Bullring Music.

Bullring rearing to go..

2011-04-02T13:40:00.000+10:00

Welcome back to the Bullring blog faithful supporters....

Roy the Boy from Yalleroi has divested himself of all other interests (and he has many on both sea and land) and is working at a feverish pace to bring you ASAP the greatly anticipated and eagerly awaited CD and book to the CD along with the 'making of' DVD and essential yet frivolous merchandise and paraphernalia.

Roy the Boy is currently liaising with some of the great artists from the central west and is compiling some terrific material to add to his staggering collection of memorabilia..

The artists are gathering, the recording studio is warming up, the presses will soon be running...stay tuned

People's day at the EKKA marks 25th anniversary

2010-08-11T10:29:00.000+10:00

It is hard to believe Bullringers, but it was 25 years ago today that Roy the Boy from Yalleroi treated show-goers with his impromptu performances at the wood-chop bar at the Royal National Association Exhibition (the EKKA). Sporting a sombrero to protect from the chairlift artillery and a toy ukulele (both acquired after some deft duck shooting on side show alley courtesy of gully gang experience) Roy the Boy from Yalleroi was the real show stopper of 1975.

As soon as he started strumming that ukulele and singing his own impromptu compositions the passing crowds would pause, stunned as if hypnotised by Ronrico. And as Roy the Boy from Yalleroi launched into his numbers the crowd would swell and soon be shouting "More, more give us more Roy!"

The Bullringer, who officiated in the role of crowd and refreshment management had to often disperse the enthralled audience so that Roy the Boy from Yallerio could partake in a well earned libation. But soon he would be back into it and the crowd would gather again. Many of them said they had not seen nor heard anything like it and indeed they had not.

Roy the Boy must have sung hundreds, yes hundreds of songs that day and some may even appear in the CD and book to the CD which is forthcoming and eagerly awaited. There may even be a reenactment in the DVD to the CD.

One of the numbers, which Roy the Boy called "My Ekka" went something like this:

It's not for the crackers or the dagwood dogs
Its not for the clowns with the ping pong balls
It's not for the wood chop or the Japanese pearls
And it's not for the livestock or the pretty cow girls
It's not for the chips that are cooking all the while
And t's not for the walk down the sideshow mile.
No that's not the EKKA
No that's not the EKKA
No that's not the EKKA for me!

Cos the EKKA for me, what I come to see
Is Roy the Boy strumming on his ukulele
As he sings us his ditties, derived from the truth
About The Bullring and the days of his youth
About Barcy and the Alice and the whole shebang
About his time as Leiutenant of the Gully Gang.
Yes that's the EKKA
Yes that is the EKKA
Yes that is the EKKA for me!

Hope everyone enjoys the show day holiday. Please note the new email address to contact Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and the Bullringer is: gullyganghq@gmail.com

Jerichoite wins photo competiton

2010-07-18T10:54:00.000+10:00

Roy the Boy from Yalleroi has finally dragged himself away from work on the greatly anticipated and eagerly awaited and forthcoming CD and Book to the CD and associated and essential merchandise to go through all the entries in the photo competition.

And what a turn up! The winner is from Barcaldine's eastern suburb of Jericho. Congratulations Jenny Lowe, who got all questions correct! If you were stumped by some the photos below should help.

PHOTO COMPETITION EXTENDED TO MAY DAY 2010

2010-02-21T14:47:00.000+10:00

That is right Bullring Bloggers, although Roy the Boy's mail bag is chock full of entries NO-ONE and I repeat NO-ONE has submitted an entry with the highest possible score.

If you have put in an entry already, you can send in another.

Roy the Boy's Picture Competition

2010-01-09T22:04:00.032+10:00

Bullring kicks off two thousand and ten with a terrific picture competition - "How well do you know Barcy?"

Send your answers to roysbarcycomp@live.com by midnight of 31 January two thousand and ten and you could be the first to receive a package of the eagerly awaited and greatly anticipated Bullring Music CD, The Book to the CD and associated but essential merchandising products (including a piece of gidyea from the Bullring!!!)

So get cracking NOW and send your answers to roysbarcycomp@live.com so that they get to Roy the Boy from Yalleroi's inbox by midnight on 31 January!!

Here we go: (you can click on the pictures to enlarge)

Picture 1

What famous waterway is this? (1 point)

Picture 2
You need to get away more often if you don't know where this is! Tell Roy the Boy where it is and earn 1 point.

Picture 3

They just get easier! Where would you be heading if you proceeded past this point? (1 point)

Picture 4

It has been there a long long time. Where is this tree located? (1 point)

Picture 5

You know you have seen it - but where? Name this building. (3 points)

Picture 6

This is far too easy. Where is this sign located? (1 point)

BONUS POINTS opportunity: What was the nick name of the person named on this sign? (1 point)

Picture 7

If you are looking towards Lake Dolly on what intersection would you see these gums? (5 points)

Picture 8

What facility appeared on this corner in the olden days? (2 points)

BONUS POINTS opportunity: What was this facility regularly used for by the blokes around town? It involved a product sold by Rudy the barber and features in The Book to the CD. (2 points)

Picture 9

Mmm what could it be? Name this item and give its location. (5 points)

Picture 10

What products were made and sold behind this window? (1 point for each correct product named)

BONUS POINTS opportunity: What product was named after one of the counter staff? (2 points)

Picture 11

Name the business formerly conducted at this location. (3 points)

BONUS POINTS opportunity: What is of unique (to Barcy) historical importance in this picture? (5 points)

Picture 12

This is just too easy. What is it? (1 point)

Picture 13

A place of strategic importance to the infamous Gully Gang. Feeling generous so will give 2 points for this sign.

Picture 14

You know you have seen it - but where? (3 points)

Picture 15

This one could be a bit tough but you would have seen it many times. What is it? (5 points)

Picture 16

This is a gimmee. What is it and where is it? (1 point)

Picture 17

They just keep getting easier. What building is this for one point?

Picture 18

As if that wasn't easy enough! Tell Roy the Boy what it is. (1 point)

OK now that you know all the answers SEND NOW to Roy the Boy from Yalleroi's photo competition at roysbarcycomp@live.com

Make sure you don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to secure a copy of the the eagerly awaited and greatly anticipated CD and other fantastic stuff from Bullring Music in two thousand and ten!

GOOD LUCK!!

Bullring Music Treat for Bloggers

2009-05-15T20:58:00.005+10:00

AS PROMISED, our great fans waiting patiently for Roy the Boy and the Bullringer to put the polishing touches to the eagerly awaited and greatly anticipated cd and essential merchandise and memorabilia, are in for a TREAT:

WE are DELIGHTED TO BRING YOU EVENTS FROM MAY WEEK IN BARCALDINE.
Let's start at the beginning, appropriately with the wonderful welcoming speech from...well let's go to the video:

May Week in Barcy

2009-05-10T15:57:00.002+10:00

Coming soon bloggers. All the pics, videos of a great week in Barcy after Roy the Boy from Yalleroi mingled incognito in the crowds...

Gripping final episode here now

2009-05-03T22:03:00.003+10:00

STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS!!!!!

Final exciting episode of the spiritual search for Roy the Boy's homeland is here..let's go to the video...

The Spiritual journey (by car) to Roy the Boy's homeland

2009-04-24T10:32:00.004+10:00

Great news Bloggers..Bullring Blog brings you the complete Series - yes that's right - all 3 episodes of The adventures of the Bullringer and Farky in the search for Roy the Boy's home town.

Part 1 The Discovery

Part 2 The Game's Afoot

Bullring Music make Cover of CFarm

2008-12-07T21:10:00.000+10:00

Stop Press... the prestigious COUNTRY FOLK AND ROCK MAGAZINE features BULLRING MUSIC on front cover as the Bullring Blog continues the AUDREY S MCNASH interviews with Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer

Get your copy NOW!! (Available at S.L. Burns and all good booksellers)

Here is what to look for Bloggers:

The "happening" place needs a name

2008-11-27T19:21:00.000+10:00

Bullring country is abuzz with activity - new medical centre in Aramac, the Alpha aquatic centre, Tree of Knowledge memorial in Barcy, the Harry Redford centre in Aramac, roads being sealed throughout the region and the Barcy airport extended to cater for the new Bombardier Q400s (check it out in the photo above from Agmates website).

So much so that Longreach folk have swarmed the Bullring email facility (yalleroiboy@gmail.com) like flies to cow dung outside the Stockmen's Hall of Fame seeking advice on how to jump ship and return to their roots back in the Barcaldine Regional Council area.

The Bullringer and Roy the Boy from Yalleroi have been happy to provide this advice gratis, however when they ask what the name of their new abode will be, we are at a loss.

Will it remain the Barcaldine Regional Council or will it change to the Galilee Regional Council? Let us know which one you prefer in the poll on the right - will only take a second. If you want to make a comment about it use the chat box - it is quick and easy and we will even allow you to use a bodgy name if you like, though generally Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer are opposed to pseudonyms.

Shock data rattles the Bullring team

2008-11-24T19:40:00.001+10:00

New direction needed but is Bullring going down a slippery path?

"It can't be right Bullringer" Roy the Boy ventured in a state of clear alarm, "check it again." Well the Bullringer checked it again and again and again and it came up the same. Yes Google analytics was very clear: 68% of visitors to the Bullring Music site were identified as being of the fairer female gender. aka Shielas.

Bullring Music appreciates the support of the wonderful women who visit the Bullring site but obviously needed to act swiftly to tempt back the traditional breadwinner and potential Bullring cd and associated products purchaser for the entire family, aka the bloke.

A crisis meeting decided on some tasteful way of winning over the blokes, hence the pin-up feature in the side bar. Always tasteful with class and style, just like the forthcoming and eagerly awaited Bullring Music cd and associated products.

But you be the judge - has Bullring gone too far? It is easy to let us know with the new comments facility.

Coming soon - The Interview parts 4 and 5 - don't miss it!!!

Peace at Last for Roy the Boy from Yalleroi

2008-11-16T21:28:00.000+10:00

Thank heavens the media have located Jericho Jim, because as soon as they heard his real name was Roy they have hounded and hounded Roy the Boy from Yalleroi. Relentless they have been, with no consideration for the fact that Roy the Boy is only just recovering from more disneys than a year of family nights at the Radio theatre.

"It's gotta be you Roy the Boy from Yalleroi, come on Roy come clean" they have been screaming down the phone from all across the country. Newspaper hacks, radio and television journos, you name em, they have been on the blower.

How many times Roy the Boy has screamed into the mouthpiece in the last week: "I'm a MUSO not an Economist" I would like to know.

As I say they found the real Jericho Jim, a fellow by the name of Roy Woods, so Roy is once again able to settle down and put his musical genius into the forthcoming and eagerly awaited Bullring Music CD and associated products.

Pat and Serge

2008-10-25T20:29:00.001+10:00

Well done!
from the Bullringer and Roy the Boy from Yalleroi

Bullring's view of the elections: The mayoral song

2008-05-04T13:42:00.001+10:00

Now that the council elections have come and gone and the Barcy Bugle has called time on letters from the patriots, only the song of the mayor remains to be sung.

While Roy the Boy continues with his convelesence after throwing some Disneys (see here) he asked The Bullringer to get a composition at least the equal of his magnificent composition.

Who else but Peter Paul and Mary would you go to for a nice melody. Not good enough of course to match the brilliance of Roy the Boy from Yalleroi, so will no doubt be on the cutting room floor when the forthcoming and eagerly awaited CD forthcomes.

Of course this doesn't mean it can't feature at the karoake at the Globe, and who knows, Roy the Boy may even give a rendition shortly...

Peep the Western Bookie

Peep the western bookie, campaigned with glee
And polished up his people skills, to be mayor of Gali-Lee
Little Chubby Randler loathed that rascal Peep
And hoped the folks wouldn't follow him by voting just like sheep, Oh

Chorus:
Peep the magic bookie, campaigned with glee
And polished up his people skills, to be mayor of Gali - Lee
Peep the magic bookie, campaigned with glee
And polished up his people skills, for the local bourgeoi - sie

To Alpha they would travel on the campaign trail
Chubby fell a bit behind by Peep's budget surpless tale
Barcy blokes and sheilas knew not which way to go
Chubby's bucks didn't come to much, while Peep had all the dough Oh

(Chorus)

A township goes forever but not so every mayor
Macca sounds like other towns with just the one to share
One March night it happened, Chubby Randler topped the score
And Peep the western bookie, was beat by forty votes or more.

His head though bent in sorrow, he knew who to blame
It wasn't Chubby Randler, though he'd like to all the same
But Slick Mewls from Alpha, he cursed upon his tote,
"He done me in the buggar, 'cause he split the bloody vote!" Oh

(Chorus, sadly)

Peep the western bookie campaigned with glee,
And polished up his people skills, to be mayor of Gali-Lee
Peep the western bookie campaigned with glee,
And polished up his people skills, for the local bourgeoi-sie

Roy the Boy on road to recovery after Disney

2008-04-27T11:52:00.002+10:00

Roy the Boy from Yalleroi has been on many roads in his life but this one was probably the scariest. He knew he was in trouble when the medical staff found the Disney enzyme in his blood after collapsing in great pain following an intensive night's work on the forthcoming and greatly anticipated Bullring Music CD.

"It wasn't a turn, Roy the Boy" the paramedic told him, "I am afraid you have thrown a Disney, and not for the first time judging by this enzyme, which takes 12 hours to appear in your blood. It means Roy the Boy, that you have had some Disneys in the past. Though first we must make sure that this isn't a false reading brought about by a condition known as Rare Bittsyitis." It is pleasing to report that Roy the Boy was totally cleared of Rare Bittsyitis.

Sorry to get so technical with the medical terminology, however Roy the Boy is a stickler for accuracy. To put it in layman's terms Roy the Boy is recovering from some heart attacks. Recovery is going well and he will be putting his magic back into the Bullring Music project before too long.

Plenty of updates on the way so keep an eye on the site!!

"What does Australia Day mean to you, Roy...

2008-01-26T12:05:00.001+10:00

...the Boy from Yalleroi?", I asked late in the evening as we sat round the Maleny recording studio after another intensive session of composing tracks for the forthcoming and eagerly awaited Bullring Music CD and Book to the CD.

"The celebration of the Jet age, Bullringer, yes the celebration of the Jet age" was Roy the Boy's rather enigmatic response.

"Jet age?" I wondered, "Australia Day means celebrating the Jet age to Roy the Boy from Yalleroi?" It didn't make sense.

Then I realized what had finally happened: the inspired and brilliant work Roy the Boy had been putting in to the songs on the Bullring Music had finally taken its toll. Genius comes at a price.

Roy the Boy was suffering from an affliction which had brought down the great artists and artisans over the millenia; Chopin, Beethoven, Gibba and van Goth... and now Roy the Boy from Yalleroi had succumbed. Yes it seemed a clear case of Brain Fever*.

As if to confirm my diagnosis, suddenly Roy the Boy lifted his head and launched into a rant "..and il grilliere mixe du Charlie et Rudare bouffet chevau con Heinz avec footenledden por favor..." on and on he went in the many different European languages Roy the Boy speaks fluently.

(Like Kevin, Roy the Boy from Yalleroi is also fluent in mandarin, however he now refrains from speaking it indoors, as it startles his cat, Cyprus III, who can cause all sorts of damage as he exits the room via the piano and residents' faces at 3000 miles an hour.)

I subconsciously ran my forefinger over the remains of a long scar on my forehead as I considered calling an ambulance to take Roy the Boy away for proper treatment. But I dismissed that idea quickly.

In my experience the first thing the paramedics ascertain is whether any, and then how many, refreshments had been taken orally by the patient during the period leading up to the triple-O call. Honest answers to these questions may well distract them from the true diagnosis of Roy the Boy's condition, being brain fever*.

Best to hang in there and see if I can coax him back to reality.

"What's it all mean, Roy the Boy, what's it all mean?" I enquire as gently as I can in a soothing, sympathetic voice.

Suddenly Roy the Boy is back from his trance.

"What do you mean "What's it all mean, Bullringer?" he demands, "and stop talking like that and looking at me as if I have gone as mad as a two bob watch. It's obvious what it all means."

Roy the Boy goes on: "What Australia Day means to me, is what I have just said. Let me simplify it for you Bullringer, as it seems these intense music sessions have made your head soft:

"Haircuts, Food and Footy - the celebration of those three essentials of our culture - that's what Australia Day means to me..."

"Whoooaa there Roy", I interrupted, because as pleased as I was to see him back from brain fever country, I though his response still required further explanation.

"You may be right Roy the Boy," I said," but I am still at a bit of a loss. For instance how does a haircut have anything to do with the celebration of Australia Day?"

"Think Bullringer think!" Roy the Boy shrieked.

"Did the gentlemen of Barcaldine farewell their families on a Saturday morning with a cheery "See you later, just heading to the Globe and then the Union for an all day session swilling Macs and Goldtop? No Bullringer no - it was always thus:"

'"I might just head down to Rudy's for a haircut."'

"The humble haircut," continued Roy the Boy, "is the greatest excuse to indulge in the great Australian pastime of beer drinking known to man."'

"Ok fair enough," I concede, ashamed that I had missed this obvious point, "but what about this stuff about Jet age and your monologue in various European languages?" I asked.

"Bullringer what is up with you? Maybe you need some rest from this brilliant new Bullring Music CD and book to the CD we have been working on. Jet Age was the wife of Charlie Condolien who brought out the family from Greece to cook us that magnificent fine cuisine we have all grown to love: The Mixed Grill, or as I called it in Jet Age's native language, grilliere mixe."

You may or may not recall Bullringer" continued Roy the Boy in a tone that was tinged with sarcasm, "that I nominated FOOD as the second greatest Australian pasttime!"

Roy the Boy was in full flight, and preempted my next question, "And as for SPORT, Bullringer we're a country that loves its sport and the best sport to watch was the Sand Goannas especially when they triumphed over the Thompson Tigers from Longreach. And what was the best weapon to ensure that this happened? Heinz Bloom, who you may recall me referring to in the German part of my monologue, as the toughest footballer to put on a jersey in Australia.

Suddenly it all became clear....Roy didn't have brain fever* but was merely giving his underlying message for Australia Day 2008..

"Roy the Boy from Yalleroi I have finally got it" I exclaimed with great excitement, "Rudy the Barber, Jet Age and Charlie Condolian who brought with them the the mixed grill, Heinz Bloom the most exciting footballer to play football ever.. . these were people who came to the central west from other countries."

"So what you are saying Roy the Boy is that we should never forget the new Australians when we celebrate Australia Day."

"At last you have finally got it Bullringer, for a while there I thought you had come down with brain fever*..."

Happy Australia Day to all Australians new and old...

from

Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer

Note: The derivation of the nickname Jet Age, along with hundreds of others, will appear in the Book to the CD. Just another reason to order your copies at yalleroiboy@gmail.com Make sure you get in early, as copies will be limited. All copies will be individually numbered and signed by Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer. Send no money, just an email to Roy the Boy stating the number of copies you require and your postal address.

*Brain Fever is also referred to in The Lancet and other reputable medical journals as A Turn.

Happy new year Bullring bloggers

2008-01-08T15:37:00.001+10:00

Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year. 2008 is an exciting year for Bullring Music with the release of the eagerly awaited and greatly anticipated cd and book to the cd.

And yes bloggers we know it has been a while between drinks, but the demands of the cd and book to the cd project have been such that Roy the Boy and The Bullringer had to prioritise their time during the latter part of 2007.

All that has changed in 08 so tell your friends that Bullring Music is about to take off like a sky rocket over Lake Dolly and you can read all about it at the Bullring Music Blog.

And have we got some great photos and competitions coming to the blog this year.

To kick us off here is a real challenge:

1. Name the person in the psychedelic duds about to present an oral dissertation on the health benefits of imbibing the amber fluid from a keg.

2. Name at least 3 nicknames for this person

3. And this is the real tough one - Where in Barcaldine was this photo taken?

4. Can you name the other people in the photo?

Photograph reproduced with kind permission of Roz Faulkner

Tribute Song to Aramac and Jericho

2007-08-24T22:01:00.000+10:00

As promised, Bullring Music brings you a tribute song to Jericho and Aramac...However you get the chance to give it a name...and the winner will be rewarded with a Gully Gang Red. (PS there has been a delay with the Gully Gang Red but new supplies are on their way - so if you are a winner you will have it soon.)

Where are these towns? See them on google maps on the sidebar. No photos of Jericho yet but you can get the map here.

YOU NAME THE SONG COMPETITION

Have you been to Aramac and have you skun a roo?
Have you been to Jericho and sat in the drive-in show?
Have you been to Barcy where the nomads come and go?
Well we are now all family, you'll be pleased to know.

So let's sing a toast to old Macca
and give Jerry a ripping Hurrah
As we roll out the red carpet and tell them
We tell them how welcome they are

To join the fine township of Barcy
And sit under our civic embrace
We'll treat you as though you're our brothers
Though you've asked us to keep watching this space.

And let's have a skoll for Roy the Boy
'Cause from Yalleroi he hailed
And all searches of the amalgamations
To find his home town failed.

So while we drink to Jerry and Macca
Cause we know you don't think it is fair
Roy the Boy's mood is surely blacker
'Cause at least your towns are still there.

So let's sing a toast to old Macca
And give Jerry a ripping Hurrah
As we roll out the carpet and tell them
We tell them how welcome they are

To join the fine township of Barcy
And sit under our civic embrace
We'll treat you as though you're our brothers
Though you've asked us to keep watching this space.

Old Friends Come Together

2007-07-28T11:18:00.000+10:00

The Bullringer and Roy the Boy from Yalleroi would like to extend a very warm welcome to two old and great mates, Macca and Jerry who are coming to live with us. Fortunately, there are many rooms in the House of Barcy and all the same size we are told, so there shouldn't be any squabbling about who gets the master bedroom.

We also know it is a sad time for Jerry and Macca, however we are sure they will get used to their new home before too long, and to help ease the pain Bullring Music is looking at a tribute song dedicated to these fine friends for inclusion on its forthcoming and eagerly awaited CD.

So welcome again to our friends Jerry and Macca, and as tough as it is please spare a thought for Roy the Boy, who has been searching the amalgamation report (see it here) but cannot find the name "Yalleroi" anywhere. He is having his computer checked to see if the "Control F" feature is working properly, however we think this the last forlorn hope of a deeply disappointed man.

The Interview Series is BACK...

2007-07-23T20:27:00.000+10:00

News Flash: The injunction sought by Country Rock and Folk Magazine (C Farm) has now been withdrawn and Bullring Blog is free to continue publishing The Interview series from legendary music journalist Audrey S McNash. The next instalment in this fascinating and critically acclaimed series (Part 4: It Flows at The Globe) will be posted on the Bullring Music Blog as soon as all documents have been properly signed and executed. In the meantime you can catch up with the story so far at these links.
Copyright C:Farm 2007 - Audrey S McNash: The Interview Part 1 "It's Bullring with a Bullet"
Copyright C:Farm 2007 - Audrey S McNash: The Interview Part 2 "A Tribute to Rudy"
Copyright C:Farm 2007 - Audrey S McNash: The Interview Part 3 "Roy the Boy Discourses"

BULLRING MUSIC EXPOSES BUSHGATE SCANDAL

2007-07-14T10:38:00.000+10:00

BLOGGERS: 2 FANTASTIC COMPETITIONS WITH THIS POST. READ FOR FULL DETAILS.

WE ALL DREAMED OF BUSH WEEK...

How many times were you denied a small treat when you were a kid, because it wasn't sought during Bush Week? Maybe asking to go to the Pictures on a school night, a bag of lollies from Spechies, an ice cream from Bull Collins', a few bob for the Juke Box at the Astoria, a trip to Longreach to see The Rubber Band or December Sunn win the music competitions.

Millions of treats have been denied to Queensland kiddies, merely because they were not sought during Bush Week.
And you would dream of this heavenly week, this week of wonder, this truly glorious week of plenty.

And you copped the many rebuffs from parents, teachers and older siblings, because you knew that you would be justly rewarded when the time came. And the Bush Week rebuffs came in many forms:
The classic: What do you think this is? Bush Week?

The Australiana: Crikey, Stone the bloody Crows China, do you think this is Bush Week or something?

The formal: I beseech you to kindly wait until the occasion of Bush Week.

The sarcastic: Bring me the calendar and show me where it says Bush Week.

The dismissive: Bush Week?

The cynical: Last time I looked it wasn't Bush Week

The offensive: Can't you just be patient and wait for Bush Week. Is that too much to ask?

The vulgar: It's not f***ing bush week* (*more common among siblings)

(COMPETITION NO. 1 Write to Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and tell him the style of Bush Week response you endured and you could find a bottle of Gully Gang Red going your way)

One thing was for sure about the Bush Week retort - it brought all your entreating to an abrupt end. You simply could not argue with the logic that-
(a) they were right: it was not Bush Week; and
(b) the rebuffer was really a kindly person, who would love to grant your small indulgence, if only their hands weren't tied by the fact that it wasn't Bush Week.

So bloggers well you might ask what are all these ravings about...

SCANDAL EXPOSED BY BULLRING MUSIC

Bush Week finally comes and what is it called: "COUNTRY" Week that's what!! So after years and years of calling it Bush Week, suddenly this name change. Out with BUSH and in with COUNTRY.

WHY THE SUDDEN CHANGE? Well it's all crystal clear to Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer -
TO DENY ALL BUSH KIDS THEIR RIGHTFUL REWARDS DURING BUSH WEEK and
TO NEGATE ALL THE PROMISES MADE TO AN ENTIRE GENERATION!!!!

Of course a scandal of these proportions deserves a name, and what better name than the one that rolled off the tongue of Roy the Boy from Yalleroi: BUSHGATE.

And what can Bullring Music do? As we are intent on finalizing the eagerly awaited and forthcoming Bullring Music CD and Book to the CD, we can't spare the time to lobby AS WE WOULD LIKE TO on behalf of all Queenslanders, young and old, to change the name to Bush Week, however we did play a small part as the "before" and "after" shots will show.

HAVING SAID ALL THAT...what a great job the representatives of the central west did with the stalls. They were flat out serving customers when Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer attended in-cognito - and got the exclusive shots below on Bullringcam for our faithfull Bullring bloggers.

Also it was great to see Aramac so close to Barcy in the display area. It was as if we were part of the same family, and lets face it, if you were ever going to adopt a kid, wouldn't the wonderful town of Aramac be your first choice? Also noticed Blackall fluttering a rather licentious eye at Tambo...and now that I think of it there were some sideways glances from Longreach in the direction of Ilfracombe. What could it all mean?

Finally A FANTASTIC COMPETITION. Were you alive during Bush Week in the early days? Tell us your story of the events of the week and you could have your stories published in the Book to the CD and win an exciting PRIZE - and it could even be a SPOT on the forthcoming and eagerly awaited Bullring Music CD. (Check out the Zimmers on the top right side of the blog if you think you are past it) or maybe an exclusive Bullring Music Zimmerframe OR a bottle of the Gully Gang Red. Whatever it ends up being you can bet it will be a RIPPER prize.
Be sure to tell all your friends and the other people in the home about this competition. Please send your entries to
BUSHWEEK COMPETITION.
Good Luck and enjoy the photos. The first few are BIG photos so don't forget to click to enlarge them.

The Bushgate sign:

If Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer had their way:

And enjoy some more photos of the displays:

SO WHO IS ROY THE BOY FROM YALLEROI?

2007-06-23T11:25:00.000+10:00

Dear Bloggers,

Have you read the winning stories from the In Vino; Veritas competiton? Aren't they rippers? If you haven't had the chance to read them, here is a quick link.

The other good news is that we will post some of the others from time to time.

LAST WEEK you will recall, we put up a little conundrum that would lead to the identity of The Bullringer (you can find it here) with an undertaking to do something similar to lead you to the identity of Roy the Boy from Yalleroi.

But this time we have decided on a pictorial puzzle taken from one of Roy the Boy from Yalleroi's many adventures away from the central west. This particular expedition was to make the final arrangements for a gala performance at Festival Hall in Brisbane.

Remember to look closely at these photos and YOU WILL be looking at Roy the Boy from Yalleroi.

Photo No I. A group of supporters gather to wish Roy the Boy from Yalleroi a safe and productive visit to the Big Smoke.

Roy the Boy went all the way...

On this trip he crossed the Drummond...

Had a night in Rocky....

Before taking the scenic costal road and eventually arriving...

in the Big Smoke...

"Hello there Roy, Yes that's right Festival Hall is in the next block." says the Duty Officer.

HERE COME THE WINNERS' STORIES

2007-06-16T11:00:00.000+10:00

The moment we have all been waiting for has arrived....Here are those fantastic true stories from the winners of the In Vino; Veritas competition. Enjoy, bloggers, enjoy.

First up: Settle back with Noel Lipp for the adventures of a legendary Barcaldine character Clarence "Chips" Pellow. Take it away Lippy...

The "Chips" Pellow Story (and it's all true)

'Chips' Pellow (Clarence Pellow) spent most of his life living and working in and around Barcaldine. The paragraphs below depict events in his life during the Great Depression in the early 1930s.

His father, Herbie Pellow, had a shearing job at Winton and had sent 'Chips' a message saying that he could have a roustabout job in the same shed. So, not being one to knock back opportunity, the then 19 year old, 'Chips', caught the goods train to Winton. After the initial job, 'Chips' got a job as a cowboy at a station on an adjacent property and subsequently secured his first shearing job at a station to the north of Winton.

At the end of the shearing season 'Chips' ventured off to the Rockhampton area at the height of the deepest depression in Australia's history. Unemployment queues grew and, like so many others out of work, 'Chips' 'humped his bluey' and took to the road looking for a job.

Quite often this group, unauthorised and unlawfully used the Queensland Railways for transport. This was called 'jumping the rattler' and was done as the train slowed to a walking pace, such as when pulling up a slope, pulling out of an isolated siding or approaching a signal.

It was while he was at Duaringa that 'Chips' decided to return home. The idea was to find an empty wagon, run beside the train, throw in the swag and then jump in. Most of the swagmen did this okay. Just as our young 'Chips' made the carriage, his swag fell out under the wagon wheels. By chance the carriage was derailed which stopped the train.

All the free-loaders could do was scatter; so they went bush. Duaringa is a dry area, so they had to sneak back later for water. The police had an aboriginal tracker looking for them and soon they had the main culprit, 'Chips', in custody.

Clarence Joseph Pellow got two weeks in the Rockhampton lock-up - for derailing the train - to the lasting embarrassment of his Mum and siblings, while his dear old Dad, Herbie, could only chuckle, telling the story 40 years later.

Later on in this time of terrific social and economic upheaval, word came to the unemployed that the Government was implementing a new scheme in the Callide Valley. Land would be made available for selection and the Government vowed to pay wages for clearing (by axe) the brigalow scrub.

It sounded good to 'Chips' so he set off with some mates "jumping the rattler" on the Callide line, to the railhead in Jambin. En route, the train stopped at the small farming town of Wowan, the swaggies' wagon was discovered, and, when the gruff old Police Sergeant arrived, most of the transients bolted and scattered. But the red-headed Pellow lad had had enough of racing through the bush with Police in hot pursuit, and meekly surrendered. He was taken to the Magistrate's Office and was charged before two Justices of the Peace for fare evasion.

Clarence Joseph Pellow was sentenced to two days in the Wowan Lockup. The problem was that there was no Wowan lockup, so he was handcuffed to the Prison's tree for 48 hours. 'Chips', however, wasn't too upset about this. The Police Sergeant's wife cooked him three meals a day and his partners, in crime, were out of rations, starving and were still being sought by the authorities. A good feed was always high on the agenda of one 'Chips' Pellow.

... After the cold days in 2005, 'Chips' spent five weeks with his daughter Stephanie and family at Eidsvold until the end of October. He also had the opportunity of visiting his other two daughters Helen and Lesley. On Sunday 13 November, he walked his customary 100 metres to see Dot in the retirement village in Yeppoon - to have his morning tea - a social practice which occurred daily.

He returned to his unit, probably had some lunch, switched on the cricket (a one-dayer), and dropped off to sleep...he would have been 93 in February, 2006.

We salute another Barcaldine legend.

Next up, Lionel Walsh finds the lighter side to a sporting incident in this little gem. Take it away Lionel...

Ted to the Rescue

The recent NRL match between the Broncos and St George Illawarra, where the touch judge accidentally injured a player, took me back to an incident in 1959. Barcaldine was playing Longreach or Winton (I've forgotten which)* and I was playing in the B Grade. For some reason I provoked one of the opposition players. It would not have been intentional because I was the standard nine stone weakling and could not fight my way out of a paper bag, so I always tried to keep a low profile.

Anyhow, there I was lying on my back on the football field in Barcaldine showgrounds with one of the opposition kneeling on top of me pinning my arms to the ground with his knees and punching me with lefts and rights.

The linesman was Ted Seaby. He ran in and started yelling at the aggressor to let me go. This had no effect at all so Ted started belting him with the flagstick. Looking from the ground up, it was such a funny sight, with this bloke belting me and Ted Seaby belting him, that I burst out laughing even though it was no laughing matter from my point of view at the time. It was one time when the linesman injuring a player was definitely no accident, although I certainly appreciated the intervention.

About this time I made the decision to stick to tennis.

*More likely to be Winton - Ed.

And finally Greg Rayner's rip-roaring adventure yarn. Buckle up those seat belts and take it away Speedy...

The Wrath of Sgt DC in Barcy

Dear Roy and Bullringer,
(I am on to my 3rd can of Guinness - hope that qualifies me!!)*

One of my most memorable moments in Barcy was when I was in my old Hd Holden Sedan (c/w 9 inch fats on the back - the car that I bought with the proceeds of a $1 Golden Casket ticket winnings) and I was trying to get my rig to chuck a few "classic wheelies" - just as I had seen FF do in the main drag a few hours earlier. (Names withheld to prevent identities.)

Well, as I was on to about my second set at the far end of Beech Street I spotted a white vehicle with blue dome fast approaching - Yes!! it was Sgt DC and one of his new recruits (Constable BS or GC - can't remember). Anyhow, I elected to give them the slip and started going up some of the few "back lanes" of the good town of Barcy - the main plan being to eventually get to the Bull Ring and wait it out until all "cooled down"!

After a couple of really cool moves and spotting the P**gs flash past the end of a street or two parallel to me - I chucked a mean Uey and headed south towards Blackall Road. Well - as you may have guessed by now the local Constabulary really did have me out-horsed and appeared out of nowhere to block my escape to the Bull Ring (a place of recluse and safety from the local Constabulary).

With a feeling of mortal dread and a sense of sweatiness in the nether regions - I watched as Sgt DC glided from the police Ford sedan. He came towards me and every step I could see that his 11 inch hobnail boots were rearing for a good shining.

He bent down to look at me and the central western sun seemed to go out as he loomed into the driver's window - his hand appearing as though it wanted to grab a throat or something - with a mix of typical sarcasm and western wit (+ some choice expletives - censored for the younger readers) he began to inform me that he knew where I was at all times, who I was with and what I was doing etc - he said that he knew I was heading for the Bull Ring as he and his constables knew exactly who was going there/when and what for (blah blah blah!).

It was at this point that a dachshund dog yapped from the back seat and Sgt DC saw that the Mayor's daughter (JN) was one of my passengers. His tone changed a little and he then proceeded with a "polite" rendition on how he would tell my mother of my antics.

I firmly believe that if the Dachshund did not speak up - my butt would have been the sole focal point of those 11 inch hobnail boots!!

That was one of my most memorable occasions - God I love dogs!!!
True story.

*Just - Ed.

Thanks again to all who entered, and to those of you who didn't feature in the top 3, no doubt you will know why now after reading those ripper stories.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED

2007-06-10T11:15:00.000+10:00

Bullring Music, in association with Gully Gang Wines* is pleased to announce the WINNERS of the In Vino; Veritas competition.

Thanks to everyone who submitted a story. In the end the judges couldn't differentiate between 3 ripper stories, so have decided to award all 3 with the winner's prize of a bottle of Gully Gang Red*.

ALL 3 STORIES WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEB, AND (WITH THE AUTHOR'S CONSENT) WILL BE RECORDED FOR PROSPERITY IN BULLRING MUSIC'S FORTHCOMING AND EAGERLY AWAITED BOOK TO THE CD.

Without further ado here are our well deserved winners, presented in the same order their stories came in:

WINNER!!!!

Mr Greg Rayner for his adventure yarn about the fun and perils of evading the law. It is an absolute pearler with a great twist which involves the bullring, a dog and a hint of the influence of high office.

Greg is a former Barcyite, also known as Speedy, and is now resident in the Middle East. One judge wanted to drop him down to 4th place because of the difficulties we face in getting the Gully Gang Red* to him. But no, his story was too good for that.

WINNER!!!!

Mr Noel Lipp for his beautifully crafted essay on Clarence "Chips" Pellow, one of the great characters of the central west. In telling the story of the changing fortunes of Chips, Noel captures with humour the struggle of a generation. What resilient and tough characters they were!!

Noel taught English, French and many other subjects to the seniors at Barcy High School in the late 60s and also played A Grade footy for the Sand Goannas. I think that Noel has now retired on the Darling Downs.

WINNER!!!!

Mr Lionel Walsh for his very funny story about an incident on a sporting field in Barcy. You won't know whether to laugh or cry when you read this one, which is exactly the predicament Lionel found himself in. It is only a small piece - small like an eye fillet at the Brekky Creek!!

Lionel worked at the Barcaldine hospital for many years before establishing an accountancy business in town. From memory Lionel was a tennis player of some renown and I think had the nickname of "Flick". However will stand corrected on this point.

ALL WINNERS' STORIES BEING POSTED SOON!!! STAY TUNED!!!

*No Queensland water was used in the making of this product.

Time is running out...and other stuff

2007-06-09T13:15:00.000+10:00

...to enter the In Vino Veritas competition. Closes at midnight tonight, Saturday 9 June 2007.
Winners announced and best 3 stories posted on the blog tomorrow!! And haven't we got some beauties - very difficult for the judges!

IDENTITY OF ROY THE BOY FROM YALLEROI AND THE BULLRINGER

The Bullring Music email is recieving quite a number of requests for the identity of Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer, and although Roy the Boy replies to each one, usually with a cryptic comment that can lead them to the true identies, we thought that we would post the clues for everyone to see.

This week - The Bullringer Next week: Roy the Boy from Yalleroi

The Bullringer
You ask what is the Bullringer's name
Alas! This we can't reveal
The neighbour owned one thing the same
But the neighbour's - it was real
Where did the neigbour earn his pay
With work done well each and every day
Once again we will not say
Except the alphabet another way.

Good Luck Bloggers.

Weekend Announcement No. 1

2007-06-02T10:26:00.000+10:00

GREAT AUSTRALIAN ROCK BAND INTERESTED IN BULLRING MUSIC CD

As many of our bloggers would know by now, the Bullring CD will contain an eclectic mix of musical genres, such asWestern Marlafonte, which was invented by Roy the Boy from Yalleroi to capture the spirit of the haunting, tragic yet ultimately uplifting calypsoesque lyrics of the road song Oh! Tambo. No existing genre was able to do this to the complete satisfaction of Roy the Boy. What a perfectionist!!

Of course Rock and Roll will also feature, and it is in relation to this genre that Bullring Music is pleased to ANNOUNCE that Melbourne based rock band Eat Laser Scumbag are keen to do a number on the forthcoming and eagerly awaited Bullring Music CD.

You may have seen Eat Laser Scumbag on RAGE recently, and as well the band has been chosen to appear in a music film at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) this year.

And what a great band they are, a touch loud maybe, with some undeniable punk and heavy metal influences which make their sound a WINNER!!!

As Eat Laser Scumbag approach thier debut on the international stage at MIFF, they are of course acutely aware that a Bullring song or 2 in their portfolio can only accelerate their meteoric rise to international stardom!!

Our best wishes go to Eat Laser Scumbag from Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer and we look forward to a rewarding collaboration.

CHECK THEM OUT... with their latest release Solander by clicking the YouTube button on the right.

Could have danced all night...

2007-05-25T21:52:00.000+10:00

IS THAT YOU in the photo dancing the night away at the Barcy Centenary Ball of '86? If so, you are the sort of funloving person Bullring Music needs to enter the In Vino; Veritas competion. Simply send in your anecdote of your favourite western experience or story.

But you better keep an eye on the Countdown gadget as time is running out. Could you ever forgive yourself for missing out in a bottle of that fine drop - Gully Gang Red?

No.

We will be putting entries (with approval) at random in the comments facility of the contest post - check out the gripping story there already which involves a great chase, fine police work and a hint of influence of high office on the law. All that and the bullring as well.

It is a RIPPER of a story, with a happy ending.

See if you are in the photo, courtesy of Australasian Post, and if you are, we know you will have some great stories to tell. It should blow up if you click on it.

(Geshie - that is you in the background isn't it?)

RELEASE OF GULLY GANG RED

2007-05-18T20:02:00.000+10:00

Yes bloggers it has arrived...

...and what a truly great drop it is. Just like the Gully Gang this vin rouge will knock you down, but it won't let you down. The power of the shiraz blends beautifully with the insipid merlot, leading to a delectable sensation on the palette and crisp finish that both blokes and sheilas will enjoy. (Click on pics for a good look)

[Bullring Music hastens to add that this drop comes from a renowned Australian winemaker and is not in any way associated with the Pineapple Wine made by Roy the Boy from Yalleroi in the late 70s. Furthermore, Roy the Boy from Yalleroi WAS NOT involved in any way with the production of Gully Gang Red.]

GREAT NEWS: A bottle of this magnificent drop could be yours just by entering Bullring Music's In Vino Veritas Competition.

Simply send an email to In Vino Veritas Competition (error with this link now fixed) detailing your most memorable/favourite experience in the Central West. Only 2 rules in this competition:

1. MUST be a true story

2. MUST be written while drinking a red wine or other alcoholic beverage, and after a significant amount has been drunk.

Could be about any event, and if you feel photos add to your story you can send them as well. Competition closes on Sunday 10 June so be quick.

Remember The Rubber Band?

2007-05-17T07:28:00.000+10:00

The Rubber Band...the original central western fab 4.

Were they the BEST band of sixties?....these birds from Charleville certainly thought so in this pleading fan letter to GO-SET Magazine.

Remember bloggers - No need to waste your precious ink cartridges printing these off - they will appear, with many, many, many more snippets, photos and interesting memorabillia in the forthcoming and eagerly awaited book to the Bullring Music CD..

PAGES FROM THE PAST

2007-05-13T11:58:00.000+10:00

EXCITING NEWS ON BOOK TO THE CD

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better...

...The eagerly awaited book to the eagerly awaited Bullring Music CD is being enlarged to include a scrapbook on the bands, the towns, the iconic buildings, institutions and events which shaped and guided Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer in producing what will be the musical release of the year!

And the Bullring Blog will bring you some morsals of what you can expect to see in the book.

Research! Research! Research! - that is the Bullring Music mantra. We will bring you snippets from the Longreach Leader and the Western Champion, The Morning Bulletin and the metropolitan newspapers as well as many other sources of reference material.

It could be about the excitement leading to the opening of the Radio Theatre Barcaldine - which features in a ripper of a song on the new CD - from the report in the Western Champion (Remember click on the image for easy reading):

..or maybe an item from this edition of the Leader - Note the photo of the War Memorial and Shire Hall on the cover:

Tribute to International Bullring bloggers

2007-05-05T10:38:00.000+10:00

BONUS FOR OUR OVERSEAS BLOGGERS

Bullring Music would like to pay a special tribute to our regular international bloggers who check out the Bullring blog from:
EUROPE - Welkomen to The Netherlands and Germany and Poland
ASIA - Good Morning Hanoi, and hello Philippines
NORTH AMERICA - Florida, Georgia and South Carolina - Howdy folks.
And of course the Bullring Man in the Middle East is a regular visitor.

BIG GIVEAWAYS!!!

As a special treat to our international guests, Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer will be giving away a signed copy of the prestigious Longreach Leader, featuring an article about Bullring Music, together with an edition of the new Barcy bi-weekly, Barcaldine Bugle.

Simply write to Dear Bullring and tell us what you would like to see on the Bullring Blog. And every entry gets a prize!!!

In the meantime you may enjoy this old photo of some nurses, thanks to the Courier Mail. Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and I figured everyone enjoys looking at nurses!!

NEWS FLASH - Councils March on the Tree of Knowledge

2007-04-30T18:15:00.000+10:00

UPDATE: Your heard it first on the Bullring Blog, now be first to read about Webcke leading the march in the The AGE: Another union will be marching on the Tree of Knowledge next Tuesday 8 May. The Bullringer has been very reliably informed that the Outback Union of Shires will be marching on the tree to protest against the forced amalgamation of central western shires.

Wouldn't it be great if the tree pull off one last trick and help retain the local councils?

We think it is a public march but will keep you posted - so check back soon.

In the meantime you may enjoy this old article from The Australian. Click on it to enlarge.

Cartoon Quickie

2007-04-21T22:51:00.000+10:00

Check out this snippet from an article in The Australian and see how you go with the questions below.

Who is Norm? Where is he heading? Who made the restaurant famous? Why is it famous? Who is Norm's daughter? Why is Norm out west?

BIG NEWS ON DEATH OF FAMOUS TREE

2007-04-19T23:15:00.000+10:00

BULLRING RESEARCH CASTS STARTLING NEW LIGHT ON DEATH OF THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE

Our dear Bullring bloggers,

The Bullringer and Roy the Boy from Yalleroi don't want to alarm anyone unneccesarily with that blazing headline - you know the Bullring blog has never succumbed to tabloidism and those of you who have read our charter know we never will.

However The Bullringer and Roy the Boy from Yalleroi, through diligent, quiet, painstaking research to find the TRUTH about this tragic event, have uncovered an alarming fact which we will soon REVEAL EXCLUSIVELY to Bullring Bloggers.

WE WON'T HOLD YOU IN SUSPENSE FOR LONG: Only until certain authorizations are given to publish the documents we have uncovered, and to fix some scanning glitches The Bullringer is suffering from.

IN THE MEANTIME ONE THING SEEMS LIKELY...

....THIS IS NO COPYCAT SHELBYVILLE-STYLE KILLING: The poll to date has dismissed any notion of a Shellbyvillestyle killing of the Tree of Knowledge, thus dispelling gutter talk and idle gossip involving the fine residents of Longreach and Winton.

THIS BIG NEWS WILL BE POSTED SOON - IN THE MEANTIME FEEL FREE TO VOTE IN BOTH POLLS ON THE RIGHT HAND MARGIN OF THE BULLRING BLOG.

Next post: 70's Rock in the central west: some prayed...others strayed. Great pics.

BULLRING PHOTO COMP NO 4

2007-04-17T19:55:00.001+10:00

FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!

Question 1 (This question has 4 parts)

Can you name the town, the street, the premises and the year? Send to Dear Bullring or simply use the comments facility. Bullring Music thanks a well known gang in the central west for this photo and the clipping below.

Question 2. How many nicknames of the players in this 1963 Barcaldine Sand Goannas team can you provide?

WINNERS ANNOUNCED: Winner of the BBQ competition is RF from Sydney – RF if you would like to send your postal address to Dear Bullring your exciting prize will be in the post forthwith. Runner up was Jacko. Bad luck Jacko you went close as you will see when we post the solution soon.

Bullring Logo unveiled and Coming Events

2007-04-09T12:31:00.000+10:00

Bullring bloggers,

Bullring Music, in association with LS Productions, is pleased to bring you the new Bullring Music Logo. Please let us know what you think (good and bad) in the comments box, or by writing to Dear Bullring.

Happy Easter Bullring Bloggers from

Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer.

Coming Events:

Annoucement of results of the Headmaster's residence photo

More photo competitions...

..and some interesting news and memorabillia

YOUR SAY IN DISTRIBUTION OF BULLRING MUSIC PROFITS

2007-04-03T19:55:00.000+10:00

Dear Bloggers,

You will see we have posted a POLL seeking your views on where the profits from the Bullring Music CD and book should be directed. You can vote for more than one option, or even include other worthwhile causes if you wish. Please restrict suggestions to charities within the Central West.

The LONGREACH LEADER published a very informative and accurate article on the Bullring Music project last week, following an interview with Roy the Boy from Yalleroi. Thanks Longreach Leader.

The article commented on the fact that a poll would be posted on the blog for people to choose where profits from the cd and book sales should be directed.

Bullring Music secured some copies of the Leader from gpo News in the city...

...so to kick off the POLL, the first 2 bloggers who send emails to Dear Bullring advising that they registered a vote on the POLL will recieve a free copy of the Longreach Leader containing the article.

Be Quick!!!

Great NEW feature for the Bullring Music Blog

2007-04-01T12:31:00.000+10:00

Dear Bullring Bloggers,

Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer want to make your experience while visiting the Bullring Music Blog as pleasant as possible. After all, we know how excited you must be, and what great patience you are showing, as we start the countdown to the release of the Bullring Music CD and Book.

(By the way, following an executive meeting last Sunday night the BOOK is going to be bigger and better than anything you ever imagined. The CD will of course take off like a bullet once 4LG and that distinguished newspaper, The Longreach Leader, get a hold of it.)

Also, as previously mentioned in this post, we are a family site and unfortunately the default video (being the most watched for the day) can be very raunchy indeed. A whisper even came to Bullring Music's attention that someone with authority was less than impressed with a particular clip a few week's ago. So we have ditched it. But don't panic Bloggers because....

Google has come to the rescue with a new tool to give Bullring Music some control over the content of the videos, and we will keep them relevent to this site. Google searches both Google Video and You Tube based on our preferences, which are currently set as Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall and Rue Cler. We threw in Rue Cler to give you some context of the spot where The Bullringer saw Rudy, as immortalized in the hit song Could it be You Rudy and the subject of Part 2 of the interview with Audrey S McNash.

Simply click on the video to watch it.

It's Bullring with a Bullet - The Interview Part 3

2007-03-29T19:48:00.000+10:00

Bullring Music is pleased to bring you Part 3 of the fascinating interview with Audrey S McNash from the acclaimed* music journal, Country Folk and Rock Magazine (C:farm), as she takes us on a somewhat sentimental journey with the legends of folk and rock, Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer.

Faithful bloggers from around the world will know of Audrey's first anxious moments when she met Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and The Bullringer at Daffy's Diner from Part 1 of the interview series. They will also know of the revelations about the hit song about Rudy, and the events that inspired it from reading The Interview Part 2

Bullring now presents, from the pages of that prestigious** magazine CFarm, Part 3 of Audrey's interview....

... "Roy the Boy discourses.. "

As we leave the concrete apron which defines the alfresco dining area of Daffy's, I glance up to catch Roy the Boy from Yalleroi in the throes of what appears to be a muscular spasm; his curved left arm shooting skyward, as if to protect his head from an invisible missile. Simultaneously The Bullringer ducks and weaves before resuming a normal gait. I hesitate, curious at this strange behaviour and not willing to follow....

CF: "Fellas what was that all about?" I shout, "that ducking and weaving from you, Bullringer and those weird arm movements from Roy the Boy?"

RtBfY: "Totally involuntary movement Audrey, instinctive behavior drawn from painful experience. In the days when December Sunn reigned supreme in the supper halls and other venues of the central west, Gravox would sit inside at the end table there near the door, facing west toward Longreach, enjoying his favourite dish of lamb chops mutton chops and pork chops.

Unfortunately for alfresco diners and passersby, Gravox was not one to leave a cluttered plate for Rudy to clean up. No siree, once each chop had been gnawed to the bone it would be tossed negligently, but with the speed that only a ninja could wish to replicate, through the open door and into the path of pedestrians, bike riders, and occasionally even ricocheting into alfresco diners.

We have been hit too many times, that the body's defenses become involuntary. You are safe though Audrey, this was all a long time ago.."

Suddenly Roy the Boy from Yalleroi seems to go into a trance, as he stares back wistfully at the outside dining area, the alfresco dining concept that Rudy brought to Barcaldine, and continued by Henry, Daffy and others.

"Where's the recognition?" he says. "Where's the recognition?" he repeats. "We have got heritage signs all round town at various places, and they deserve to be there, don't get me wrong. But The Blue Danube, this is a piece of real history, social history. It should be on the heritage register."

Roy the Boy is on a roll: "Where is the plaque? Where is the statue of Rudy? Nothing, nothing at all to mark the biggest innovation in hospitality this country has ever seen - the birthplace of alfresco dining in Australia and nothing to mark it to the tourists. At least the Bullring Music cd and the book to the cd will pay tribute to this remarkable place...."

"Come on Roy the Boy from Yalleroi" calls The Bullringer, "Lets get to The Globe for a refresher and answer Audrey's pertinent questions about Bullring Music and the untold story."

"Yes!" I think to myself, "This is the big break Audrey S McNash has been waiting for."
*Not as acclaimed as the Longreach Leader
**Not as prestigious as the Longreach Leader

NEXT WEEK: As promised, a lot of blabbing at The Globe.

Results of Photo Competiton No. 2

2007-03-25T09:55:00.000+10:00

....and yes Bullringers we have a WINNER. Must admit we didn't think anyone could find their way through the chicanery of Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and solve these teasers...and we were right!!
However one Bullring Blogger came so close that Bullringer and Roy the Boy from Yalleroi reckon that, without the supernatural powers of Ronrico, it was not humanly possible to get closer.
Before we announce the winner of the Bullring Music CD Package Voucher, Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and Bullringer would like to thank everyone - the Dear Bullring mailbag was full - who entered. Some came close, others were hopelessly off the mark - so let's have a look at the answers:

The words written on this piece of corrugated galvanized iron are "Gully Gang HQ Base" and indeed it is a photo of the wall of that infamous establishment. Some, like our man in the Middle East, Vick, JD, Rex the Dog were spot on, while "Culli Gang No Passn" from Jo merely showed a lapse in concentration. Don't worry, Jo came good.

From the untouched version it is now clear that the store is Woodward's general store in Tambo, albeit a recent incarnation. It was the Hot Chooks sign outside this shop that nearly drove Roy the Boy et al into a frenzy in the haunting Oh! Tambo, one of the hit songs introducing Bullring's Western Marlafonte genre. We got some doozies with this one - Alpha, Ilfracombe (what would the Governor say?) and Aramac were popular. Also had a Longreach, Barcaldine and a Blackall. Rex the Dog was the ONLY contestant to get it right!! Unfortunately for RtD it was the only one he/she did get right, but brilliant effort to clean up on this question Rex.

Congratulations fellow bloggers, you scored very well on this question. And those who were uncertain used some nouse to come to the logical conclusion that this is the main street of Tambo. Typical of the responses is this one from Vicki: "The bloggers are always on about Tambo so I reckon Tambo.." Well done Vick and what a great lesson for us all - if you know what the bloggers are on about, it will certainly help with the competitions. Only further comment on this one is that BM headed outside the central west. Big mistake.

Here is the original photo bloggers, which should make things a little clearer. Roy the Boy threw in 3 questions for this one: The diners are of course Bill (Norm) Fraser (L) and Ian (Muddah) Nicholson(R) enjoying lunch and bottles of Fanta at the Blue Danube in Barcaldine on one fine Sunday in February 1969. The diner in the background is unknown. Probably an out-of-towner. This person is NOT Gravox, who features in the next installment of the Interview with Audrey S McNash. While MiME speculated that it was members of December Sunn drinking a Soley Bros number, Vicki (Norm Fraser and Fanta) and Jo (Blue Danube)were right on the mark. Other responses referred to the Astoria Cafe, Haddads and the Central Cafe. Good guesses but bad luck.

This western sunset was taken on the road between Aramac and Barcaldine. Congratulations to the many of you who got this right - sorry Rex. Special commendation to MiME who came in with a comment in the comment box as follows: "...taken near the Lagoon Creek crossing on the Aramac Road - I recognise the tree!" Spot on MiME - you can't beat that!

And the winner is.......................................VICKI, who used both the comments box and Dear Bullring to get just about everything right. Congratulations Vicki from Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and Bullringer - the Voucher from Bullring Music is 0n its way!!

How many can you name?

2007-03-18T11:10:00.000+10:00

Once again courtesy of LW, here are the other party goers with Bullring's man in the ME. (See post below.)
You can send your guesses to Dear Bullring or simply post in the comments box. Remember, Bullring protects your identity (though perhaps not MitMEs) and will only use first names, initials or an alias of your choice. Click on the photo to blow up.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS FROM BULLRING

2007-03-18T09:20:00.000+10:00

Bullring Music's spies have been out and about and telexes coming in to the Bullring media centre suggest that a great day was had by all at the Norman Hotel yesterday, celebrating the birthday of Bullring's favourite contributer, Vicki.

From Roy the Boy from Yalleroi, and from Bullringer HAPPY BIRTHDAY Vick and hope you had a great day!

The international telex has also been running hot with news that our man in the Middle East also will be celebrating his St Paddy's day birthday with an appropriate drink. Early reports suggest it will NOT be creme de menthe. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our man in the Mid East from Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and Bullringer and enjoy the occassion.

We have rummaged through the Bullring files to find a photo of OMitME, however when this failed, LW came to the rescue with this picture. Thanks L! (Something missing from that BBQ - can y0u spot it?) Will post a picture of everyone at the BBQ shortly - will you be able to name them??

If Newdity Offends...

2007-03-14T21:39:00.000+10:00

BULLRING IS A FAMILY SITE...

However, at great expense we provide the YouTube facility to give you hard working Bullring bloggers a bit of a break and you will notice that it defaults to each day's most watched video. Occasionally some of these clips are quite raunchy - the most watched clip today going very close to total semi-newdity.

This of course will be passe to Northsiders, however may offend the sensibilities of those of you with a Southside upbringing.

So everyone south of Oak street should click on the black square on YouTube to stop the filth, and Northsiders can click on the equilateral triangle a few times to replay the clip.

Bullring Photo Challenge 2

2007-03-10T23:36:00.000+10:00

Have a go at this week's photo contest Bullringers, and remember you can send your answers to Dear Bullring instead of using the comments box if you wish - especially if you don't want to give any clues away. There are 9 questions in total to be answered, and Roy the Boy and Bullringer reckon the chances of anyone getting all 9 right are so remote that we will be giving a voucher for a FREE BULLRING CD to anyone who can do it! GOOD LUCK!

1. How is your eye for detail? What is written on this piece of iron? (HINT: Click on photo to enlarge.)

2. What iconic Central West store is this, and where is it located?

3. This street is in which town?

4. Name the 2 people,the premises, and the brand of soft drink.

5. On what road was this photo taken?

Late Extra - Press about The C:Farm Interviews

2007-03-09T00:10:00.000+10:00

Extra, Extra read all about it....

Audrey S McNash, who conducted the interviews of Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and Bullringer tells her story to metropolitan media.. (Link)

Bullring Correction Notice

2007-03-08T22:32:00.002+10:00

Bullring Music would like to correct an earlier statement contained in the post "And Now for Some Answers.." The post related to the activities of Mr Tony (Gasper/Gapper) Mansfield at the Leichardt Hotel in Rockhampton in 1969, while a member of the acclaimed band December Sunn.

Bullring Music advises that Mr Mansfield did not engage in a "filth-in" as initially reported in the post, but that he in fact participated in a strategic "Be dirty for Peace" campaign.

Bullring Music stresses that this error was found during routine quality control procedures conducted by Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and that this correction was not subject to any complaint from Mr Mansfield, nor for that matter, BlogWatch.

The error, for which Bullring Music apologises, appeared in a paragraph from the abovenamed post, reprinted below:

* It was during the Battle of the Sounds in Rockhampton that the vocalist for December Sunn, Tony (Gasper) Mansfield; inspired by John and Yoko's love-in for peace at a hotel in Toronto, staged his famous filth-in for peace at the Leichardt Hotel, refusing to bathe until world peace had been attained. More to this story coming SOON in the C-Farm Interview.

IT'S BULLRING WITH A BULLET: Interview Part 2

2007-03-06T17:15:00.000+10:00

Bullring is pleased to bring you the second part of Audrey S McNash's interview with Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and Bullringer, just as it will appear in the next edition of C:Farm country music magazine. In this week's instalment, Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and Bullringer give an insight into what inspired them to come up one of the hit tracks on their eagerly awaited CD.

You will recall that Audrey had just approached them at the conclusion of Part 1 of her interview..

We make our introductions as I quickly decline their kind offer of scallop and chips. Roy the Boy from Yalleroi recommends a dog's eye with galloping horse but I think not. Dead horse? No.

I decide instead for the speciality of the house; hot dafficcino and buttered scone.

So with the food sorted and first impressions resolved - Bullring much taller than I expected, Roy the Boy a little more grizzled - I turn on the Sony and the interview begins...

CF: "Can we start with this venue as I notice it appears in the song about Rudy, who you say was a barber of European heritage who went on to become a restauranteur at this very place we are now."

RtBfY: "This is true, Audrey, as of course are all the substantial events that appear in the lyrics and the book, which you have had the good fortune to preview. In fact, where we sit now is the first instance of alfresco dining in Australia. Have a look at the awning - in the right light you can still read the old sign "The Blue Danube" and come and have a look at this.."

(We stroll over to the kitchen entrance and Roy the Boy theatrically lifts up the mat to expose the name "RUDY'S" etched into the concrete step.)

"We are not sure what part of Europe Rudy was from, possibly eastern, but it suggests a yearning for the home country, don't you think. To establish alfresco dining and name a restaurant The Blue Danube in Barcaldine? Now Daffy's Diner doesn't really evoke images of the mid-west USA but "The Blue Danube" - that's different."

CF: "OK but the lyrics suggest there must have been some further inspiration with this number, which by the way is gonna be a hit. I refer of course to the refrain: and did you go far/ after saying Au revoir/I wonder was that you who I saw on Rue Cler/Est-ce que je vous sur la Rue Cler?"

BR: "You are right of course Audrey, on both counts. Roy the Boy has composed some beautiful music to this one - the symphonic gidyea rock combines so well with the rousing bastille beat, that we are expecting this number to be a hit on 2 continents."

"The inspiration only came when we were in France in 04 - relaxing after a hectic tour of Germany - Roy the Boy was in the south of France and I was in Paris hanging out in the 7th Arrondissement, taking it easy on jambon baguette and rouge francais. Then one martin I strolled out from my digs at La Grande Hotel Leveque, into Rue Cler, a little hungover but nothing an ouve and fromage ommlette couldn't cure. Suddenly I got a whiff of Californian poppy and I glanced up to see Rudy walk past. He was older, greyer, smaller but it was Rudy alright. And in a flash he was gone."

"I got straight on the blower to Roy the Boy."

"There was silence on the phone as Roy the Boy took in the full magnitude of the information I had blurted out."

"Finally he said: "He must be going home." '

"Roy the Boy was right Audrey: Rudy was going home. Very poignant. THAT was the inspiration for "Could it be You Rudy" '

CF: "That is a very revealing insight into this track, no wonder it is an absolute pearler. "

RtBfY: "Nothing is too good for your readers or for our many fans, Audrey. They deserve to know all."

CF: "Well I am pleased you feel this way Roy the Boy, because there are a lot of gaps in your long and illustrious career in the rock music industry. You were, I understand an understudy of the Ru...."

RtBfY: "I have to pull you up there Audrey I am sorry...I am starting to cramp up - an old injury from the days of the Gully Gang. I need to stretch the legs and get some salt so what's say we stroll over the road to the Globe - I will get some some chips and a few coldies and I should be right then. And you never know, we are more likely to give away a few secrets over a beer. Especially Bullringer."

Next post: A most revealing session at the Globe.

Letters to the Bullring Blog: Dear Bullring...

2007-03-02T19:12:00.000+10:00

After the overwhelming response to Bullring's new email facility (see contact details on top right of blog), Bullring has decided to share some of the emails with you, our faithful bloggers in a new regular feature entitled Dear Bullring where we bring you the best emails from the inbox:

Dear Bullring

What a great blog you have. I particularly enjoy the variety of links and up to date information about the central west - where I lived for many years. When I was out west I recall a very good band, with a top vocalist which played at cabarets at the civic centre. I think they were called The In Crowd. Were you out there then do you know that band?

Keep up the great work and I can't wait for the CD to come out. Can I ask, does the Bullring band play out west - or will that be come out in the next part of the interview you are doing?

Cheers

(Name supplied)

Extract of reply from Roy the Boy from Yalleroi:

...and thanks for those very perceptive and accurate observations about the blog. I would say that you are referring to Arno Bessie and the In Crowd from Longreach. Yes they were a good band.

Regarding your other questions: Stay tuned!!!

Best wishes

Roy the Boy from Yalleroi

Dear Bullring

Is that site counter accurate? Also if I am right in my suspicions the so called forthcomming cd you are going on about will be a load of (s...edited) IF it does ever appear which I doubt. Also all this stuff about the interview is (c...edited) never heard of that paper and i bet you couldnt put a cd together if you had the philomonic (f......edited) orchestra at your disposal!

(First name supplied)

ps yalleroi dont even exist anymore

Reply from Roy the Boy from Yalleroi:

(F...edited) off.

best wishes

Roy the Boy from Yalleroi

The Interview (Part 1)

2007-02-25T13:00:00.000+10:00

HERE WE GO BULLRINGERS: All the negotiating and back room deals have been done and for the first time ever Country:Folk and Rock Magazine (C-Farm) has allowed a blog publication of its renowned and revered "The Interview" segment.

Not only that but C:Farm sent their rising star reporter, Audrey Skye McNash, to cover the story.

The wait is over! Bullring won't hold you up any longer. HERE IT IS BULLRINGERS. From the pages of the March edition of C:Farm.

C:Farm March 2007 Page 15
For this month's The C:Farm Interview we sent our intrepid reporter Audrey S McNash out west to spend a week in Barcaldine, to soak up the ambiance of the town which helped produce another great CD from the Bullring stable. So impressed was Audrey that she dispatched her report titled unambiguously....

IT'S BULLRING WITH A BULLET

"Roy the Boy from Yalleroi is back" my editor stated blandly, without intonation nor any hint of irony, as I sat in his office overlooking the harbour on that Monday morning just a few weeks ago.

"We thought Live in the Loungroom was the swan song" - he continued "but no - and we are all grateful for that. More comebacks than Dame Nellie Farnham - oops Nell. "

"I want you to interview him and the sidekick, Bullringer for the March edition."

"Yes, Audrey" he exclaimed so that I could not miss the significance of the moment: "You have got The Interview for our March edition."

My first time on the prestigious Interview column! What a challenge - and to interview the grand old masters of Folk and Rock - Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and Bullringer. Well, Roy the Boy anyway. I was pumped, apprehensive, excited, overwhelmed. You name it. I felt it....

...and now the moment of truth has almost arrived. The rendezvous with Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and Bullringer at Daffy's Diner is now only moments, and 200 metres, away.

I turn west at Burns' Newsagency into Oak street and into the gusty breeze from Longreach, which, cooled only by the tiniest of encounters with Lagoon Creek, is as warm as the hospitality I have received from this wonderful town of Barcaldine.

Barcy. The town, nay the Alma Mata, of Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and Bullringer.

My walk has taken me past the green (bore water folks!) manicured lawns of this Garden City of the West, on my way to the main street from my digs at the Lord Mayor's estate on the Blackall Road. A pleasant stroll, allowing time to admire the proud, grand old Radio Theatre; so proud in fact, that she exposes not just her face, but her entire iron body to the street.

And now, like the Radio Theatre, the other places in the main street pop up like old friends, like bits of a reality I only became aware of by listening to the tapes of the brilliant new Bullring CD, and reading the Bullring book, as I relaxed in my soft and beautifully designed Bullring T Shirt. Australian cotton. Made by China, not in China.

Intermittently, in this heavenly state, as the warmth of the morning sun rose above Lake Dolly, I fidget with my Bullring key-ring.

As I stroll down Oak Street, the lyrics from the beautiful music ring in my head, and I wonder "Was Speshie's here next to Gone Shopping;? Is this Diak's Pub? Is that the home of the Gully Gang somewhere hidden on the Aramac side of the tracks?"

And then I am at The Globe - Oggy's Pub.

So many questions and the answers are just round the corner.

Suddenly I am here. The time has come. I quickly make the preparations: battery check of the recorder, a fluff of the hair, a quick glance in the window of The Globe.

As cool and willowy a posture as I can muster, I stroll across the street. And there they are: Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and Bullring, lounging in the alfresco dining area of Daffy's, looking cool and collected while the newspaper holding their chips and scallops flutters insolently in the gusting breeze....

They stand to greet me.

NEXT POST: The interview begins!!!

Tuesday Night Photo Competition results...

2007-02-24T11:31:00.000+10:00

The second envelope has been opened (see post below) and the answers to the 2 remaining questions in the Tuesday Night Competition are as follows:

(a) What is the local name given to this tree? ANSWER: This tree, on the banks of the Lagoon Creek (Aramac Road reach) is of course known locally as The Bendy-Over Tree. Not one correct response. Shame, Bullringers, Shame.

(b) What is this local landmark known as? ANSWER: Redbank. Cogratulations to Jo for going so close and even nominating its precise location.

And Now for Some Answers...

2007-02-24T08:13:00.000+10:00

Early this morning a courier woke me up with a delivery of 2 sealed A4 envelopes from Roy the Boy from Yalleroi. Just as well too, as I have a few messages to do up the street, not to mention buying some lammies and jam at the QCWA stall outside Burns' newsagency and getting a copy of the new publication The Barcaldine Bugle.

Anyway the envelopes contain the results of the last 2 competitions: The Cabaret Photo Contest and the Tuesday Night Photo Challenge.

Bullring would like to give a big thankyou to those who entered with such interesting and accurate responses, particularly JL, MM, Jo and Sandlewood (now there's an interesting name).

Roy the Boy from Yalleroi has been sifting through the comments to all the posts and has even been asking some challenging follow-up questions. Nothing gets past RtBfY so make sure you keep an eye on your comments!!

Might I add there has been some VERY NICE comment posting by Vicki.

So without further ado, let me grab the first envelope which is headed:

Confidential: Do NOT open till Saturday 24 February 2007.
ANSWERS TO CABARET PHOTO COMPETITION

(a) What venue is this? ANSWER: This venue is the Aramac Shire Hall Supper Room. CONGRATULATIONS JL for correctly identifying the venue. MM also receives a Bullring commendation for including this venue with his/her options.

(b) Can you name the band? ANSWER: The band is December Sunn, which was based in Barcaldine but played at various venues in the Central West and Capricornia. December Sunn was comprised of the following members:

Jeffrey Faulkner - aka Doonga - Bass Guitar
Gary Alexander - aka Lick; aka Lickbird - Percussion
Tony Mansfield - aka Gasper; aka Gapper - Rythym Guitar/Vocals
Peter Fischer - aka Bones; aka Grasshopper - Keyboards
Bill Fraser - aka Norm; aka The Big Bump Head - Rythym/Lead Guitar

The December Sunn beat some very good bands to become the central and northwest divisional winners in the Hoadley's National Battle of the Sounds* in 1969. Other bands competing included Russ Head and the Impacts from Blackall, The Innocence and The T-U-Wanas from Longreach. Many other bands from Muttaburra and the Northwest could not compete with the Bullringesque quality of the music of December Sunn. (More about the bands in the C-Farm Interview coming to Bullring Blog SOON!!)

* It was during the Battle of the Sounds in Rockhampton that the vocalist for December Sunn, Tony (Gasper) Mansfield; inspired by John and Yoko's love-in for peace at a hotel in Toronto, staged his famous filth-in for peace at the Leichardt Hotel, refusing to bathe until world peace had been attained. More to this story coming SOON in the C-Farm Interview.

(c) What year was it taken? ANSWER: Circa 1969.

The Winners: How good was MM?; Boy what a memory. MM even identified band members and a number of bands including December Sunn. Also JL had some accurate information about this photo and RtBfY is asking for some more details in the comments. Well done to both of you from Bullring.

Well that is it - WAIT A TICK!!!! I have just found some photos of the band in the bottom of the envelope. Check out these snaps and the Bullring Blog will get back soon to open the second envelope.

Tuesday Challenge: 2 questions answered already!!

2007-02-21T21:42:00.000+10:00

Congratulations Anonymous, posted by "Vicki" - for answering 2 questions from the Tuesday Night Challenge so quickly. Bullring Blog Hitters, simply click on comments to read Vicki's answers and let's see how he/she went. (S'cuse the gender uncertainty Hitters - can't be too careful with pseudonyms on the net.)

Question (c) CORRRRRECT Yes Vicki that innocent looking iron shed was indeed the HQ of the notorious Gully Gang, which reigned for many years in Barcy suburbia.

As it happens the Gully Gang will be immortalized in the greatly anticipated CD from Bullring Music in the feature song "No Mistakin' Barcy".

Although the physical location of the Gully Gang headquarters remains shrouded in mystery, Bullring Music speculates on the location in their No. 1 hit song* No Mistakin' Barcy with the line: "When the law of the north side, was the law of the Gully Gang."

The notion that the gang was based on the North Side is supported by the following evidence:

it is well known that the Gully Gang referred to their weaponry as "gings", which is the northern dialect of what town residents properly referred to as "shanghais"; and
all attacks were launched on the north side of Barcaldine.

Well done Vicki!

*Bullring accepts that this statement is largely speculative.

Question (d) CORRRRECT Yes Vicki you are right again - that is indeed the premises where Rudy plied his avocation and dispensed chewies as the town Barber.

Bullring Music is pleased to ANNOUNCE that a song on their forthcoming and eagerly awaited CD is devoted to Rudy. It is a pearler, and you will not be disappointed, especially with the symphonic Gidyea Rock Beat and the wonderful music that Roy the Boy from Yalleroi has composed for this number.

That is 2 questions answered correctly already thanks to Vicki - can anyone get the other 2???

Bullring thinks NOT!!!

News, Big News and Tuesday Night Photos

2007-02-20T18:57:00.000+10:00

After the big news item, you will find some photos which you may find interesting. One thing is for sure: they will certainly feature one way or another in Bullring's eagerly awaited CD and associated products. In fact Tuesday Night Photos will become a regular feature of the Bullring Blog. Don't forget to check after The Bill guv!!

News Item: We are close to announcing a winner in the Cabaret Photo Contest with 2 very good responses coming in from anonymous and anonymous and posted by a "Vicki "- whoever those people are, they have done a great job.

Correct answers will be posted by the end of the week. (See also this week's challenge below.)

Big News Item: THE INTERVIEW BEGINS - Bullring is pleased to announce that all residual contractual issues have now been RESOLVED with C-Farm and the serialization of the interview with Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and Bullringer begins this Sunday. You can't wait for this one!!

In the meantime have a go at Tuesday Night Photo Challenge No 1. If you think you know the answers send them through the comments tag at the bottom of the post. Remember you can be anonymous if you wish.

(a) What is the local name given to this tree?

(b) What is this local landmark known as? (c) This building was headquarters to what Barcaldine gang?
(d) Who operated a barber shop from these premises in the 60's?

MapLoco - Great new feature for Bullring:

2007-02-17T15:19:00.000+10:00

Scroll down to the very bottom of the blog to see the locations of recent hits to Bullring - you can even click on the map to see the city or suburb.

Thanks to Bullring's good friend in the Middle East, (though formerly from the Central West), and his friends from around the world who kindly visited the Bullring Blog, here is a pictue of the MapLoco Bullring map on Saturday 17 February 2007:

The map of Tassie shines bright blue; Watson! Is this some kind of clue? To the one behind the name of Roy; Who claims to hail from Yalleroi!!!

Some photos while you wait for The Interview..

2007-02-15T21:27:00.000+10:00

Fellow Bullringers: Can you answer the following questions about this picture:

(a) What venue is this?

(b) Can you name the band?

Send your answers via our "comments" link to this post - we have made it much easier to make a comment and you can be anonymous - and if can answer all questions correctly, you will recieve a signed copy of the new CD with a 10% discount! And...if you can prove that you are in the picture you get the CD FREE!!!!

Here's some more pictures that will feature in the Bullring package:

Bullring Music scores publicity coup

2007-02-07T11:14:00.000+10:00

Bullring secures "The C-FARM" interview:

GREAT NEWS: Bullring Music is pleased to announce that it has successfully negotiated to publish on its own blog (this one!), the transcript of the official Bullring interview with that prestigous journal: Country - Folk and Rock Magazine (C-Farm).

This interview is seen as a major coup for Bullring, as C-Farm is considered to be the "Bible" of country, folk and rock music genres. Of course C-Farm makes no pretentions of its position in the marketplace with its catchcry that appears on every cover:

If you love your Folk an' Country, or if you live under a Folk' n Rock: C-Farm is the Magazine for you!

Regardless, an interview with C-Farm is still a good indication of the confidence that the industry has in this forthcoming Bullring CD, and Bullring Blog is pleased to bring this interview to you.

However, due to contractural arrangements with C-Farm, who hold the copyright to the interview, Bullring Blog is forbidden from reproducing the transcript in its entirety.

NEVER MIND!, Bullring Bloggers should not be dissapointed as Bullring Blog will be bringing the complete*, uncensored*, unabridged*, warts and all* serialization of the C-Farm interview with the 2 Bullring Principals, Roy the Boy from Yalleroi and Bull Ringer in coming weeks!!

STARTING SOON: Follow "The Interview" over coming weeks!! Make sure YOU check back regularly so you don't miss an installment of this fascinating, enlightening, sometimes confronting interview with C-Farm.

Will RtBfY and BR reveal any secrets in the interview? YES, so don't miss an installment!!!

*Bullring Blog accepts that these are, in fact, conditions imposed upon it by C-Farm in its agreement to allow the publishing of The Interview on the Bullring Blog.

Bullring Music: Roy the Boy from Yalleroi (RtBfY) and Bull Ringer (BR).

TREATS FOR BULLRING BLOGGERS

2007-02-01T11:42:00.000+10:00

Exclusively to our dear, faithful, regular bloggers Bullring is pleased to release the first stanza of the feature track, No Mistakin' Barcy, of its eagerly anticipated CD. Sorry Lee but words, music and Gidyea Rock Beat (Gentlissamo) are all protected by copyright.

Try casting your eyes over this without getting the feet tapping or the boots scooting. You can't can ya?

And we have thrown in some Barcy photos for good measure...you may even spot yourself at the Barcy races.

And if that ain't enought we have thrown in the classic space invaders game (not to mention pub pong for Fats) to have a bit of fun with when you visit the blog!

NO MISTAKIN' BARCY

Beat: Gidyea Rock (Gentlissamo)

1. Time has passed so quickly; it’s now been quite a while

Since I left my home town and moved many a mile

And it’s a long way from Brissie to the place that I know best

So it’s early in the morning when my trip starts out west.

2. When I reach The Patrick the journey almost ends
Soon I’ll cross the Alice then there’s only two more bends
Till the rows of peltophorums shimmer into view
And welcome me back to the town that I once knew.

Chorus:

‘Cause there’s no mistakin’ Barcy, the heart of the central west
And there’s no forsakin’ city life if you are not impressed
By the smell of the gidyea; an omen of some rain
Or quiet Sunday evenings strolling down to meet the train ……

By sprinklers placed on iron roofs, cooling wide verandahs
Or going to the footy to cheer the mighty Sand Goannas.

Lagoon Creek avec duck

Lagoon Creek sans duck

At the Barcy races

The Hunt for Larry Brady...

2007-01-30T11:29:00.000+10:00

Bullring needs your help in desperate chase for copyright:

Bullring Music is keen to include a bonus track on their greatly anticipated CD; a track which will be the only non-original song to feature - and it is a beauty. Yes you have guessed it, that classic folk song, the famous, the unforgettable Have You Ever Been Up to Queensland? Just in case you have forgotten it, here are the first few lines to jog your memory:

Have you ever been up to Queensland/There is a place that you all know/A place called old Barcaldine/On the banks of the Alice O/Up there I met a pretty girl/her eyes were big and blue...etc etc

However in the first instance we must secure copyright or at the very least, the owner's permission to record this classic track.

The author is, of course, Mr Larry Brady* who is thought to have penned the lyrics and music while fleecing the boys at Euchre during a Sunday morning session at the Commercial Hotel circa late sixties.

With the exception of some fellow card players, people will have fond memories of Larry, who was a regular at the Commercial for many years. Larry is a stocky fellow, who looks a bit like the late actor Leo McKern and was easily identified by the fact he had a bad leg which he used to prop up on a stool at the bar. (Click on link for photo.)

Regretabbly for Bullring, in later years Larry shied away from the fame of his hit song, and became reclusive.

F and W Search focuses on 2 regions:

The F and W Search Expedition, commissioned by Bullring Music, went close to finding Larry in 2004 and now feel confident that Larry is somewhere in either the South -West Region, or the Western Downs. There is little doubt that Larry has left the Central West.

Armed with video equipment, the F and W search team interviewed many locals in the Mitchell and Augathella (Bullant country) districts. However those who clearly knew of Larry's whereabouts were not speaking - and definately not on camera.

When The Fruiterer informed the search team that he had seen Larry recently, they were about to pop the champagne. However further discussion found that The Fuiterer's version of the term "recent" related to 20 years earlier.

So Bullring needs your help now: Please use the comments facility on this post if you have any clues of Larry's whereabouts.

Huge INCENTIVE:

If you are the first person to povide information leading Bullring to find Larry, and on the condition that Larry gives permission for the use of his hit song Have you ever been up to Queensland, you will recieve a Bullring Music package FREE!!

* In response to the FAQs: No. There is no evidence of Larry being related to Mr Phillip Brady, the game show host and television personality of the 70s. Similarly, no evidence of him being related to the former Headmaster, Mr John Brady.

Secrets revealed on new genre: Western Marlafonte

2007-01-25T21:18:00.000+10:00

The track on the forthcoming Bullring CD Oh! Tambo, as referred to in previous posts, is the vehicle Bullring is using to officially launch their already famous new genre, Western Marlafonte, to the music world.

But just how did it come about?

Bullring now reports that the key factor in organizing the music was the title, which by its very name, screamed out for that calypso touch. However no sound existed that could truly capture the ambience or the experience of the central western town we all know and love as Tambo. Then, in the course of a long session by Bullring musos it just happened. It was a fluke. It came about during a session when one Bullring muso was experimenting with a country version of the glorious sounds of Harry Belafonte - Gydyea Tree, Very Smelly - while a Bullring artiste was mixing some Reggae sounds reminiscent of the great late Bob Marley.

As one Bullring executive commented: "At that moment we all knew we had created something special. It was far greater than the sum of its parts - country, Marley, Belafonte - yes, serendipitously it all came together to create the magic that is Western Marlafonte."

However some big questions are being asked of Oh! Tambo. Is this a simple road song, a trip home for Christmas, or was it a metaphysical journey for Bullring? Was Barcy a town too far? Whilst this extract from the lyrics is suggestive, it is hardly conclusive:

We drive down main street no life do we find/and a “Hot Chooks” sign only plays with our mind/Will we make Barcy who gives a damn–bo?/Stranded, dry and hungry in Tambo/Oh! Tambo Oh! Tambo/

And this tantalizing snippet released by Bullring from the story of Oh! Tambo in the book to the CD does not give much away:

He pressed his eye up to the crack in the door and thought he was hallucinating from the heat. There before his eyes, in air conditioned comfort, were ....., decked out in Christmas party hats, sucking on cold stubbies, chewing on legs of turkey with Christmas presents in front of them. ... knocked on the door. We heard the knock (over the noise from the jukebox), but didn’t move or say anything. We didn’t want any intruders....

No, unfortunately we have to wait for the CD and book release before we know the full story behind this remarkable track, which, like all the tracks, is based on the real life experiences of Bullring members.

We know you can't wait to hear this one. But hang in there - not long NOW!

The famous Radio Theatre

2007-01-07T20:34:00.000+10:00

Many stories are contained between the canvas seats and oak arches of the famous Radio Theatre, Barcaldine and Bullring Music will be bringing some of those stories back to life in the song The Radio Theatre on their eagerly awaited CD. Particular reference in the lyrics is made to an erotic Italian scorcher titled World by Night, (Mondo di Notte - see Radio Theatre Links - adults only please) which was screened at the Radio in the early 60's, much to the delight of the town's youth and Mrs Wilkie. (It wasn't till the end of that decade that the Barcy youth were again treated to such worldy cinema, when the Radio screened a young newd Helen Mirrin - co-starring with James Mason - in Age of Consent.) See Radio Theatre Links.

Tagged as a "shockumentary", World by Night provided a great deal of conversation among the lads in the alcoves at the Astoria Cafe. Without giving too much away, the lyrics are tinged with pathos, as a particular youth is foiled in all his attempts to see the picture.

Radio theatre then... ....and now

The waiting's almost over...

2007-01-07T15:34:00.000+10:00

CD release planned for Winter 07

Barcaldine Post Office will have a busy time delivering the CDs

Bullring Music thanks everyone for the great patience shown in the lead up to the release of its forthcoming compact disc, book and associated merchandise. Already branded as the most anticipated CD launch in 2007, it is sure to be another success story for Bullring, who's last foray into popular music culture was the unforgettable Live from the Loungeroom.* The as yet untitled CD promises to be chock full of hits, or as one Bullring executive described it - "all killers**; no fillers".

However Bullring makes no apology for the time the CD is taking to produce, which is consistent with their renowned commitment to quality, regardless of timeframes. The eclectic range of genres on the CD, combined with Bullring Music's demand for high quality lyrics, melodies, sound mixing, composition and musical instrumentation, has required the building of a customized recording studio.

Bullring Music is pleased to announce that this studio, located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, is nearing completion.

New Genre

The new CD will also herald a whole new musical genre, capturing the diversity of the melodies of the Caribbean entwined with the raw noises of the outback, to produce the sublime sound known as Western Marlafonte. This new genre is exposed for the first time in the haunting, tragic, mournful yet ultimately uplifting road song Oh! Tambo.

Fans will also not be disapointed with the number of tracks dedicated to Bullring's world famous musical genre, Gidyea Rock.

Merchandise

Bullring recognizes that these days people don't want to just buy a CD but they want the whole experience. So along with the CD will come a book with humorous stories about the tracks, with of course a chapter on the making of the CD. But there will be more, so watch this space..

...and don't forget to check the Bullring Music blog regularly.

In fact, bookmark Bullring Blog NOW!!!

*Some inferior quality pirated tapes were sold under the name Live from the Loungroom. Remember to report pirated copies immediately to law enforcement agencies.

**In this context the term "killer" does not refer in any way to the old sheep given to the ringer after cutting out a shearing shed.