A laneway off Rundle Mall will be the fifth city laneway to be named after famous South Australian music artists as the City of Adelaide continues to celebrate its musical roots.
No Fixed Address is an Aboriginal Australian reggae rock group formed in 1979, and the first reggae rock group in Australia. They were also the first Aboriginal band to tour overseas and, in 2011, were inducted in the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Indigenous Music Awards Hall of Fame.
The laneway to be named after the band is in the heart of the city, parallel to Francis Street laneway, just off Rundle Mall. It is a central, easily accessible place to celebrate Aboriginal living culture.
Cold Chisel, The Angels, Paul Kelly and Sia Furler will also be acknowledged for their Adelaide beginnings and contribution to music locally, nationally and internationally by having laneways named after them.
Lord Mayor of Adelaide Sandy Verschoor said that the city is committed to celebrating its status as a world UNESCO City of Music.
“We are proud to honour our music history and promote and celebrate our world-renowned music heritage.
“The City of Adelaide is recognised for its thriving music industry, festivals and events. Our Live Music Action Plan commits to showcasing and celebrating our status as a global City of Music.
“Naming a laneway after musicians who had their roots in Adelaide and then went on to take on the world allows us to applaud their contribution and influence on music while also inviting members of the public to visit the sites as a music tourism destination.”
“We are also committed to celebrating Adelaide’s rich and vibrant Aboriginal identities and the achievements of successful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through our Public Art Action Plan and our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan. I am proud that we can honour No Fixed Address through this project.
No Fixed Address was led by Bart Willoughby together with Ricky Harrison, Les Graham, and John Miller; and former members Nicky Moffatt and Rick Lovegrove (deceased). They all met and formed at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) at the University of Adelaide. Their 1982 album ‘From My Eyes’ was launched by the former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke.
On having a laneway named after the band, Bart Willoughby said, “I’m very, very proud to have a lane named after No Fixed Address.
“It’s actually overwhelming really. We are all blown away to be a part of this group of musicians honoured in Adelaide. We hope people will discover how much influence we have had in not only our own country musically, but overseas.”
“No Fixed Address led the way into the rock ‘n’ roll field of Australia for young up-and-coming Aboriginal bands,” said Les.
“It wasn’t that easy an avenue to break into the rock ‘n’ roll scene in Australia and, for those overcoming racism, it was a hard rock ‘n’ roll road.
“I am so honoured and feel so respectful that the City of Adelaide is going to name a laneway after the legendary band No Fixed Address. Thank you very much.”
Professor Aaron Corn, Director of CASM at the University of Adelaide, said, “This is an absolutely thrilling development. No Fixed Address has made an extraordinary contribution to Australian music and culture since forming at CASM in 1979, and it’s wonderful to see those iconic musicians acknowledged by the City of Adelaide in this way.”
“The band’s appearance in the 1981 South Australian film ‘Wrong Side of the Road’ remains a definitive moment in Australian culture. I hope that everyone who visits No Fixed Address Lane in Adelaide will reflect on the band’s significant achievements, and the timeless message that their music holds for the world.”
An artwork honouring the band by an Aboriginal artist will be installed in the lane as part of the celebration of the naming later in 2020.
