A Journey Through Australian Music: Kate Ceberano’s Stories and Reflections

Chrissy Amphlett: The Wild One Who Inspired a Young Artist

Kate Ceberano’s journey in the music industry began with a bang, thanks to the electrifying presence of Chrissy Amphlett, the iconic lead singer of the Divinyls. As a 16-year-old, Ceberano found herself in the wings of an all-women’s bill that included Amphlett, Renee Geyer, and Colleen Hewett. Watching Amphlett perform was nothing short of mesmerizing. To Ceberano, she was like a predator—sleek, dangerous, and intoxicatingly herself. The young singer was so captivated that she began emulating Amphlett, but the legend herself wasn’t having it. “Would you just f— off and get your own vibe? Get off me. Go make your own self. F— off, you little nerd!” Amphlett told her. This moment, though blunt, was a turning point for Ceberano, pushing her to find her own identity and voice in the industry. Amphlett’s raw energy and unapologetic individuality left an indelible mark on Ceberano, who carried that lesson with her as she navigated the wild world of 1980s rock’n’roll.

Navigating the Excesses of Rock’n’Roll: No Safety Nets for a Young Woman

The 1980s rock’n’roll scene was a whirlwind of excess, and as a young woman, Ceberano found herself thrown into the deep end with little to no protection. Unlike today’s more safeguarded industry, back then, it was every person for themselves. “Here’s another one! Let’s throw this kid in the creek and see if she can swim or drown,” was the attitude she faced. There were no older women stepping in to shield her from predators or offer guidance. Instead, she had to learn to fend for herself, and quickly. Ceberano’s experiences during this time were a mix of excitement and survival, as she navigated the challenges of being a young woman in a male-dominated, often predatory industry. While she didn’t have mentors to rely on, she learned to trust her instincts and carve her own path. This era shaped her resilience and determination, qualities that would serve her well throughout her career.

Jimmy Barnes: The Hardest-Working Man in Australian Rock

Jimmy Barnes, or “Barnesy” as he’s affectionately known, is a name synonymous with Australian rock’n’roll. To the public, he’s the smiling, family-friendly figure who’s always on the road, signing books and performing to sold-out crowds. But Ceberano remembers a different side of Barnes—one that was raw, menacing, and deeply embedded in the gritty essence of rock’n’roll. “There was a time when the guy wasn’t quite as family-friendly as the always-smiling bloke we see now,” she reflects. Back then, Barnes was a force of nature, embodying the wild, untamed spirit of Australian rock. Ceberano recalls a particular incident where Barnes tore apart an entire studio at the Countdown awards in front of 12,000 people, pulling the set to pieces with his bare hands. To her, it wasn’t just an act of destruction; it was a testament to the immersive, all-consuming nature of art at the time. Artists weren’t worried about appearances or image—they were too busy creating, raw and unfiltered. Barnes, in her eyes, was a key figure in that era, a man with “hairy legs and sharp teeth,” who helped define the unpolished, unpredictable spirit of Australian rock.

John Farnham: The Enigmatic Nice Guy with a Hidden Depth

John Farnham is often regarded as one of the nicest men in Australian music, a reputation cemented by his generous spirit and warm demeanor. But as Ceberano reflects, there’s more to Farnham than meets the eye. She describes him as an enigmatic figure, even to himself. “I reckon he looks in the mirror every morning and scratches his head, going, like, ‘Who is Johnny Farnham?’” she says. Farnham’s desire to be loved and appreciated by so many different people has, at times, left him searching for his own identity. Ceberano, who has grappled with similar challenges in her own life, admiration for his generosity and kindness. She recalls the countless times Farnham went out of his way to connect with fans, taking the time to talk, smile, or sign autographs after shows. During their time working together on Jesus Christ Superstar, she saw firsthand how he prioritized others, often putting their needs before his own. Farnham may not have had all the answers, but his heart was always in the right place, making him a beloved figure both on and off stage.

Michael Hutchence: The Romantic with a Magnetic Presence

Michael Hutchence, the late frontman of INXS, was a man who exuded romance and charisma. To Ceberano, he was the embodiment of Don Juan, Lord Byron, and Plato all rolled into one—a man who could make anyone feel seen and desired. “He kind of turned everyone on, and when you were around him, it was hard to get turned off,” she recalls. Their connection was undeniable, and one memorable night after the 1986 Countdown awards, where they were both crowned the “king” and “queen” of pop, their chemistry spilled over into a romantic encounter. After a big night, Ceberano woke up to find Hutchence asleep on her balcony, having climbed up in the night. When she opened the door, they shared breakfast together, and while she doesn’t reveal more, the story speaks volumes about the magnetic pull of Hutchence. His ability to make people feel special was a gift, but it also came with a cost. For Ceberano, he represented the intoxicating highs and tragic lows of the rock’n’roll lifestyle.

Lee Rogers: The Man on the Bedroom Wall Who Became a Lifetime Love

Kate Ceberano’s love story with her husband, Lee Rogers, is one for the ages. Decades before they tied the knot, Rogers was the subject of a Dolly magazine poster that adorned Ceberano’s bedroom wall. It was the 1980s, and Rogers, as the lead singer of the funk band Vika and Linda, was just beginning to make waves in the music scene. For a teenage Ceberano, he was the epitome of charm and talent. Fast forward to today, and that poster has become a symbol of a romance that has spanned over 30 years. Reflecting on their relationship, Ceberano laughed about how the “advertising” of that poster—Rogers’ handsome face and charming smile—was just the surface. What truly mattered was the depth of their connection, built over decades of love, laughter, and shared experiences. Their marriage is a testament to the power of enduring love and the beauty of growing together as individuals.

Molly Meldrum and Marianne Faithfull: Champions of Self-Expression

Molly Meldrum, the legendary Countdown host, was more than just a television personality; he was the ringmaster of Australian rock’n’roll. To Ceberano, Meldrum was a superfan who understood the wild, exotic circus of rock’n’roll better than anyone. He didn’t try to explain or analyze the artists; instead, he gave them the stage to be themselves. “You could be anything you chose to be,” she reflects. Meldrum’s ability to let artists shine in their own light made him a beloved figure in the industry, and his enthusiasm was infectious. Similarly, Marianne Faithfull, though not someone Ceberano worked with directly, is a woman she deeply admires. Faithfull’s resilience and refusal to be overshadowed by others’ brilliance resonated deeply with Ceberano. Both Meldrum and Faithfull embody the spirit of self-expression and endurance that Ceberano has come to value in her own career.

Paul Kelly: The Heartbeat of Australian Music

Paul Kelly, often referred to as Australia’s answer to Bob Dylan, holds a special place in the nation’s musical folklore. To Ceberano, he’s like Vegemite—a quintessential part of the Australian experience. She’s known Kelly since she was 15, and their collaboration on music was as effortless as it was enjoyable. During one impromptu songwriting session, they churned out three songs in just two hours. Kelly’s knack for capturing the essence of Australian life in his lyrics is unparalleled, and Ceberano admires his ability to turn everyday phrases into timeless verses. For her, Kelly’s music is a reminder of the power of love and the pride of being Australian. As she prepares to hit the road with her band, Ceberano hopes to reignite that sense of pride and connection through her music.