Growing up in Lismore in the 1980s, I never found a particular affinity for “pub rock”, as my musical tastes weren’t in that direction but last night, stepping into the Northern Rivers Hotel, I couldn’t escape a wave of nostalgia.
Having recently reopened post the catastrophic 2022 flood that severely impacted it, “The Northern Rivers Hotel” was, at first glance, an unlikely candidate for re-opening. It’s located in the lowest part of town, and had flood water in the second floor. Yet, during my last visit over Christmas, the scent of fresh paint lingered, hinting at a promising renewal.
Last night, the smell of fresh paint had dissipated, replaced by the tempting aroma of freshly cooked food.
The Northern Rivers was bustling. As a family member remarked, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many people here before.” I couldn’t help but watch in awe at the youthful crowd, reminiscent of thirty years ago when I might have been one of them.
The dance floor was alive with the energy of 20-somethings dancing, reveling in the tunes of the Billy Gudgeon Band. Billy, a local talent gaining recognition in the country/rock circuit, had recently graced the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The crowd defied the typical Lismore music scene stereotype, leaning more towards “farm kids” from nearby places like Casino and Kyogle than the usual hip crowds of Southern Cross University and Byron Bay. They enthusiastically danced to a mix of 80s covers and originals.
Today, the musical journey continued with Luke Yeaman at The Levee, offering soulful acoustic covers. Unfamiliar with Luke until my online search revealed his expertise in “wedding music packages,” I quickly grasped the appeal of enjoying familiar tunes presented in a unique way. His rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” was particularly impressive.
Around the corner, another local musician Adam Gardiner entertained a smaller audience at The Metropole Hotel. Acknowledging the humble turnout, he smiled and said, “When I started, it was just the bar staff, so thanks for coming along.”
As I explored town, seeing many shop window posters advertising upcoming gigs, across a variety of musical genres, brought a smile to my face. While it may not match the “glory days” of Lismore’s music scene, with bands playing nightly at numerous pubs, it touched me to hear these sounds again on the streets, marking a significant step towards recovery after the flood.
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