A gig will be held in Warrnambool in the memory of Peter Lucas. He is pictured centre top with fellow Hot Tamale Baby band members.
THE Warrnambool music scene will farewell one of its best-loved musicians and teachers this weekend at a gig in memory of Peter Lucas, founding member of the band Hot Tamale Baby. The 48-year-old Woodford man died of a heart attack last month, seven years after being told by doctors a genetic heart condition meant he had only six months to live. Peter’s wife, Sue Mellersh-Lucas, said the
Sunday afternoon gig would be [a] way of finalising a chapter and saying goodbye. “Music was very important to Pete, I know that he was much loved in the local music scene. There are a lot of people who would like to say goodbye this way.” The gig will also feature the launch of Hot Tamale Baby’s recently completed self-titled CD. The CD’s release follows recent recognition for the
group, with an Australian Roots Music Award for best female vocal performance and successful appearance at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. Sue said the pair was in the process of planning the CD’s launch at the time of Peter’s death. “I felt (launching the CD this Sunday) was the only thing I could do, I’m not giving any thought at the moment to what Hot Tamale Baby will do.” She said many
people who had known Peter had pulled together to make the
gig a success, helping with everything from cooking to setting up the sound system. Students from the South West Institute of Tafe arts department, where Peter was a lecturer, had made posters and were decorating the venue. “I have had loads of people wanting to help out, who feel it is important for this gig to go on,” Sue said. “My girls and I have had enormous support ... it’s been a
wonderful thing that people have been wanting to say thanks to Pete.” Among the performers at the Old Collegians football clubrooms on Sunday afternoon will be Marco Goldsmith, Lee Morgan, Piffen Yonnies and Slap ‘N’ The Cats. The afternoon, including raffles, a sausage sizzle and full bar, will kick off at 2.30pm. Tickets are $5.