Soulful Shipwreck Coast combo Hot Tamale Baby honor late co-founder Peter Lucas with a posthumous CD launch, tribute and benefit on Sunday in Warrnambool.
Lucas, 48 and suffering a genetic heart defect, died early on Sunday March 14 after a massive coronary at the Hawthorn flat of his two daughters - both university students.
Peter and singing spouse Su Mellersh-Lucas fronted a swag of Warrnambool roots bands including Emu Creek, Eureka, Rock Wallaby and Kaleidico before forming Hot Tamale Baby.
The band recorded its self titled album, featuring seven original tunes penned by Peter and Su, at Tony Peel’s Warrnambool studio, in 1998.
Although the band frequently played live throughout Victoria, NSW and South Australia it was only at the 11th hour the CD was entered in the second annual Australian Roots Music Awards in Warrnambool.
Hot Tamale Baby surprised no-one but itself when Su won best female vocal performance for the band’s cut of its tune Blues For Tibet.
Ironically, the January win was the 21st wedding anniversary of the duo who renovated the old Woodford post office on the banks of the Merri River.
Peter, who was given six months to live by doctors in 1992, defied medical opinion and lived for another seven years by adopting eastern medicine and religion.
Lucas lived long enough to savor the success of his band, performed at the prestige Port Fairy Folk festival but died before the band could perform at the Apollo Bay festival.
Now, the cream of the south west Victorian roots music scene are donating their services for the belated CD launch at the Old Collegians Football Club, Warrnambool, on Sunday.
“Peter would have wanted his band to continue after his tragic passing,” former band mate and benefit organiser Wally Edney told Beat.
“Larry Lawson has joined on bass for the gig and, hopefully, for other bookings that may eventuate. It’s also a benefit as Peter’s medical, ambulance and funeral costs need to be met. Peter had scaled down his work commitments because of his health and the need for quality time with his family. It’s now hoped the function will considerably help Sue and their daughters Sahr and Paije.”
The function, starting at 2 p m, will feature two stages - accoustic and bands.
Fellow roots music award winning singer Lee Morgan, former Blue Heat singer Marco Goldsmith, Peter Daffy, Richard Tankard and Duncan McKenzie perform on the accoustic stage.
The bands’ stage will feature Zydeco Jump leader George Butrumlis & Friends, Lost In Suburbia, Slap N The Cats, Piffin Yonnies, the Warrnambool jazz ensemble and, of course, Hot Tamale Baby.