Decimus Gnu (1995) - Various Artists

A little while ago I was interested in graphing the prevalence of all-ages gigs over the past 30 years, to see whether or not there was a decline or not.

Key in the all-ages scene for a while in the mid-90s was Scenestar, a promo/booking organisation dedicated to getting AA gigs happening. There's a Wikipedia page on it here.

Scenestar was spearheaded by Aaron Shipperlee and Pheona Donohoe, the latter of whom was active in Dandenong's Muso Network (under the FReeZA community youth events banner), Rock'N'Roll Highschool (playing in the band Tuff Muff) and eventually got a spot on ABC's Recovery, which is probably one of the most amazing bits of archival footage I've ever seen (aside from when they did the vox pop at The Glen and aired it on Rage... that was a good morning).

Mentioned on the Wikipedia page is this compilation, Decimus Gnu. Mostly poorly recorded grunge bands, it's an interesting document from an era particularly relevant where it's difficult to imagine indie rock shows being held in Noble Park, let alone all-ages grassroots events. Some of the standout tracks include those from The Reflection, whose other lone appearance (as far as I know) on Indent's (?) Incestuous comp has almost persuaded me to track this latter CD down, and Muffcake, whose 'Esprit' is amongst the higher-fidelity offerings on here.

Listening to this makes me think of riding BMXs in the Noble Park (Mile Creek) canals on a summer day, drinking Big Ms, heading up Mosh's Tomb drain in Clayton... but none of that is likely representative of the time. Does anyone know the bands on the AA bills for the Noble shows? I had that info somewhere but it's lost in my bookmarks somewhere. 

Perhaps you were in one of these bands? Comment accordingly...

1. Silver Lungs        6:10    Superhunchbacks
2. Models Inc.        2:23    Powersect
3. Break Free        4:16    Seaweed Gorillas
4. The Misadventures Of Gerry Gerbal        4:17    Headcase
5. What You Said        2:18    Caffeine
6. Manson        2:04    Salmonella
7. Kilcunda        4:27    Paddycome Home
8. Tusk Rock & Roll        3:33    Tusk
9. Super-Seeded        4:33    The Reflection
10. Another Day Another Near Miss        2:51    The Reflection
11. Diggin' The Blues        4:44    Tusk
12. Lowlife        5:10    Powersect
13. Just Don't Know        4:07    Super Hunchbacks
14. Rumpelstiltskin        2:49    Salmonella
15. Lock And Load        3:47    Seaweed Gorillas
16. Granny's House        1:50    Headcase
17. Attention        5:10    Caffeine
18. Esprit        7:32    Muffcake

Various Artists - Decimus Gnu (1995)

UPDATE: This is what the Noble Park Youth Resource Centre now looks like! Three bedrooms and a shopfront SOLD! Gee whiz!

It appears all ages gigs in Noble Park were held at Memorial Park, which is now as I understand the same Ross Reserve where we did athletics day in high school.You can now hire the hall for an exorbitant fee.