Remembering Reg Lindsay returned to the Tamworth Country Music Festival this year, continuing the long-running tribute to one of Australian country music’s most influential early figures.
It’s not only the concert in January that remembers Reg, best-known for his international hit, Armstrong, but the Memory Barn in Yannergee near Spring Ride NSW, pays tribute to the musical legend all year ‘round.
Organiser, Reg’s widow, Ros Lindsay, who is assisted each year by Rusty Wallis, said the concert was important to recognise the pioneers of country music.
Held at the Tamworth Jockey Club, the annual concert again drew a strong crowd, with the venue around three-quarters full, and featured a mix of returning performers and newer artists committed to keeping Reg Lindsay’s legacy alive.
“It went really, really well,” she said. “To see everyone coming back every year tells me people still want to remember Reg.”
Younger artists are encouraged to perform on the concert, each performing at least one Reg Lindsay song.
“It’s important the younger generation understands where it all began,” Ros said.
“The pioneers did the hard yards.”
This year’s performers included Justin Standley, Tanya-Lee, Louis Burt, Ross McGregor, Coral Renee, Bill and Tracey Rowland, Lucy-Lou and Shaza Leigh joined the line-up as a late addition with Peggy Gilchrist joining her on keys and Shaza’s son, Lachlan Butler, on drums.
“They’re champions. Everyone wants to remember Reg,” she said.
Reg Lindsay was a major figure in Australian country music and entertainment, known not only for his recordings but for his television programs Country and Western Hour in Adelaide and Country Homestead in Brisbane, which gave many of those still performing, their first exposure to audiences.
“He was a big star both here and in Nashville,” Ros said.
“I don’t want him to be forgotten. He did so much for the music and entertainment industry.”
The Reg Lindsay & Friends Memory Barn is open by appointment, preserving photographs, memorabilia and records of the artists Reg worked with throughout his career.
“I enjoy watching people go through the photos and recognise the artists he worked with,” Ros said.
“He was a trailblazer and opened a lot of doors for the people who came after him.”
Planning has already begun for next year’s Remembering Reg Lindsay Concert with the focus on ensuring Reg Lindsay’s contribution to Australian country music continues to be recognised and remembered.
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