With the likes of Daryl Braithwaite, Richard Clapton, Jimmy Barnes and Midnight Oil still regularly touring Australia, Julius Grafton has recognised a need for crew that match the artist’s maturity.
Launching today is his latest venture AMARC (Aussie Mature Aged Road Crews) formed in Sydney with the idea to support and nurture the specific needs of some of our best senior road crew.
“I’ve found that mature artists don’t want the doof-doof generation around preferring crew who know what real music is,” commented Mr Grafton. “They want crew that have been raised on real rock’n’roll, know how to set up a backline and not just a turntable.”
Supplying crew to the stadium, arena and the folk festival market, AMARC’s mission statement is “No crew should be without morning tea and scones”.
“I am thrilled to be working with, and on behalf of, our most treasured senior road crew,” added Mr Grafton. “All though they may be needy and at times cranky, they deserve time to eat scones and enjoy a lovely camomile tea at their leisure during load-ins. As an accredited (Seniors) card-carrying roadie for hire myself, I find I bring an extra dimension to diverse and ethnically woke crew teams.”
AMARC is in discussions with promoters and event producers to ensure no load-ins are scheduled to start before 10.30am and afternoon naps can be organised.
Revered Sound Engineer Brad Parker, pictured with long term client Daryl Braithwaite, says “This is an excellent idea! I have suggested that portaloos at FOH should be mandatory at all outdoor gigs and catering needs to be easily digestible.”
One of Australia’s most popular entertainers Daryl Braithwaite adds, “The old school do a great job plugging in the leads, lifting heavy objects and importantly, taping the mic lead so it doesn’t pull out.”
“With AMARC crew, you know 100% that they abstain from hard drugs and staying up all night drinking,” added Mr Grafton. “They simply can’t cut it. The only drugs our crew take are Ibuprofen, Viagra and Nexium.”
Anyone over the age of 55 years old can go on Mr Grafton’s books, click HERE to register
