By Julius Grafton
Sydney sound engineer, lighting designer and installation tech Robert ‘Dutchie’ Vanderent died this week following a long battle with liver cancer. He was one of the first batch of roadies working the highways and pub dives of the 1980s with the A to Z of classic Australian rock bands that emerged after colour TV arrived.
Dutchie was well loved and arranged his own ‘awakening’ event last month attended by a large cohort of walking wounded ex-crew and an even larger gathering of loving family from near and far. He owned Anything Audio, a business that sold and installed commercial audio systems which has been acquired by Prolinx AV.
A gifted man he was. Well-loved he lived. He loved beauty – and he loved the beast. Dutchie is survived by his adorable wife, two daughters, grandchildren, parents and sister.
The funeral is on this Thursday 23rd at midday, Garden Chapel Castlebrook Memorial Chapel Rouse Hill.
