Oz Elsewhere

While the blues-inspired hard guitar riffs of Australian pub rock were shaping tastes in this country, a number of artists were developing music primed for success on the international stage. These performers evolved with rock’s sensibilities in tow, while embracing overseas trends to take their careers in new directions.

The Bee Gees and Kylie Minogue both experienced local success, but it was the move to the United Kingdom that saw their respective careers take off. The Bee Gees initially formed as a rock ‘n roll group in Australia in 1958, releasing several singles including the hit ‘Spicks and Specks’ (1966). It wasn’t until the group returned to England in 1967 that they catapulted into the international charts, before transitioning from rock ‘n roll to disco in the mid-70s – with such success they were later branded the ‘Kings of Disco’.

Moving to the UK also sparked genuine stardom for Kylie Minogue, who’d previously found fame on TV soap Neighbours in the 1980s. Another ‘royal’ expat – she would later be dubbed the ‘Princess of Pop’ – Minogue continued to gain traction in the UK charts from the 1980s. Though she is known as a fixture of the pop genre, Minogue has re-invented herself over the years, collaborating with a number of rock artists including Nick Cave, and performing at iconic music festival Glastonbury.

Across the Atlantic, one of Australia’s most successful musical exports to the United States is Olivia Newton-John; her fame skyrocketed after her performance in the 1978 musical blockbuster Grease and the release of her 1981 album Physical.

"Get me outta here" taken from ‘Boys In Town’. Written by Christina Amphlett and Mark McEntee. Published by EMI Music Publishing Australia Pty Ltd. International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Used by permission.