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The Inspiration
Daryl J Melbourne attributes this wonderful collection of songs to his
cousin and best mate, Warwick Mark Rigbye (Rick). They both have a strong
connection with North East Victoria, and their relations and family name
(Melbourne) can be traced back to the 1800s in the sleepy village of Yackandandah. As kids they spent a lot of time in the bush together but
it was Rick who first learnt about the Kelly story, and what began as a
hobby evolved into a full blown fixation. Daryl says;
"Rick became an absolute expert on all things Kelly. He owned, read and
researched everything associated with this story and spent more time in
the related areas than most".
Their adult lives took them in different directions. Rick continued to
live in North East Victoria and raise a family while Daryl became a
professional musician and frequently traveled or lived overseas. But
whenever they could get together they would 'head bush and talk Kelly'.
Indeed both Rick and Daryl loved their adventures together in Kelly
Country and Daryl recalls some of those times and how this wonderful
music came to be.
"When I decided to put the story to lyrics, I called Rick to draw on his
knowledge. I also had read everything possible on the Kellys but I
needed more, and Rick certainly had a great understanding of the events
of the time. We had visited all the usual sites together over the years
but he suggested that we put ourselves in their place, become the
outlaws, so to speak. To achieve this we camped up in the hills of the
Wombat Ranges for nights on end, in the middle of winter and with no
campfire. We imagined being hunted and we constantly moved our campsite.
We spent nights sleeping at the Kelly Caves and on the Byrne property.
We were given permission to lock ourselves in separate darkened cells
for an evening at the Old Melbourne Gaol and I remember the loneliness
of this. I tried to imagine waiting to be hanged and those thoughts
played havoc with my emotions".
They shared many more 'outlaw experiences' together, and it was this
unique approach to research that gave Daryl Melbourne the inspiration to
create this original collection of lyrics. He adds that during these
times they experienced a few episodes that were quite unnerving.
"There were a few occasions when things did not go to plan and I don't
want to go into specifics about those here, because they still send
shivers down my spine.
There was the time we could have burnt to death in a humpy we erected
(during a huge storm) on the Byrne's property. We thought later about
how ironic it would have been for 2 mates to have died in a fire and we
had a bit of a laugh, but at the time it was not so funny.
But one incident that will always stay in my mind was a trip to
Stringybark Creek. We had both been there many times before, and on this
occasion we arrived around 11pm and had planned to camp for the night.
We were in good spirits and had all our provisions and sleeping gear and
set up camp in the vicinity of those infamous events of October 1878.
What was strange is that we could not put our finger on what was
happening, but as we sat there and talked, the bush around our camp
seemed to be swallowing us up. We both felt a strange tightness in our
stomachs and chests, and the breeze which had now begun to get stronger
seemed to be telling us to get out, we were not welcome. It was as if we
could hear and feel voices in the wind. Our fire went out and would not
relight and the giant ghost gums all around us seemed to be changing
colour. I don't know how to explain what was going on because we didn't
know ourselves, and we did not wait to find out and left there as
quickly as we could. I clearly remember the drive back home (about 2
hours) because we did not speak".
It was times like these, spent together with Rick that gave Daryl the
inspiration to put this story into words. During these outings he would
write all his thoughts down and tape their discussions.
It took 3 years to complete the 15 or so songs needed to tell the story
and Daryl says that when he finally decided it was finished, he was so
mentally drained that he put his work away and did not look at it again
for 5 years.
"The emotions I went through while writing were quite extraordinary. I
could be happy and pleased with my work one day, and the next I would be
crying, as the truth of the lyrics I was putting to paper would sink
in".
There can be no doubt to his dedication for authenticity, for as you
read the words Daryl Melbourne has penned you feel that they have been
written by a man who understands the emotions and hardship experienced
during these difficult times.
There can also be no doubting that this fitting tribute will become an
important record of one of the most incredible events in Australian
history.
Daryl sums up with;
"I really feel I have depicted an accurate account, but in reality the
story really tells itself.
I tried to take a bipartisan approach and remain true to the facts. I
hope people will listen to and enjoy my interpretation. But all this
would never have been achieved if it had not been for my best friend".
"Rick, I could never be Ned Kelly, but if I were, you would be my Joe
Byrne.
You were a man I could always trust through good times and bad
and a better friend could be never found.
I will see you there, where you go". |
