Patrick Donovan

As part of our commitment to capturing and sharing great Australian music stories, the Australian Music Vault asked some of the country’s most influential trailblazers and unsung heroes to open up about their lives in music.

For the better part of three decades, Patrick Donovan has been involved in the music industry as a musician, music writer, tour manager, political advocate and as CEO of Music Victoria.

Donovan started his writing career as a cadet with The Age newspaper in 1995. During his 15 years with the paper he became Chief Music Writer and created the influential music insiders column, Sticky Carpet. In 2010, he was involved as both journalist and music fan in events leading up to the Save Live Music Australia (SLAM) Rally which saw thousands taking to the street to protest against laws linking live music venues with ‘high risk’ behaviour which threatened small venues and gigs across the city. Following the Rally, Donovan was appointed inaugural CEO of the newly established contemporary music advocacy body, Music Victoria.

In his interview with Jane Gazzo he talks about getting his start in music journalism, driving down the Great Ocean Road with Iggy Pop, and campaigning to name a street in honour of AC/DC.

Interviewer: Jane Gazzo

Location: Melbourne Room, Arts Centre Melbourne, 2017