Kevin Borich. Little River Band. Santana. Fleetwood Mac. Sydney Showground 1977. Those headline acts at the Sydney Showground was a concert not to be missed. I’ve been a fan ever since.
Kevin Borich was hot off his album Celebration so his gigs always had some rock industry types hanging around when he played on Sydney’s pub rock band circuit. Words & Original Photos by Mark Anning.
Comment below if you saw Kevin Borich and thought he was good.
The Early Years
In the heart of Melbourne, Australia, where the Yarra River gracefully winds its way through the city, a young Kevin Borich was born into a world filled with music. It was the late 1940s, and post-war Australia was experiencing a cultural renaissance. Music, both local and international, filled the airwaves and captured the hearts of a generation.
Kevin Borich’s parents were both musicians, and they instilled in him a deep love for the art form from an early age. His father, a talented saxophonist, often played jazz standards in their modest home, while his mother, an avid piano player, nurtured Kevin’s burgeoning musical talent.
As Kevin grew older, his fascination with music intensified, and he decided to pick up a guitar. He was drawn to the blues, a genre that resonated with his soul. The sounds of B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Buddy Guy became his companions, and he spent countless hours practicing, honing his skills on the six-stringed instrument.
The Kevin Borich Express
In the late 1960s, Kevin Borich formed his first band, the aptly named “Kevin Borich Express.” This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see him become one of Australia’s most celebrated guitarists.
The band quickly gained a reputation for their electrifying live performances, which blended blues, rock, and a dash of soul.
The Kevin Borich Express’s rise to prominence coincided with a burgeoning music scene in Australia. It was a time when bands like AC/DC, INXS, and Midnight Oil were emerging, and the country’s music culture was coming of age.
The Santana Connection
In the early 1970s, Kevin Borich received a phone call that would change his life forever. It was none other than Carlos Santana, the legendary Mexican-American guitarist, inviting Kevin to join his band for a series of concerts in the United States.
Kevin was both excited and nervous as he packed his bags and boarded the plane to America. He had grown up idolizing Santana’s unique blend of rock, Latin, and blues influences.
Joining the Santana band was a dream come true for the young Australian guitarist. The tour with Santana was a whirlwind of musical magic.
Kevin’s fiery guitar solos meshed seamlessly with Santana’s distinctive style, creating an electrifying synergy that left audiences spellbound.
The tour also exposed Kevin to a global audience, and he returned to Australia a bona fide guitar hero.
Fleetwood Mac’s Invitation
After his stint with Santana, Kevin Borich continued to tour and record with his own band, the Kevin Borich Express. The band’s reputation continued to grow, and they were known for their high-energy performances and their ability to connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level.
In the late 1970s, another incredible opportunity came knocking on Kevin’s door. This time, it was Fleetwood Mac, one of the world’s biggest rock bands, inviting him to join them on their Australian tour. Fleetwood Mac was at the height of their fame, with iconic albums like “Rumours” dominating the charts.
Kevin Borich and his band were the perfect choice to open for Fleetwood Mac during their Australian tour. Their blues-infused rock resonated with Fleetwood Mac’s fan base, and they were greeted with thunderous applause every night.
During one unforgettable concert in Sydney, Kevin Borich was invited to join Fleetwood Mac on stage for a jam session.
It was a surreal moment as he shared the spotlight with legends like Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, and Christine McVie. Together, they played a bluesy rendition of “Black Magic Woman,” a song originally written by Peter Green, the founding member of Fleetwood Mac.
The Solo Journey
After the Fleetwood Mac tour, Kevin Borich returned to his solo career with renewed passion and determination. He continued to tour and release albums, each one showcasing his growth as a guitarist and songwriter.
One of his most celebrated albums was “Lonely One” released in 1977. The album featured the hit single “Gonna See My Baby Tonight,” which became an anthem of the era. Kevin’s soulful vocals and blistering guitar work captivated listeners, and he was hailed as one of Australia’s premier guitarists.
The Road Less Traveled
As the years rolled on, Kevin Borich’s music continued to evolve. He delved deeper into blues and experimented with different genres, including funk and reggae. His willingness to take the road less traveled and explore new musical territories endeared him to fans who admired his artistic integrity.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Kevin Borich continued to tour and release albums, often collaborating with other talented musicians. His live performances remained a testament to his virtuosity, and he was revered for his ability to make his guitar sing and scream with raw emotion.
Legacy and Influence
Kevin Borich’s influence on the Australian music scene is immeasurable. He paved the way for countless young guitarists who aspired to follow in his footsteps.
His unique blend of blues, rock, and soul inspired a new generation of musicians, and his impact on Australian music is enduring.
In the 21st century, Kevin Borich’s music continues to resonate with audiences young and old. He still tours regularly, bringing his electrifying live performances to fans across Australia and beyond.
One of the stalwarts of Australian pub rock music, we keep an eye on Kevin Borich for titbits of info and keep this page current. Borich still plays regular gigs all up and down the coast. Sounds like a great life!
A Timeless Connection
The story of Kevin Borich is a testament to the power of music to transcend borders and connect people from different walks of life. From his early days in Melbourne to sharing the stage with Santana and Fleetwood Mac, Kevin’s journey has been a remarkable odyssey of musical discovery and growth.
As the sun sets over the Yarra River in Melbourne, the city that nurtured Kevin Borich’s musical soul, his legacy continues to shine brightly. His name is etched in the annals of Australian music history, and his guitar solos still echo in the hearts of those who have had the privilege of witnessing his performances.
Kevin Borich 40 Years Apart
In the world of music, legends are born from a combination of talent, dedication, and a burning passion for their craft.
Kevin Borich is undoubtedly one of those legends, a guitar virtuoso whose music will continue to inspire and move generations to come.
His story is a testament to the enduring power of the blues, the magic of live performance, and the unbreakable connection between an artist and their instrument.
Thanks for visiting my blog. The comments section is open if you saw Kevin Borich and thought he was good. I’ll never forget Kevin Borich, Little River Band, Santana, Fleetwood Mac at the Sydney Showground in 1977 or Borich Express in the pubs and clubs of the 1980s. Cheers, Mark Anning photographer.
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