The Bondi Lifesaver was a regular industry hangout during the eighties. The stage was small with a ceiling way to low to rig lights, the power always caused noise in the PA, which you had to stack on the bar, and the dressing room was tiny. None of this mattered to us as it was what you were used to in those days, besides, all of the top Australian bands performed there and it had a great vibe.

I was fortunate to do the lighting on the last night alongside my long time friend Peter Ratcliff who did the sound. From what I can remember it was a wild night that lasted almost until dawn, when parts of the "Swap" (the Lifesaver was also known as the Bondi Wifeswapper) were acquired by patrons as memorabilia.

The video you are about to see is the only record of that night. Unfortunately some of the great entertainers such as Ted Mulry and Marc Hunter are no longer with us.

I hope you enjoy the video and sorry about the buzz ("bloody dimmers", the sound guys would say!).

Colin Baldwin

Click here to view the last night at the bondi lifesaver