MUSIC, memories, and lots of change have shaped Darren Marlow’s life. Like all of us, he has had his highs and lows too. Darren was only eight years old when his family relocated to Hervey Bay from Melbourne in 1973.
Hervey Bay was much quieter back then, with only about two thousand people and none of today’s suburban sprawl. "There was hardly anything here," Darren recalls. Though he’s left a few times, the city’s rapid growth hasn’t stopped Hervey Bay from always drawing him back.
As the second oldest of four siblings, sadly one of his brothers has since passed away, Darren remembers growing up in a Queenslander on the Esplanade in Torquay, across from today’s Ernie Organ Park. He spent mornings at the beach, calling it "paradise." A footy fan, he switched to soccer since there was no local footy club here at the time. His love for music began around age 12 or 13.
Darren's father was a great accordion and guitar player, while his grandmother on his father’s side was a gifted singer and musician, playing both the accordion and piano. “My musicality definitely comes from my dad’s side,” Darren says.
Darren's early musical influences came from his dad, with tunes from Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley. His taste expanded when his mom brought home Explosive Hits 71, featuring songs like "Little Queenie" and "Hot Love" This was Darren’s first exposure to popular music, sparking his growing passion.
By 1975, Countdown fueled Darren’s love for rock bands like AC/DC, Skyhooks, Hush and TMG. His friend Glenn Thompson introduced him to electric guitars and drum kits, igniting the spark. "I was fascinated by how the sound came out of this little box," Darren laughs. His first electric guitar, bought for fifty dollars by his mother, became his prized possession, and he was hooked from then on.
Though Darren has been performing professionally since 1995, his experience spans decades before that, playing in local and Melbourne-based bands. His band from the 80s, SSD, even released an album on Spotify last year, titled SSD Resurrected and another album was released this year.
Currently, Darren is the co-singer of Red Betty, plays bass for Dogwood Crossing, performs in a duo with Tim Earle, and also works as a solo artist. After years of being a “road warrior,” he now prefers to stay local.
One of the highlights of Darren’s career was playing at the Sweden Rock Festival in 2014 with the band Kings of the Sun. "It was the highest point of my musical career," he says. "Not many people get the chance to do that."
Despite the challenges of being a full-time musician, Darren wouldn’t trade it for anything. “I’m never going to be rich,” he jokes, “but music has been my sole income since 1995.” The pandemic made things tough, and like many musicians, Darren had to pivot. He worked as a deckhand on a crabbing boat which he still does from time to time.
When asked what advice he has for aspiring musicians, Darren says, "Stick at it and don’t ever give up." He takes pride in encouraging young local talent like solo artist Franky Busta and Darcy from the band Unbleached, whose enthusiasm and passion for music shines through.
Darren also has a 24-year-old daughter, Paris, who calls Hervey Bay home too. He enjoys spending time with her and looks forward to those times.
Now at the age of 59 and reflecting on his life and career, Darren’s philosophy is simple, and borrowed from the band Spinal Tap: “Have a good time all the time.” It’s a fitting motto for a man who has spent a lifetime sharing his love of music with others.
By Kim Parnell
From What’s On Fraser Coast
