Ben Hession's tribute show

Bruce McLaren once said “life is measured in achievement, not in years alone,” and from what I saw on Saturday at Ben Hession’s tribute show, I feel that I saw the physical embodiment of those words. 

To many, Ben Hession may be a name that strikes no thought, but to the people of Wollongong’s music scene, he was its heart and soul. Ben spent three decades on community radio at VOX FM, being a major supporter of local musicians and giving many artists their first airplay and interviews. He championed new and emerging artists, with many describing him as a pillar of local music and sound.

The show kicked off at 2pm at the UniBar, and while at first the crowd was rather quiet and reserved, it did not take long for that energy to change. By 4pm, many were struggling to find a seat or a place to stand.

The event consisted of bands performing on the centre stage, while a secondary outdoor stage was also set up, allowing people to enjoy a groovy mix. For those wanting to bang their heads, the main stage was their zone, and for people looking to enjoy the blue skies and sun at a slower pace, the outside stage granted perfectly.

Some lovely ladies waltzed around selling raffle tickets, with proceeds going to the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and VOX FM, and although I was wooed into buying 20 dollars worth of raffle tickets, I tragically left the evening empty-handed. The crowd was a healthy mix of young and old, which only added to the experience. While some chose to stay inside and get their heart rate up, many chose to soak up the sun and music. I saw many people exchanging laughs, bobbing heads, and sinking a few schooners. I feel that, had Ben been around to see it all, he would have been thoroughly proud of the event.

A few local celebrities made an appearance, if you will. Two local members of parliament made a surprise visit, and in the interest of protecting their peaceful night out, they shall remain nameless. I also saw the great Jeb Taylor, whom anyone who has walked into Music Farmers or enjoyed the works of Sultans of Spin will be familiar with.

In-between the singing and dancing, we all had a chance to hear some of Ben’s poetry. Personally, I found myself unexpectedly moved by the experience. Poetry has never been something I’m particularly drawn to, yet there is a quiet, bittersweet feeling in hearing the words of a man who is no longer here, read aloud as if his presence still lingers in the words. 

I’ve often understood death in a literal, almost clinical sense, through the lens of memento mori, the idea that death comes for all living things, that life must go on, and the world continues turning, and while there is some truth in that, sitting there among the crowd that listened in stillness and quiet reserve reminded me of something entirely different. 

It reminded me that the silence is felt and people are missed. Even in those moments where you believe no one would notice, or think twice, there will always be someone who does, who remembers the good times, the bad times, and the quiet moments spent together.

While I never met or knew Ben myself, it’s clear that his life had a profound impact on those around him and beyond. I have no doubt he will be deeply missed and I hope that in time, the grief gives way to a deserved celebration of his life and achievements. 

Maybe there are bands we listen to and love today that owe something, in part to Ben and we are none the wiser. Wollongong’s local sound will continue to march forward, carrying the torch Ben helped light and I ask anyone reading this to raise a glass in memory of a man who helped support our local scene.