The Beat Goes On: How Adelaide's Music Family Found Its Rhythm

Back in early 2014, after many years overseas, musician Enrico Morena returned to Adelaide. Catching up over coffee with his friend and fellow muso Gary Burrows, Enrico couldn't help but notice how much the local music scene had changed. "Where's our music family?" he asked Gary, a question that sparked an idea and soon blossomed into the Adelaide Music Collective (AMC).

Building the Family

With a shared vision, Enrico and a group of passionate South Australian musicians rolled up their sleeves. They worked tirelessly, building connections, networking, organizing events, and promoting through every available channel. Enrico's incredible passion and determination fuelled the AMC's growth, drawing in musicians and music lovers who quickly embraced this new "family."

The AMC didn't just stop at connecting people; they created the AMC Awards for National and International achievement and put on fantastic events, including a Six Concert Showcase that celebrated the very best of South Australian talent. As Enrico put it, "The Adelaide Music Collective aims to highlight Adelaide’s premier musical achievements and bring recognition to the individuals and groups who deserve it, while simultaneously creating a contact point for others looking to further their careers nationally and internationally."

Three male musicians performing with guitars and drums on stage, dressed in suits, with black background.
David 'Daisy' Day, wearing a checkered shirt and glasses hanging around his neck, sitting and smiling.

A Hall of Fame Dream

Enrico Morena holding a microphone while speaking at a table.

Meanwhile, South Australian radio legend David "Daisy" Day had been nurturing his own dream: the SA Music Hall of Fame. Launched in 2009, Daisy's vision was to honour and recognize the incredible contributions of individual artists, bands, promoters, and everyone else who played a vital role in putting South Australia on the national and international music map.

The SA Music Hall of Fame also tapped into Daisy’s collection of music memorabilia and items that told the story of South Australian music. Records, posters, pictures, radio memorabilia, gifts given to him by legends of the industry over many years. These items all painted a historical picture, and told a story that needed to be shared. Friend and former Committee member Victor Marshall took up the responsibility to curate the exhibition. With the help of Dad Rod, a visual journey came together. Photographs were framed, items were labelled and displayed, and many, many hours of work went into the job at hand. Rod managed installation of one of the earliest exhibitions at St Pauls in the city of Adelaide and Victor and Rod played a major role in turning the Dream of South Australian Music Hall of Fame Exhibitions into a reality.

For Daisy time was important. His health was declining and there was much to be done. It made sense for the two organisations to join forces and this happened in 2016.

Making History, One Induction at a Time

A newly merged AMC/SA Music Hall of Fame Committee, chaired by Enrico, held their first meeting in November 2016. Soon after, music events combined with star-studded Hall of Fame inductions of South Australian music industry legends began. Adelaide audiences absolutely loved these events, showering the legends with applause and recognition. The organisation was officially making history, adding to the rich legacy of South Australia's music scene.

When David sadly passed away in 2015, he did so knowing the SA Music Hall of Fame was in capable hands, guided by Enrico and a dedicated, passionate committee.

Cold Chisel wearing medals around their necks posing together at a race track, with a race car in the background.
Two men are smiling and holding drinks, standing close together with one man's arm around the other. They are dressed casually, with one wearing glasses and a striped shirt, and the other in a leather jacket and T-shirt with text. The photo has a black and white color tone.
Interior of a music museum exhibit space featuring framed posters and photographs, a reception desk with logos, and a display case with memorabilia, dedicated to Australian music history.

Passing the Torch

Enrico, now Dr. Enrico Morena after completing his PhD studies, stepped down from the AMC/SA Music Hall of Fame Committee in June 2024 to embark on new musical and personal adventures abroad. For over a decade, Enrico reminded the South Australian music community what it truly meant to be part of a family. He instilled in us the importance of collaborating positively, authentically supporting one another, and celebrating our collective achievements, all while ensuring our stories, music, and the incredible South Australian music legacy live on for future generations.

The AMC and SA Music Hall of Fame have amassed a fantastic collection of memorabilia over the past decade, showcasing it in various temporary locations. But the search continues for a permanent home for this incredible display – a place where South Australian music can be recognized and shared with everyone who visits our vibrant city. The beat goes on, and so does the search for that perfect home!