Letting Loose

In the early 1970s David Porter was a contributing photographer for some of the most influential Australian Rock music and underground publications (Go-Set, Daily/Planet, Rolling Stone (Australian Edition), The Digger. Porter was based in Melbourne, his subject the zeitgeist of its Rock/Pop music, underground theatre, and Counterculture scenes, sometimes working as ‘David Porter’, sometimes ‘Jacques L’Affrique’, sometimes ‘Jack Africa’. In 1973 he left Melbourne, stopped working in commercial photography, and pursued a teaching career.This photograph was taken at T.F. MUCH/MUCH MORE BALLROOM (1970-72)Cathedral Hall (aka Central Hall) Brunswick St, FitzroySeries of ‘Counterculture’ performance events staged at Cathedral Hall (owned by the Catholic Church). Created by John Pinder, Peter Andrew, Warren Knight, Bani McSpeeden, Hugh McSpedden. Music, art, light shows, circus, and vaudeville inspired by the psychedelic San Francisco ballrooms of the late 1960s. Built 1903 Cathedral Hall had generous floor space, large proscenium style stage, heavy draw curtains, large domed windows, ornate ceiling and chandeliers, dress circle on three sides facing the stage. Held up to 1,500 patrons (sitting on the floor and in the balcony, standing or dancing).The first T.F. Much Ballroom took place in August 1970 featuring Spectrum, Jeff Crozier’s Indian Medicine Magik Show, Lipp Arthur, Adderley Smith Blues Band, Sons of the Vegetal Mother, Gerry Humphreys & the Joy Band, Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, Margret RoadKnight, Flash Light Show, Tribe Theatre. A flea market also sold macrobiotic food, hippie clothing. Subsequent events were usually held monthly and featured concert-style performances presenting multiple musical acts interspersed with comedy, poetry, theatrical, dance and novelty performances. The epicentre of the early 1970s ‘Carlton scene’, the T.F. Much/Much More Ballroom was a ‘head venue’. Capturing Melbourne’s alternative theatre, music, and experimental art scenes and counterculture, it was the antithesis of Melbourne’s pub and suburban rock music circuits.After a name change (necessitated when officials twigged that T.F. Much meant ‘Too Fucking’ Much) the ‘Much More Ballroom’ began in November 1971. The last event was held in December 1972 with Spectrum, Indelible Murtceps, Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, Miss Universe, Gary Young and Hot Dog.Published Meanwhile, back in Melbourne. Go-Set, 22 April 1972 (p.18)