ONE & DONE
Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) returns with their annual Darwin Amphitheatre spectacular, this year, presenting some of the biggest one-hit wonders of all time.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
IMAGE TIM NICOL
IT’S HARD TO fathom that a music act can have one super hit, and then you never really hear from them again. Songs like 'Video Killed the Radio Star’ by The Buggles, The Knack’s 'My Sharona', and, of course, ‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor – made famous by the Rocky movies – allowed the artists a sweet moment in the spotlight. But then, that was it.
It was this flash in the pan idea that inspired DSO Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Jon Tooby to curate the concert.
“We’ve long wanted to do it. We’ve done 80s and 90s themed concerts in terms of decades, we’ve done disco, and … we thought, ‘what a great idea to bring out all the songs that everyone knows, but no-one knows who sung them?’,” he says.
“I couldn’t tell you the names of any of the artists if you just read out the list of the songs, because that’s what they are – they’re these people who had a moment in time, and they were celebrated for that moment, and it sort of takes us to that actual time, that’s what is so special about them.”
Punters are yet again encouraged to dress to theme, as will the DSO and house band. Tooby reckons this one’s going to be a bit of a mixed bag, open to interpretation.
“One of the craziest things about it is that we normally dress up, and you’ll always dress up as some sort of icon, like Adam Ant … but what do you dress up as for One Hit Wonders? I think there’s going to be about 50 cheerleaders, because Toni Basil sang ‘Hey Mickey’, but pretty much everything else, what do you wear?,” he laughs.
This is the last big Amphitheatre concert under Tooby’s baton, as he finishes up his station at DSO at the end of 2025. He says he’s proud of what it’s become.
“Each concert has sort of outdone the one previously, and I think after the very first one we did – Aussie Rock Legends – I couldn’t believe it … Even after Iconic last year, everyone just goes nuts, and it’s such a wonderful feeling to be part of that. I think, particularly, because it’s a gold coin donation and all generations are there. It’s a real community event,” he says.
“The other thing is the fact that we made it our own. Before I came here, there was a hired band from Adelaide … After the first year, we got Darwin musicians to create the band, and the thing that is so special about it now is how much ownership of the show the band’s taken … So, it’s become all about Darwin, featuring Darwin – the DSO, the musicians in the band, they’re all locals.”
The DSO’s Amphitheatre concerts have been a hit with the masses since they started back in 2008. Arguably one of the loveliest ways to spend a Dry season eve, audiences are treated to live music under the stars surrounded by some of the lushest flora you’ll find around these here parts.
If you really want to up the ante, VIP packages are back by popular demand, giving ticket holders priority entry, designated seating with primo views, two drinks and light refreshments on arrival, and a private bar for drink purchases. Swanky.
Round up your crew, pack a picnic and bring those picnic blankies, and settle in for a huge night of tunes with some of our brightest musical stars.
One Hit Wonders
WHEN SAT 7 JUN | 6.30PM GATES 5PM
AT DARWIN AMPHITHEATRE
COST BY DONATION, REGISTER ONLINE | $64-$74 VIP
INFO dso.org.au | yourcentre.com.au
