“Tubular Bells” Celebrates 50th Anniversary at Fortitude Music Hall

Mike Oldfield’s groundbreaking album “Tubular Bells” is set to come alive on stage at the Fortitude Music Hall on August 11, 2024 as part of its 50th Anniversary tour. The iconic instrumental work follows a successful sold-out run in the UK and Europe.

The concert, presented by DRW Ent & Future Factory, will feature an expansive live group led by Robin A Smith, Mike Oldfield’s long-term collaborator. Smith, who has worked with Oldfield for over 25 years, has arranged the performance to showcase the album in its entirety.

The History of Tubular Bells

Photo Credit: Spotify

“Tubular Bells,” released in 1973, was Oldfield’s debut studio album, composed when he was just 17 years old. The album gained worldwide recognition when its opening theme was used in the horror film “The Exorcist,” propelling it to become the highest-selling instrumental album of all time.



The Brisbane show will not only include a full performance of “Tubular Bells” but also feature other Oldfield compositions such as “Moonlight Shadow,” “To France,” “Family Man,” and excerpts from “Ommadawn.”

Robin A Smith, Mike Oldfield’s long-term collaborator

Photo Credit: Robin A. Smith

Smith, whose impressive resume includes collaborations with artists like Rod Stewart and Andrea Bocelli, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “The wonderful thing about Tubular Bells is that it never seems to age. It takes you on a journey through progressive rock and electronica, blues, folk, jazz, and classical and along the way evokes such melodic beauty and drama.”



Photo Credit: The Fortitude Music Hall

The concert is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM, with doors opening at 7:00 PM. It’s important to note that the event is restricted to those 18 and over, and while Mike Oldfield himself will not be present, the performance promises to capture the essence of his pioneering work.

Tickets for this reserved seating event are now on sale, offering fans a unique opportunity to experience this landmark album live, half a century after its original release.

Published 1-July-2024

Queensland Blue Light Celebrates 40 Years of Youth Engagement

Queensland Blue Light, a not-for-profit organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service (QPS), is marking its 40th anniversary this year. The organisation, known for its youth-focused programs and activities, has been a staple in Queensland communities since 1984.



To commemorate this milestone, Queensland Blue Light is hosting a “Back to the 80s” event on Saturday, July 20, at The Tivoli in Fortitude Valley. Early bird tickets are currently available through Try Booking.

Photo Credit: TryBooking Australia

The Queensland Blue Light Story

The organisation’s journey began on July 26, 1984, at the Albert Waterways Community Hall on the Gold Coast. The inaugural Blue Light disco, attended by 219 young people, was conceived as a way for police to positively engage with youth in a safe environment. The concept quickly gained popularity, reaching its peak in the 1990s with an impressive 2.3 million young participants.

As social media began to change youth socialisation patterns in the new millennium, Queensland Blue Light adapted its approach. While discos declined in popularity, the organisation introduced new activities such as movie nights, laser tag, skating, sports, and family events to maintain its connection with young people.

The Blue Light Programs

Today, Queensland Blue Light operates 40 branches throughout the state, each run by a Police Coordinator and community volunteers. The organisation has expanded its offerings to include several targeted programs:

  1. Blue EDGE (Educate, Develop, Grow & Empower): Launched in 2016, this early intervention program for 12 to 17-year-olds aims to build positive relationships between at-risk youth and police through physical activity and motivational sessions.
  2. Blue Light Shearing: Initiated by Officer Laurie Bateman, a world record holder in sheep shearing, this program teaches shearing skills to young people as a means of preventing offending behaviour and providing future employment opportunities.
  3. ELEVATE (Everyone Lift to End Violence and Target Education): A primary prevention program that educates students from Year 5 through Year 12 about domestic and family violence, promoting respectful relationships.

These programs, delivered in collaboration with QPS volunteers, reflect Queensland Blue Light’s ongoing commitment to positively impacting young lives across the state.



As Queensland Blue Light celebrates four decades of service, it continues to exemplify the diverse and community-oriented nature of careers within the Queensland Police Service. The organisation’s enduring success highlights the potential for law enforcement to play a constructive role in youth development and community building.

Published 20-June-2024