For Malcolm Schier, born and raised in Murtoa, a love of music began when listening to Beatles records at the age of seven.
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At 12, he started playing his brother's guitar and couldn't wait for his own instrument.
Before long he started to jam with family and friends in garages, at various parties and hotel gigs. In the early 80s, he and two mates performed at a football club Red Faces event. They formed a band and went through several name changes before settling on The Bunts.
Over time they were joined by schoolmate Rod Ahern and singer-keyboard player Andrea Hurley (nee MacKenzie).
The Bunts played from Mildura to Portland and Bordertown to Ballarat; they played Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Together for about 10 years, they played more than 200 gigs, supporting bands like Skyhooks, the Chantoozies and Pseudo Echo.
"Before you had the internet, the excitement of buying the album or seeing a band play live was something you really looked forward to every weekend," Schier says.
"The anticipation, what will they really look like, how will they sound?
"Hotels like the Commercial in Horsham, the Railway and Marma Gully in Murtoa always had live music.
"It's great to see the return of bands with the support of the Bull'n Mouth, Vic Hotel and Exchange now programming music weekly."
Schier says they loved playing live. "Andrea was our lead vocalist and she always had everyone on her side singing and dancing."
February's 60 Years of Rock event in Horsham will feature a performance by original lead singer Brett Schmidt, and Schier says he can't wait.
Travalley vocalist-guitarist Levi Mellington's love of live music started when he and brother Sam saw Xavier Rudd perform at the Horsham cinema.
For Levi, it was amazing seeing one of Australia's most well-known artists play in a town like Horsham.
Music was to become the brothers' passion. After moving to Ballarat and jamming with friends, they formed Travalley.
After several incarnations, the brothers have hit their stride as a two-piece. The Triple J Unearthed musicians now perform regularly in Melbourne and across Victoria at venues and festivals.
"The music culture has changed so much over the last 10 years," Levi says.
"Music-goers are leaning towards to seeing a band perform live. And with the internet, your music is out there immediately.
"We just attended Spilt Milk in Ballarat, and with the Grampians Musical Festival gaining momentum it would be great to see Horsham experience the same success.
"We're looking forward to performing at the Vic Hotel this weekend, and for 60 Years of Wimmera Rock in February."
