KILLING THE IGNITION
After deciding to call it quits in December last year, indie rock band 78 SAAB is making a return to where they first started in Canberra. Formed at the Australian National University in 1995, the band is returning to their grassroots for a birthday celebration at Canberra Rocks on Monday March 11. The event, to be held at Regatta Point, will be the last time that 78 Saab will be playing live.
Bass player Garth Tregillgas said in an interview with BMA that the decision to end the band was mutual. ‘We have all reached a point in our career where we couldn’t go further and are ready to move on to new projects,’ said Garth. With four successful albums, the band is finishing up on a high note.
When asked about stage fright, Garth’s professionalism is apparent. ‘I never had moments of self-doubt. When I have my guitar in my hand, it feels like a safety blanket. I have always admired stand-up comedians because they have no props; completely exposed and vulnerable.’ Passionate about music since his early 20s, he owns three guitars but his favourite is his Epiphone Jack Casady Bass Guitar. He also plays drums and banjo. ‘Being out of your comfort zone is the best way to advance, I view it more as an enjoyable challenge,’ said Garth.
To Garth, music is not about being self-indulgent. ‘Every band has to deal with having played their songs hundreds of times before the audience even hears them. But the main goal is to give the listener what they want.’ So for the setlist in Canberra’s upcoming celebrations of music, you can expect a range of songs that will sum up 78 Saab’s sound.
For the rest of the band, after this final performance they are moving on to starting families and other personal aspirations. For Garth, he says that he is still single and has no idea what he wants in the future yet. ‘I am not taking on serious music projects, just as a side hobby. My next step is to plan an overseas trip, I want to visit the picturesque castles in Europe and see friends in Paris,’ said Garth.
Whatever direction is next, you can be certain Garth will follow it with passion. ‘When I started, I was a bit irresponsible and immature. Ambition is not always arrogance, and ambition is key. To a degree, you need drive to do well in the music industry.’ From first living in a share house, the band has come a long way since the starting days at ANU. For those who have the same dream, Garth can only make one suggestion: ‘Persistence is the best advice that I can offer.’
At Canberra Rocks, 78 Saab is going to do a full-circle, by finishing in the same place where they started: ‘This will be our last full stop!’
78 Saab will play at Canberra Rocks on Monday March 11, 5:45pm-6:15pm at Regatta Point Stage. Free entry. Visit oneverybigday.com.au for more details.
