‘Beautiful to see’: Brisbane bands unite to help bassist’s cancer fight
By Nick Dent
In June, the Instagram feed for popular Brisbane indie-rock band Bugs posted a message for fans.
“Our best friend and bass player Jordan has been diagnosed with incurable stage four colorectal cancer,” the account advised.
“This devastating diagnosis came completely out of the blue.”
Bugs (L-R): Jordan Brunoli, Brock Weston and Connor Brooker.Credit: Ted Min
Colorectal (bowel) cancer is such a recognised danger that the Australian Government sends people aged 50 to 74 a screening test in the post every two years.
Where it’s less common is in people under 30. Jordan Brunoli is 29.
To help raise money for Brunoli’s cancer battle, the Tivoli Brisbane is hosting a one-day festival called Saving a Bug’s Life.
All proceeds and bar profits are to be donated towards specialist appointments, treatments and quality-of-life assistance for Brunoli.
Event organiser Chris Langenberg said the announcement of Brunoli’s illness sent “shockwaves” through the Brisbane band scene.
“Bugs are a pretty special band,” he said.
“They were selling out shows before the radio picked up on them. So they’ve had this really strong, tight-knit community around them for a long time.
“A lot of people wanted to be involved and wanted to support them.”
Acts playing on the day include DZ Deathrays (DJ Set), Dear Seattle, Sly Withers, Hope D, The Buoys, VOIID, TOWNS, Ben David, Talk Heavy, The Steele Syndicate, Tripsitta and Beddy Rays.
Jackson “Jacko” van Issum, lead singer of Redland Bay band Beddy Rays, said Bugs and Brunoli were a formative influence on them.
“Jordan can absolutely shred on anything he does, and he’s an inspiration to our bass player, Brad… An absolute legend.
The Bugs band name was inspired by moths invading lead singer and guitarist Connor Brooker’s sharehouse.Credit: Grain
“As soon as we got asked to [perform] we said yes without even looking if we have anything else in the pipeline.
“We have such a great music scene in Brisbane. There’s no egos, it’s just all mates getting along and looking after each other.”
Acts who could not play on October 4 have donated merchandise that will be raffled off on the day.
Even veteran bands Powderfinger and Regurgitator are getting involved, the former donating a signed vinyl copy of their 2003 album Vulture Street.
A Fender bass guitar is also among the prizes to be raffled.
“It’s become a massive community undertaking, with everyone wanting to support Bugs, and Jordan especially, and it’s been beautiful to see,” Langenberg said.
He said that the plan was for Brunoli to join Bugs on stage at the event.
“He wants to play, so that’s the plan,” he said.
Formed in 2014, Bugs have released three albums to date and have featured on the Triple J Hottest 100.
Saving a Bug’s Life takes place on Saturday, October 4 at the Tivoli and tickets are on sale now.
According to Bowel Cancer Australia, early-onset bowel cancer was on the rise and 11 per cent of Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer are under the age of 50.
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