Dave ‘The Bloke’ Overton: Tributes after Bullamakanka founding member passes away

“On stage he had a marvellous cheekiness, he could say things that no one else could, and have people rolling on the ground with laughter.”

Bullamakanka frontman and mandolin player Dave ’The Bloke’ Overton with his son Bard and daughter Asha.

TRIBUTES have been paid to the front man of an iconic Gold Coast-based Australiana band, who died in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Dave “The Bloke” Overton, a founding member of Aussie Bluegrass band Bullamakanka, passed away in Kempsey District Hospital following a long period of declining health.

Born in Newcastle, Mr Overton became a drummer in his teenage years before moving to Tweed Heads where he founded the group with Rex Radonich and Ray Roddem Young.

Dave was the voice of the popular song ‘Give Me A Home among The Gumtrees’, the best known of the Band’s tracks, winning them the first of six Golden Guitar Awards.

Bandmate, fiddle player Stu Watson, shared the news on behalf of the family.

Dave 'The Bloke' (right) with fellow Bullamakanka foundation members, Rex Radonich (left) and Ray Roddem Young (centre).

“Our condolences go out to his Daughter Asha and Son Bard and his four grandchildren,” Mr Watson said.

“Dave, originally a drummer in the Sydney Rock scene, played an important part in the development of Bullamakanka’s unique blend of Australian traditional music, Bluegrass and country rock.

“He will be greatly missed by his musical collaborators, friends and family.”

Ms Watson described Overton as “marvellously cheeky.”

“On stage he had a marvellous cheekiness, he could say things that no one else could, and have people rolling on the ground with laughter.

“One of the most important aspects of the group is the image Dave put out was so down to earth.

“We weren't some sort on high and mighty popsters, Dave showed anyone in the audience deserved the stage and could be up there.

“At the time country music in Australia was full of American songs, it was rare to see Australiana break through.”

Bullamakanka were a very popular act on the Gold Coast.

Mr Watson reminisced about the many nights the group spent together travelling up and down the Gold Coast.

He attributed the group’s signature style of boots, hats and long beards to Overton.

“In their early career they would play six nights a week, back when you could fire a cannon up the street on the Gold Coast and not hit anyone – but they were still having 300-400 people jammed in the Palm Beach Hotel.”

The group received the keys to the Gold Coast in 1984 when they won their first Golden Guitar.

In 2002 the group was inducted into the Australian Country Music Hands of Fame.

Other tributes to the musician poured in online from fans, family and friends.

“One of a kind, great bandleader, good bloke,” one fan wrote.

“He and the band were legendary,” said another.

“The Bullas certainly made me tap my feet in those great Gold Coast days.”