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Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musicians

Joe Camilleri's musical journey reads like a masterclass in Australian rock history. From his humble beginnings as a two-year-old Maltese immigrant arriving in Melbourne to becoming one of Australia's most prolific and respected musicians, Joe's story is one of pure passion and relentless creativity.

"If you've got something you love doing, it's a joy and I think it keeps you healthy," Joe reflects, perhaps revealing the secret to his extraordinary longevity in an industry that often burns out its brightest stars. With over 50 albums to his name and counting, Joe shows no signs of slowing down, joking that he's "still trying to write a good one."

Growing up in a crowded Melbourne household as one of ten children, Joe's musical education came first from the radio and later from the streets after leaving school at age 12. His path through Australian music reads like a who's who of influential bands – from his early days with the Drollies and King Bees to being famously expelled from the Adderley Smith Blues Band for being "too flamboyant" and not adhering to their strict triple denim dress code. Joe's trajectory through Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons (now ARIA Hall of Fame inductees) to founding The Black Sorrows in 1983 has cemented his legendary status.

Beyond his performing prowess, Joe's production credits include work with The Sports, Ross Wilson, Paul Kelly, and Renee Geyer – helping shape the sound of Australian rock across generations. Yet despite these achievements, Joe remains remarkably humble, attributing his success to being in the right place at the right time: "I got to do all the things that I thought I'd be able to do with the talent that I had, which was almost zero."

Now collaborating with The Fabulous Caprettos while simultaneously preparing "The Quintessential Black Sorrows" greatest hits collection and tour, plus a forthcoming album titled "Old Friends and New Companions," Joe embodies his own philosophy that "it's not just about the past, it's about the future."

For fans of authentic Australian music delivered with passion and soul, Joe Camilleri remains the gold standard – the GOAT with a goatee who refuses to even consider retirement.

Catch Joe on tour soon and witness firsthand why, after five decades in music, he's still at the top of his game, creating music that matters. As he puts it simply: "I come to play."

What has Joe Camilleri been up to lately? Let's find out!

Get out when you can, support local music and I'll see you down the front!!

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