Beat of a different drum

The RAN’s Silver Drum Band made television in Sydney earlier this month. With their historic silver drums...estimated replacement value $1.5 million...glinting in the morning sunlight, the musicians formed up beneath the 5-inch gun on the forecastle of HMAS Stuart (CMDR David Greaves). The 11 drums are now on permanent display in a high security cabinet at Maritime Headquarters. After beating a call to action the drummers became a backdrop for the Navy’s Director of Music, LCDR Phil Anderson in a live cross to Tracey Grimshaw on the Today program. LCDR Anderson told the viewing audience of the history of the drums (the drums were a gift from the Commonwealth and States to the RAN in July 1961 marking the 50th anniversary of the Navy) and of the band’s involvement in three concerts. More than 5000 people attended each concert at Sydney’s Superdome.
Photo by POPH Bill McBride

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