"I'll Be Gone," written by Mike Rudd, was Spectrum's debut single, released in January 1971, and became a #1 hit in Australia. The band, formed in 1969, initially played covers before developing original material, and although they never repeated the success of this song, "I'll Be Gone" remains a significant part of Australian rock history.
I was 4 years of age when ‘I'll Be Gone’ was a hit on the Australian National Singles charts, but by the time in the mid eighties my turn came around for teenage music appreciation, ‘I'll Be Gone’ was still a radio staple, and was delightfully and permanently earwormed into my heart.
This project is certainly a nod to Mike Rudd and Spectrum and the special era of Australian music in the early '70s. The documentary explores the formation of the band, the writing, recording and release of I’ll Be Gone.
I was 4 years of age when ‘I'll Be Gone’ was a hit on the Australian National Singles charts, but by the time in the mid eighties my turn came around for teenage music appreciation, ‘I'll Be Gone’ was still a radio staple, and was delightfully and permanently earwormed into my heart.
This project is certainly a nod to Mike Rudd and Spectrum and the special era of Australian music in the early '70s. The documentary explores the formation of the band, the writing, recording and release of I’ll Be Gone.
Premiere screening promotion - May 2026
Trailer
Bill Putt
Ross Wilson
Prompted Mike Rudd to release "I'll Be Gone" as the single
Prompted Mike Rudd to release "I'll Be Gone" as the single
Brian Nankervis
Howard Gable - Producer on "I'll Be Gone"
After a bunch of songs, Howard asked Mike, "Have you got anything else?"
Spectrum then played 'I'll Be Gone'.
After a bunch of songs, Howard asked Mike, "Have you got anything else?"
Spectrum then played 'I'll Be Gone'.
Mark Kennedy - Drummer - Spectrum
Mark Kennedy - Drummer - Spectrum
Mark Kennedy's copy of the I'll Be Gone single
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Brian Pieper - Artist / Photographer
Onstage 1971 - Mike Rudd (left), Lee Neale (right)
Framed Image: © Brian Pieper
Framed Image: © Brian Pieper
Premiere Screening - Brunswick Ballroom - May 20th 2026
On the the 20th May 2026, a wintery and rainy Wednesday night at the Brunswick Ballroom in Melbourne, Chris Franklin's latest documentary, 'Someday I'll Have Money' was screened publicly for the first time to a packed house of music fans.
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Brian Nankervis kicked off the night with his incredible music trivia crowd warm up, revving the audience into a frenzy of hand ups and joyous shouts of song titles and band names. |
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Brian then introduced the 40 minute documentary, and it captivated the audience from the beginning. Over 250 people giggled and clapped and soaked in the memory and wit of the interviewees, Mike Rudd, Ross Wilson, Brian Nankervis,
Howard Gabel, Mark Kennedy and Brian Pieper.
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Following the screening, Brian compèred a Q&A with Mike Rudd, Ross Wilson and filmmaker, Chris Franklin, exploring extra stories of that music era and reflections from Chris of the production of the film.
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The night climaxed with a stunning performance by Mike Rudd and the Indelibles (Peter Robertson, Daryl Roberts & Broc O'Connor) and joined on and off by Ross Wilson. There was a lot of love in that room.
Mike and Ross played together in the late ‘60s in The Party Machine… it was so goof to see them both on stage, Mike at 81, and Ross at aged 78…. doing their thing and doing it so well after 60 plus years of making music.
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Set List of the night: I'm Your Witchdoctor We Are Indelible Woman of the World (Ross Wilson on vocals) Make Your Stash (Ross Wilson on vocals) Some Good Advice Xavier Rudd is Not My Son It's a Lottery Crawling Up a Hill Come Back Again (Ross Wilson on vocals) I’ll Be Gone Encore; Esmeralda |
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Filmmaker Chris Franklin and Mike Rudd