Black Saturday Victorian bushfires 2009 - Touch (Reach out)

[aldoggcairns]

this just proves to me that aussies really step up when it counts, i mean how much did we raise all up for you guys? my thoughts and prayers go to all of you that lost friends, family members

[KangaKucha]

Suspected causes of the fires include lightning,[5] arson,[3] discarded cigarette butts[4] and sparks from a power tool[7] in combination with an intense heat wave contributing to the extreme fire hazard conditions. More distantly implicated is an Australian drought that has persisted for more than a decade, as well as a domestic 50-year warming trend that has been linked to human-induced global warming.[16]

[KangaKucha]

just because i;m a labour goverment support doesnt make me a lier, you idoit!

[KangaKucha]

I will, once your show me some respect, junior, as I am 24, and therefore senoir to you.

I was born in Box Hill, and lived in Victoria until I was 7. I got back there every 2 to 4 years, last time was winter of 2007/08. So, yes mate, I know what my state is like.

[KangaKucha]

your also on my cousin's video, so be careful.

[KangaKucha]

Australian Greens Party leader Bob Brown told Sky News, that "[the fires] are a sobering reminder of the need for [Australia] and the whole world to act and put at a priority the need to tackle climate change,"[127]

[SmileFromBehind]

Go Bob Brown,

the single honourable man in the Australian Federal Parliament.

[aviationnoitall]

@SmileFromBehind honourable? BAHAHAHA, whatever, maybe off with the fairies?

[Aryeasis]

SFB, YT's eating my replies to your earlier post. I watched Michael Paynter's performance again & he did bring a youthful quality to the song. Jon Stevens is & always will be my fav performer of 'Touch' though. Went through Paynter's YT channel & watched a few of his videos. Really love 'A Victim Song', watched it a doz times, it's my new fav of the month.

[Aryeasis]

Yeah I figured it'd be on the CD. I'm gonna get a copy with my next pay. Should be a fantastic album! Great cause too.

[Aryeasis]

I never got their record - I was 8 when 'Touch' was released. Still loved them though. I did get a singles tape from a Shell servo when they had a promo in the late 80s (think there were half a doz bands you could choose from), don't think Touch was on it though. Pretty sure it had 'No Lies' and 'Take Me Back' on it with 2 or 3 others songs. Still got it, it's at Mum's.

[SmileFromBehind]

I hope they bring out a DVD of the Memorial Service. MAny people in the West id not see it, as it was advertised as starting later than it was broadcast.

[Aryeasis]

I agree, they should. It's part of our history. Would be another great way to raise money too.

[MegaSexaddict123]

sorry, spelling mistake, sound relief-you can get it on c-d and itunes (i'm pretty sure)

[emjax]

As a resident of Kinglake I would like to thank you for a wonderful tribute to the worst day of my life. I hope you don't mind that I'm downloading this video. Michael Paynter was the guy who sung 'Touch' at the memorial service. I think he did a wonderful job.

[Aryeasis]

You're most certainly welcome, though I feel arkward saying that. I don't mind that you've downloaded it - obviously I can't take credit for the song or footage, all I did was put it together the way I saw the events. There's more I feel I should say, but I can't find the words. I wish you, all those in your community and everyone affected by these fires the very best in the future.

[emjax]

Thank you.

[SmileFromBehind]

Our best wishes to you for rebuilding your lives x

[SmileFromBehind]

The young man who did end up singing it at the service did a wonderful job.

He really conveyed a message of hope - what was needed.

[Aryeasis]

I'm not saying he did a bad job, just Jon Stevens would have been a lot better. I think I get so used to someone singing a song that it's hard to like someone else singing it. Most people do a good job, but it's nowhere near as good as the original. Then there are times that it's different, but really good. Rarely is it better than the original. Then there are the people that absolutely kill a song by doing a cover of it. Hmmm, maybe I'm just picky at times.

[SmileFromBehind]

Ordinarily, I am concerned over a preferred version, and its nuances of phrasing, timbre or pitch.

For this ceremony, I was gladdened to hear one which offered hope, a sense of community, and which engaged our young people - those who are so often neglected in our personal, social and political lives.

[OzzieKezzie]

Thankyou so much for putting this up. Jon is currently in LA and is relying on his friends to send him updates on something which has hit very close to home. He was asked to do Touch at the memorial service but other commitments were already in place. Thanks again. Kezzie :)

[Aryeasis]

Thanks so much for answering something I've been wondering since watching the memorial y/day. When they said 'Touch' would be performed I thought it was such a fantastic & fitting song to put in. Then that other guy came out to sing & I couldn't help but wonder where Jon Stevens was. While the fill-in did an ok job, Jon would have blown everyone away with the emotion he conveys while singing. I'm sure that if he were able to, he would have performed it.  It's still a great song to have used.

[Aryeasis]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it.

I watched the National Day of Mourning on the TV. I'm glad they played 'Touch', it's such a fitting song. Can't believe the song is 21yrs old! It's such a fantastic Aussie classic that hasn't dated.

[ask123321]

we are so saddened for our friends down under!! thanks for sharing this video with us. our prayers are with you!!!!!

[Aryeasis]

You're welcome. Thanks for keeping everyone in your thoughts.

[KangaKucha]

Its unbelevable and unimaginable, and from the USA, one gets the impression that half the state has be destoryed.

Amazing video rach, thank you.

and Kevin Rudd is awesome!

[Aryeasis]

Hi Matt. Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. I can see how you'd get that impression, but it's not the case, thank God!

[EdieSaidSo]

Very moving and well put together video Rachael. Totally agree with your choice of music. Thanks for sharing it. Sometimes without the vision to put with the knowledge things are too unimaginable. It might touch someone enough so that they don't forget next week when there's something else on telly. Keep up the donations to reputable appeals.

[Aryeasis]

Thanks heaps for your comment. I'm glad you liked the video.

I absolutely love the song. Had it stuck in my head every time I thought about making the video.

I agree - they're going to need monetary & blood donations for months to come. The healing process will take years.