Deb at the Bus Stop Disco

valentines signed card

The following message from Deb came through to the Bon Scott Blog mailbag recently:

From: Deb
Subject: Bon Scott Photo – rare…

Hello fellow Bon Scott fan,

I just saw your Blog today. It is a fun site. I have a rare signed photo from Bon Scott when he was in the band The Valentines. He played at my father’s disco in Newcastle in 1969 (The Bus Stop) and signed the photo for me – “To Debbie, Your Valentine, Bon xxxx”.

It is an original black and white fan club photo and I am thinking about selling it because I am going on an around the world holiday. I am selling off all my possessions because I don’t know when I will be back. Do you know anybody that may be interested in buying the photo? I can send a scanned picture of it thru if required.

Many thanks and keep up the good work.

Deb.

Here was my reply:

Hi Deb

Well, if you like, we can feature the photo and your story on the blog? Then people could get in touch with you directly if they wanted to buy it (or, if you like, they could contact me and I can pass their details to you).

It makes a great story! I’d love to hear more about THE BUS STOP! How interesting to grow up with a father who ran a disco! How old were you when you met Bon?

And where will you travel on your big trip?
Cheers
Lucas from Bon Scott Blog

finally, Deb’s reply, with a great story about her Dad’s Disco…

Hi Lucas!

Gosh…thanks for the reply! I am going to send through a scanned copy of the photo and you can tell me what you think.

I would be happy for you to feature it on your Blog…I think people would really enjoy the story.

My Dad owned The Bus Stop Disco for several years in the late 60’s. All the big bands played there. They mostly used to stay at our house because there was not a lot of money back then. Mum used to cook them dinner and I have vivid memories of sitting around the dinner table with all sorts of celebrities.

I was 13 years old when The Valentines played at Dad’s disco. Dad is still alive and I am going to get some more details off him and get back to you. I will write a blurb about that time and send it to you.

I think this photo would look fantastic framed with some other Valentines memorabilla. I think that would really increase it’s value. I am not sure what my photo would be worth. I would love it to go to a dedicated fan who would appreciate it.

You will notice one of the faces has been coloured in with green texta. You can thank for 5 year old sister at the time for that. I am sure that with the modern technology today that somebody would be able to repair it.

Anyway…let me know what you think. Kind Regards. Deb.

[I personally LOVE the green texta scribbled on the photo… Cheers, Lucas]

8 thoughts on “Deb at the Bus Stop Disco”

  1. I like the texta too, and I think the outfits are hysterical- puffing sleeves and beads.
    Good luck with the sale and trip Deb.

  2. I was there !! and I remember my surprise at the songs the band did. I was expecting a teenybopper band but they did a lot of good stax/tamla soul (but they wore pink)
    Ted Vanderlanden was part owner of the club and a guy called Norm I think. A friend of mine did the artwork. Oh shit !!! great days!!!

  3. Good Story!!!! Bon is god! I think that Deb can sell that picture very expensive. There is a Bon Scott’s SIGN!!! I’m from Argentina and there is not money here, but i’d like very much to have that picture:D:D
    PD: very good blog my friend. Ahhh, i’m sorry about my english, i don’t know to speak english very well!!

  4. Hi Deb,

    When I was a kid I played at the Bus Stop in a band called The Farm. Can you remind me of exactly where it was. I think Hunter St west end but would like to know about a cross street or shop number, I have been talking to others who went there in the 60’s but none of us can pinpoint the exact location. Warren

    1. I was a regular at Bus Stop. I was an Art Student at the time. We did a performance at Bus Stop called the 13th Eugenics of Thelonious Minus. I sometimes played records in the booth. My favourite was Iron Butterfly. It did not close until dawn and all the great bands would come and play their or jam.
      It was is Hunter St, opposite the Cambridge Hotel and it is now Vinnies or the Salvos. It was down past The Store. At the time it was the largest disco in the southern hemisphere.
      Most of us would dance until dawn. We smoked pot, took LSD and Mescalin – after all it was the Revolution. It was a very inclusive venue and at the time had the best technology.

  5. Hi Deb,

    When I was a kid I played at the Bus Stop in a band called The Farm from Sydney. Can you remind me of exactly where it was? I think Hunter St west end but would like to know about a cross street or shop number, I have been talking to others who went there in the 60′s but none of us can pinpoint the exact location. Warren

  6. Hi Deb,
    I remember you quite well. I was the guy from Gateshead who spent most of the time on the door with your father Norm. I sometimes got a lift home in the station wagon, before I got my motorbike.
    I have long since left Newcastle. Is your dad still at Belmont?
    Cheers, Terry.

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