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Rollo's Timeline

Journey through the remarkable life of Brentyn "Rollo" Rollason — Brisbane's punk provocateur, community builder, and unforgettable frontman. From the underground clubs of the 1980s to international stages and lasting legacy, this timeline captures the moments that defined a legend.

1989 — 2019 & Beyond

Key Moments

  • Early punk roots with Bad Ronald
  • Formation of Blowhard in 1989
  • Debut album "Blowin' Off" (1993)
  • International tours & "Hornbag" era
  • Community mentorship & Splurt Records
  • Final performance & lasting legacy
Rollo performing on stage Rollo portrait

Career Timeline

Pre-1989

Early punk life & Bad Ronald

Rollo cuts his teeth in Brisbane's underground—early bands like Bad Ronald sharpen his appetite for noisy truth and unpolished theatrics. The foundations of a frontman legend.

1989

Blowhard takes shape

Rollo becomes the face and thunder of Blowhard—horns, chaos and a new kind of punk carnival. Rooms never feel the same again.

1993

Debut: Blowin' Off

The band drops its first full-length, a noisy introduction recorded with heart and brass. Blowhard's live rep grows into a loyal following.

1996

Hornbag, Europe & Splurt Records

Hornbag lands and Blowhard take the mess overseas. Around this time Rollo's Splurt Records begins putting to DIY ladder down for others to climb.

2009

The Toxic Swing

A new record; the band keep pushing their sound — brass, swing and a punk heart. Blowhard prove they're more than a one-off live spectacle.

2010s

Community, mentoring & local chaos

Rollo's offstage work—supporting bands, booking shows, scheming with Splurt—becomes as influential as the music. Brisbane's scene grows around that energy.

21 Apr 2019

Rollo passes away

Rollo suffered a heart attack just before a scheduled Blowhard show in Fortitude Valley. The community mourned a generous troublemaker; music and stories live on.

Post-2019

Tributes & lasting legacy

Tributes, memorial gigs and the naming of Rollo Park ensure his influence endures. Voices he lifted keep singing; scene remembers and builds.

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Community & Legacy

Brentyn “Rollo” Rollason wasn’t just a frontman — he was a catalyst for scenes, stories, and strange brilliance that rippled across Brisbane and beyond. This space keeps that spirit alive through shared memories, archives, and the people who keep the noise going.

Read the Tributes Browse the Gallery Add Your Memory

A project of friends, family, and Brisbane’s creative community — built with love on Oncord.