What is Blue Sky Mine protesting about?
“Blue Sky Mine” is a song by Australian rock band Midnight Oil, released in February 1990 as the first single from their seventh studio album, Blue Sky Mining (1990). The song was inspired by the experiences of workers at the Wittenoom asbestos mines who contracted various asbestos-related diseases.
Why are they called Midnight Oil?
Farm then became a full-time group and changed its name to “Midnight Oil” by drawing a name out of a hat, leaving behind “Television”, “Sparta”, and “Southern Cross”. The phrase “midnight oil” came from the Jimi Hendrix song “Burning of the Midnight Lamp”.
Where is the Blue Sky Mine?
Western Australia
Located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, Wittenoom was once home to a booming asbestos mine, famous for its blue crocidolite asbestos. Mining operations first began in the region in the 1930’s, although it wasn’t until 1943 that a blue asbestos mine was opened in Wittenoom Gorge.
Where did Midnight Oil originate?
Sydney, AustraliaMidnight Oil / Origin
When was Wittenoom closed?
During the 1950s and early 1960s Wittenoom was Australia’s only supplier of blue asbestos. The mine was shut down in 1966 due to unprofitability and growing health concerns from asbestos mining in the area. The former townsite no longer receives government services.
What genre is Blue Sky Mine?
Alternative/Indie
Rock
Blue Sky Mine/Genres
Who founded Midnight Oil?
The genesis of Midnight Oil started in 1970 when Jim Moginie (guitar/keyboard) and Andrew ‘Bear’ James (bass), both fifteen, jammed at the local hall in Turramurra, northern Sydney. Rob Hirst (drums/vocals) joined in 1971 and they played as Schwampy Moose, a cover band performing songs by The Beatles.
Is Midnight Oil indigenous?
A smash hit from legendary Australian rockers Midnight Oil has been re-recorded in Aboriginal language by four women in an outback WA prison.
Is Midnight Oil still performing?
This latest chapter of their iconic career will close with the release of a new album and a series of big gigs. Both are aptly titled Resist. This will be the band’s final concert tour although they remain very open to recording new music together in future and supporting causes in which they believe.
How was Midnight Oil discovered?
It was an advertisement in The Sydney Morning Herald in the mid-1970s that started it all. Up to that point, Farm were a covers band, playing Cream and Led Zepellin for the surfers of Sydney’s northern beaches. A lanky ANU student named Peter Garrett responded to the notice, offering his services as a singer.
Is Wittenoom safe to visit?
They consider airborne blue asbestos fibres in and around Wittenoom to be a clear risk to residents and to people working in the area. Although the threat to short-term visitors is much lower, it is considered a risk nonetheless and one they recommend avoiding.