BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES

ALL ABOUT THE SHOW

– Step back in time to the vibrant era of Australian pub rock from the early 80’s

Best Years of Our Lives takes you back to the ripper days of 80s Oz pub rock – that golden era of thumping riffs, summery strums, and the unmistakable true blue Australian sound from our own homegrown talent. 

An Ode to the Australia we don’t want to lose…. 

It was a time of real freedom, when Aussies from every background – put differences aside and came together in sweaty pubs along the coast and in the cities. Sharing a cold one, showing respect and belting out anthems about love, life, the endless surf, our wide open landscapes, small towns, and the laid-back lifestyle we all treasure. Just mates, united in the music and the freedom we so valued, rocking the night away.

This show revives the unbreakable spirit of that iconic pub scene, celebrating the timeless vibes of legends like Richard Clapton, Australian Crawl, Men at Work, The Models, The Sports, Flowers, Machinations, and many more.

With their raw energy and heartfelt lyrics, these musicians captured the heart of a proud, free, and welcoming nation – anthems that still stir the soul and remind us of the fair dinkum Australia we hold dear.

Presented by Dreams, “Best Years of Our Lives” features Wayne Daniels, the lead guitarist and vocalist of Dreams, who played a pivotal role during this era through his original bands, Triple Entente, Shikira, and Colour Blue. Wayne’s deep connection to the music of this time brings an authentic voice to the tribute, allowing audiences to feel the spirit of pub rock as it was meant to be experienced.

The early 80s were a time when live music flourished across Sydney and Brisbane. Pubs became the heartbeat of the scene, with legendary venues like The Roxy, The Annandale Hotel, and The Espy in Sydney, while Brisbane’s Powerhouse, Royal Exchange Hotel, and Festival Hall showcased countless unforgettable performances. Festivals like Narara and the Sunshine Coast Music Festival brought fans together to celebrate their favourite artists in breathtaking settings, while the Countdown Spectacular spotlighted local talent on television, propelling many bands to national acclaim.

“Best Years of Our Lives” invites you to relive the magic of this era, a time when music was not just entertainment but a way of life. Join us as we pay homage to the songs that shaped a culture, igniting a passion that still burns bright in the hearts of Australians today. Get ready to sing along, dance, and celebrate the spirit of pub rock—because these truly were the best years of our lives!

The Band:

Best Years of our Lives  – The Band

Wayne Daniels (Lead guitar + vocals + musical director/co-founder) 

Peter Fernance (Guitar + Vocals)

Kelly Thomas (Vocals)
Danielle Lo Passo (Keys + Backing Vocals)

Chris McAllister (Drums)
Ian Evans (Bass)

Jonathan Whitlow (Saxophone + Vocals + Keys + Percussion) 

Wayne Daniels – Guitar & Vocals 

Wayne Daniels, a gifted singer-songwriter and lead guitarist, has shaped Australia’s live music scene for decades. He fronted original bands in Sydney’s vibrant 80s and 90s rock era and toured with some of the country’s biggest names. Wayne first made his mark with Triple Entente, Shikira & Colour Blue, achieving a Top 30 single and critically acclaimed independent EP releases. Throughout the 90s, Wayne toured extensively and performed with iconic artists like John Farnham, Daryl Braithwaite, Kate Ceberano, Dragon, Dave Dobbyn, Richard Clapton, Ross Wilson, The Chantoozies, The Eurogliders, Boom Crash Opera, Sam Brown, James Reyne, Ian Moss, Jimmy Barnes, and Noiseworks. By the 2000s, his band Masterpiece dominated the corporate entertainment circuit and performed overseas in Thailand, Borneo, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.

After relocating to the Gold Coast, Wayne formed KRUSH, a powerhouse band that quickly became a local favorite. In 2016, a conversation with longtime friend and venue manager Rob Lutton sparked the creation of DREAMS – Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Tribute Show. Since its formation, DREAMS has grown into one of the most acclaimed tribute shows in the country, celebrating its 300th performance in early 2025. Now with Best Years of our Lives, Wayne showcases another dimension of his signature guitar work, vocals, and energy.

Kelly Thomas | Lead Vocals

 Kelly Thomas is a singer with over 20 years of stage experience based on the Gold Coast. In 2010, she travelled to Sydney and Los Angeles on The X Factor Australia, working alongside Guy Sebastian & Rai Thistlethwaite.

During her career, she has supported renowned artists including Kate Ceberano, Rob Guests, Vanessa Amorosi, Spiderbait & Lee Kernaghan.  

At 22, she moved from country Victoria to Queensland to pursue music full-time, performing in bands and tribute shows such as Krush, The Triple J’s, Hot Sauce,and the Electric 80’s Show. Also playing lead role as Chrissy Amphlett in Angels, Oils & Divinyls Tribute Show .

Now a proud mum, Kelly continues to perform across weddings, corporate events and private functions, currently working with bands and agencies including The White Tree, Red Tie Entertainment, The Accidents, La Boum, Rush Group, Sister Mister & Madison Kat.

With a powerful voice and engaging stage presence, Kelly brings professionalism, warmth and authenticity to every performance.

Danielle Lo Passo | Keys & Backing Vocals

With over two decades of experience in the music industry, Danielle has dedicated her life to the craft—both on stage and behind the scenes. Since founding her music school, Vocal Adrenaline Performing Arts, in 2011, she's played a major role in training and mentoring the next generation of musicians and grown to be one of the Gold Coast's most sought-after singing and piano teachers.

At the turn of the decade she co-wrote the acclaimed In Her Wake with Bayley Pearl and Shawn Byrne at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, TN.  

A seasoned performer, Danielle took a step back from the spotlight to grow her business,but is now thrilled to return to the stage—this time behind the keys, bringing fresh energy to the band's live cover sets.

Peter Fernance | Guitar & Vocals

You’ve seen him as Peter Garrett and Doc Neeson in The Made in Australia Presents and on guitar and vocals in The Australian Thin Lizzy Show. 

Peter cut his musical teeth on the live NSW/QLD circuit during the very era of the best years of our lives. Fresh out of school and straight into a life of music. Playing with and supporting the creme of Australian Rock music royalty, he has maintained a life long love of all things Aus Rock. The ability to bring this incredible era of music back to the stage is a life long dream of his and his wealth of experience will shine through, night after night. After a number of shows with Dreams Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks Show as a supporting guitarist for Wayne Daniels, they now team up to head Best Years of our Lives. 

Chris McAllister | Drums

Combining with long-term playing partners on Guitar/Vocals Peter Fernance, Chris McAllister (pictured right) is a powerhouse in the engine room on Drums. 

Inspired by Oz Rock icons like Rob Hirst (Oils), Steve Prestwich (Chisels), Jon Farriss (Inxs), Paul Hester (Crowdies) & Graham “Buss” Bidstrup (Angels). 

Chris seeks to bring raw energy & simplicity to the drums that creates a rhythm that carries a rugged, unpolished quality that mirrors the cultural ethos of the time, rejecting the slickness of overseas pop or glam metal. The 1980’s Australian pub rock scene was rooted in suburban hotels and working-class venues, where bands played to loyal, rowdy crowds. Chris seeks to match this intensity and create a communal almost ritualistic experience.

Ian Evans | Bass

Ian is no stranger to the biz. Starting in regional Queensland as a guitarist in the early 70’s, testing the Sydney scene in the late 70’s and moved to Brisbane where he has been in the industry full time since 1980. During a recording session, as he had recorded on many artists albums, he found he could contribute playing either Guitar or Bass but in the late 80’s made the change to Bass for the various shows. 

For the last 10 years, Ian could be seen as the bassist / support vocals in the Money For Nothing – Dire Straits Experience, Crazy Diamonds – Pink Floyd Show, Beyond the Yellow Brick Road – Elton John Spectacular, and the Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen Experience. His musical passion brings a strong melodic, authentic approach to the Bass and he is at home both on the stage or in the studio.

Jonathan Whitlow | Saxophone

Jonathan has enjoyed a vibrant professional career spanning more than 20 years across musical theatre & entertainment, both in Australia and internationally. As a quadruple threat (singer/dancer/actor/musician) he has performed in national tours (AUS/UK), internationally aboard luxurious cruise ships and debuted his solo cabarets ‘The Other Boy From Oz’ and ‘Whit-HIGH, Whit-LOW, Whitney’ at The Pleasance in Chelsea, London.

Further highlights include: Australian national tours of BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (feat. saxophonist), GREASE (Ensemble), FAME (Goody King – sax) and HAIRSPRAY (IQ); UK national and international tour of FRANKIE’S GUYS: A Celebration Of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons; Royal Caribbean’s SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (Frank Jnr.); regional productions of THE BOY FROM OZ (Peter Allen), MAMMA MIA (Harry Bright), TARZAN (Terk), and COME FROM AWAY (Band – Irish percussion).

As a creative, Jonathan has been vocal director for regional youth and ensemble productions of BEAUTY & THE BEAST, FOOTLOOSE and JAGGED LITTLE PILL; casting assistant and creative director for VIKING CRUISE LINES/BLACKBURN INTERNATIONAL; rehearsal choreographer, vocal director and project manager for DAVID MICHAEL PRODUCTIONS (UK).

He is thrilled to be part of BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES and is honoured to pay tribute to some of the greatest saxophone licks in Aussie rock.