Enoggera & Districts Historical Society November 7 is the anniversary of the iconic Cloudland dance hall and concert venue at Bowen Hills being demolished back in 1982. To m a n y l o c a l s i n Brisbane’s western suburbs, Cloudland would bring back many fond memories: school dances, concerts, receptions, debutant balls and similar. Many future husbands and wives would also have had their first meeting at a postwar dance at Cloudland of a Saturday night. Originally called Luna Park, Cloudland opened in August 1940 high on a hill via Montpelier Road. Its remarkable 18-metre high laminated roof arch made it a prominent feature visible to thousands of Brisbane residents in surrounding suburbs. Inside, the venue was renown for its decorative columns, sweeping curtains, domed sky lights and chandeliers. Over the years Cloudland played host to several well-
known artists and bands including Cold Chisel, The Police, The Bee Gees, Madness, Ian Dury and the Blockheads, The Saints and Midnight Oil. The demolition of Cloudland inspired the Oils to write their hit song ‘Dreamworld’. On 3 February 1958, pioneering US rock’n’roll singer Buddy Holly played a concert at Cloudland. Eerily, exactly one year later – on 3 February 1959 – Buddy Holly would die in that tragic plane crash (aged just 22) near Clear Lake, Iowa along with Richie Valens and ‘the Big Bopper’. Although listed on the National Trust, Cloudland was demolished on 7 November 1982, with no public notice, in the middle of the night by the Dean Brothers. It was a dubious decision under the then Bjelke Petersen state government which caused a massive outcry and protests. Unit development soon took place on the site at Bowen Hills.
— Cloudland —
Who out there remembers Cloudland? Who has fond memories of a dance event, a concert viewed, or similar from years past?
Feel free to share your stories with us. Visit our Facebook page or email enoggerahistory@gmail.com We’d love to hear from you.
Take care, everyone.Andrew McMicking - President
Demolition of Cloudland
Buddy Holly performed at Cloudland in 1958
The Western Echo November 2020 Page 20
Midnight Oil was inspired by Cloudland to write "Dreamworld"
website: http://www.westernecho.com.au
