From radio chat to reality: How the Sheppard runway gig came to life

A bold idea sparked during a radio interview will come to life on the Gold Coast Airport tarmac this Friday afternoon.

Aussie band Sheppard are set to perform an exclusive concert live from the runway, all thanks to an interview with Hot Tomato’s drive team Moyra, Mal & Baggs last week.

During a chat with George Sheppard on Wednesday, radio host Simon Baggs came up with the idea for the special runway gig.

“Here’s the idea right – you know the Gold Coast airport… the runway there…. With no flights coming in at the moment, what about Sheppard performing live on the Gold Coast runway for one show only,” Baggs suggested.

George said the band would be thrilled take part, telling Moyra, Mal & Baggs it was something they had never done before.

“I feel like I am one of the callers in that you’ve just offered a prize too!” he said.

With the band confirmed, the drive team moved swiftly to get the location locked in, with Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton jumping at the chance to be involved.

“This is a very unique time and if ever we were going to pull off doing something exciting on our runway, now is the time. We would love to be involved, and we would love to do everything we can to make this happen,” she told Moyra, Mal & Baggs.

Soon after, Dreamweavers came on board to direct, film and help broadcast the concert via Facebook Live.

Gold Coast Helitours also offered up their services, and will use special cameras mounted to their helicopters to shoot visuals of the Gold Coast as part of the broadcast.

With the runway gig just four days away, and some incredible Gold Coast suppliers joining forces to bring his vision to life, Simon Baggs told myGC he was thrilled he could do something positive for the Gold Coast at such a challenging time.

“Right now the Gold Coast is hurting with no visitors. I wanted to create a unique event to give us all something positive to focus on and remind people how beautiful our city is. We can’t wait to have our visitors back,” he said.

“The way our partners have come on board to help make this project happen shows the generosity of these businesses, wanting to help each other during these uncertain times.

“A huge thanks must go to the Gold Coast Airport, Dreamweavers Production and Gold Coast Helitours. Bring on Friday.”

Sheppard will perform live from the Gold Coast Airport on Friday 29 May at 4:30pm. Tune in to 1029 Hot Tomato to listen to the show, or watch it unfold via Facebook Live here.