The Australian Music Vault is honouring ARIA Hall of Fame inductees You Am I with a brand new display that brings together rare posters, archival gems and striking contemporary photography.
Now open within Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building, the installation shines a light on one of Australia’s most influential rock bands and their three decade legacy.
At the centre of the display is a collection of original material from the 1990s, including a media release and a newspaper clipping from Juke Magazine, the beloved Australian rock and pop publication of the era. These historical pieces sit alongside contemporary photographs by Melbourne photographer Laura May Grogan, creating a visual bridge between the band’s early years and their continued relevance today.
You Am I are one of Australia’s most enduring and influential rock bands, known for their sharp songwriting, swaggering energy and unmistakable stage presence. Formed in Sydney in 1989, the band built a devoted following through their explosive live shows and a run of critically acclaimed albums that helped define Australian rock throughout the 1990s and beyond.
Fronted by Tim Rogers, with Andy Kent and Rusty Hopkinson forming the backbone of the lineup, You Am I blend classic rock influences with emotional storytelling and a proudly Australian voice. More than 30 years on, their music remains both iconic and deeply loved. Their 1995 album Hi Fi Way remains a touchstone for fans and critics alike, its enduring popularity fuelled by its raw immediacy, unforgettable hooks and the way it continues to capture a particular moment in Australian music with rare clarity.
Reflecting on the band’s long career, Rogers says their journey has been shaped by the generosity and passion of the wider music community. “Most of them have come from within a music community. Never necessarily a music style, or a scene, just folks who need this music and are compelled, fanatically to share it around.”
The display is free to visit as part of the Australian Music Vault, a celebration of Australia’s contemporary music past, present and future.
