AT 83 THE MAESTRO HAS

LEFT THE BUILDING BUT

THE MUSIC & MEMORIES

WILL LIVE ON FOREVER

By SHIRLEY BROUN

IT IS with a sad heart I report that revered entertainer Geoff Harvey has died at the age of 83.

Geoff Harvey prepares for Senior Moments. Photo by Robert Billington

The much-loved musical director, conductor, musician and television personality won the hearts of millions around the country during 38 years with the Nine Network, countless live shows and touring with Australian and international performers.

His musical talent was complemented by his innate sense of fun which came to the fore during his many years on Australian television shows such as The Don Lane Show, The Mike Walsh Show and the Midday show.

He introduced audiences to his `pet’ ferrets which never failed to cause on-set chaos and mayhem much to the delight of his adoring TV fans.

Fellow friend and entertainer Jade Hurley said: “His humorous appearances on The Mike Walsh Show for all those years were LEGENDARY.

“Right now, I am so very sad as it was a long time since we caught up … but when we did, it was like we were back in the Channel 9 studio playing silly buggers … as most of the cast did for all those fabulous years, particularly with the Mike Walsh shows.”

When Geoff originally moved to Australia from London in 1960 to produce records for EMI, the intention was to stay 12 months but his talent and uniquely charismatic appeal saw him become a major drawcard in television over many decades.

His history with Channel Nine began in 1961 working on the Tonight Show with Bob Rogers.

Two years later he took on the role as musical director on Tonight with Dave Allen followed by The John Laws Show, Bandstand, The Sound of Music with Barry Crocker and The Don Lane Show, to name just a few.

Born in London on August 6, 1935 Geoff was more than just an on-air personality and musical director. He was also a composer and wrote the theme songs for TV drama classic The Sullivans, A Current Affair, Sunday and Today.

In addition to the iconic Midday Shows hosted by Mike Walsh, Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Ray Martin respectively, Geoff was also musical director for Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne for 19 years.

When the Midday show was axed in 1999 Geoff's tenure at Channel Nine also ended but he was not one to let the grass grow under his feet.

In 1998 he joined Tommy Tycho as joint patron of the Australian Entertainment MO Awards, serving as chairman that year and again from 2000 to 2002.

In 2004 he gained his Associate in Music, Australia in organ and in 2008 his licentiate from Trinity College London, the same year that he donated his collection of 5000 original arrangements to the National Library of Australia.

Geoff Harvey also received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his `service to the community as a musician and entertainer, and through support for charitable organisations.

And, as for his signature beard ... well the story goes that Geoff, known to be an avid practical joker, grew it after losing a bet in 1965 with Don Lane over a football match.

Performing was Geoff’s passion in life and his final performance was only a few weeks ago in the comedy revue Senior Moments in which he featured with Max Gillies, John Wood and Benita Collings.

Geoff married Penny Spence, a fellow television personality ….. and the couple had two children Eugenie and Charlotte.

He and his second wife of 32 years, Katrina lived in Berrima, New South Wales.

Geoff Harvey has left an indelible mark on the television, entertainment and recording industry in Australia and will be dearly missed by us all.

This final message was one of many from his industry peers:

“No more Geoff Harvey Happy Face – No more ferrets … he was absolutely ONE of a KIND ... a fabulous personality, a fabulous musician, a fabulous bloke. R.I.P. old mate!

“I will never ever forget the great times,” Jade Hurley posted on Facebook, a sentiment that was shared by so many.

Veteran TV presenter and entertainer Ian Maurice said: "Another of the great showmen from television's golden days has left us. Geoff was a `character' in the true sense of the word. 

"His humour came naturally, almost in the Monty Python/Goon tradition. His madcap antics on camera were mirrored in may ways off camera. He was a prankster, making people laugh even when there were no cameras around.

"The only time Geoff wasn't playing tricks was when he was playing his music. It was the only serious part of his life.

"I had the honour of working with Geoff many times on the Midday show singing with his band." (see Ian's full comment below)

And fellow musical director Michael Harvey wrote:

"Farewell Geoff Harvey. So sad to hear overnight of Geoff’s passing. He has left an indelible mark on our profession and was truly ‘one of a kind’ - a great Musical Director Composer and Music Arranger, a great Raconteur, and a generous and kindly man who didn’t suffer fools gladly...

"He very generously gave me the opportunity to take on his role on the Midday Show, when he had his knees ‘done’, and when he took an extended holiday. I have never forgotten that experience and am so grateful.

"Of course in Geoff’s inimitable fashion, he told the TV audience when he first introduced me, that I had changed my name by deed poll, just so I could get his car park at Channel NINE. That’s the Geoff we all knew and loved - he always had an eye for humour.

"God’s blessings always Geoff, and to dear Katrina."

Please follow and like us: