Prediction: Paddy's Planet Rocky's most improved pub 2008

Written by Aldous Supernova

Saturday, 29 March 2008

It's a magnificent building and if publican Bill M. has anything to do with it, the Michael Collins Bar - aka Paddy's Planet, aka Winzels, aka Paddy Go Easy - will again have a magnificent reputation.

Whatever you want to call the joint, new publican Bill is helping the beautiful old building on the corner of Alma and Denham Streets, make a brand new name for itself.

Before Bill took over in late 2007, the pub had fallen on hard times, making most of its money from a clientelle of morning drinkers who were no strangers to hard times themselves.

Last night was a different story, however, as Bill booked a fabulous local act called the Rovers.

This energetic troupe brought a polished professional act consisting of feel good rock n’ roll and rump shakin’ party favourites and any thing else the happy, hyped-up crowd would shout at them(forgive the horrendous description, the only song I remember them playing was a ‘Crocodile Rock’ cover, which they acknowledged was a little outside their repertoire).

They also brought their own fun. It’s hard to tell how many of the audience were band members, because every now and then one of the revelers would appear behind a microphone and swap spots with someone who disappeared into the boogying fray.

"This place is going to be the best place to spend a Friday night Rockhampton pretty soon," said a clearly delighted Publican Bill - a man who's not without his own entertainment value.

"Trust me, I've been turning pubs around for years. I know what I'm doing."


I must confess that I'm a regular at the pub. I can often be found nursing a Guiness and reading a book, beneath the lovely framed black and white photograph of James Joyce playing a guitar. Last night was easily the liveliest it has been on a Friday three years.