Thirroul’s Beaches Hotel was taken over by music celebrities, television and radio identities over the weekend for what could be labelled the Illawarra’s wedding of the year.
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Frenzal Rhomb guitarist Lindsay “The Doctor” McDougall married longtime love Jen Owens at Sublime Point Cafe on Saturday, with the full vegan reception of 250 people held at the local with an open invite to the public.
Hotel manager David Stead said at first he was apprehensive because he knew what Frenzal gigs were like and was worried they’d “trash the hell out of the pub”.
“They actually wanted anybody and everyone rocking in and having a good time,” he said. “It’s the best wedding I’ve been to and I was actually working.”
Word got out quickly Phil Jamieson from Grinspoon was on stage, while there were unconfirmed reports a member of Powderfinger had a jam too.
Mr Stead said the highlight was when Art vs Science covered the Electric Six classic “Gay Bar” with around 400 people jumping around “rocking out”.
In classic rockstar style the happy couple had their first wedding dance to the sounds of Iron Maiden “Blood Brothers”.
“The rest of the night Lindsay was jumping up and smashing out some guitar solos, they pulled up anyone who wanted to get up and sing. They pumped out three or four ACDC songs with his brothers and some of the wedding guests,” said Mr Stead.
There have been reports some members of the public weren’t happy about the celebs “taking over their pub”, though the manager said the only people who weren’t happy were those refused entry because they were too drunk or because the venue was at capacity at 11pm.
“Definitely one of the most interesting nights,” he said. “Only one person at the wedding came up and asked me where all the meat was!”
It’s also believed the vegan couple donated money they received from guests to charity.
McDougall later confirmed there were no members of Powderfinger onstage, while “my brothers weren't in the ACDC band, they played before and after it. But it just adds to the mystique!”
“Spot on about an amazing wedding in an amazing part of the world,” said the guitarist.