The film reveals the man behind the music, with his story brought to life on the screen via music, poetry, letters, and unseen family archives. McComb’s poetry and newly discovered letters are read by Man Booker prize-winning Australian novelist DBC Pierre (Vernon God Little, 2003) accompanied by beautifully restored 35mm slides, evocative home movies, and heart-rending interviews with musicians, friends, and family.

The evening’s second instalment, titled Songs of David McComb and the Triffids is a music showcase, featuring some of The Triffids’ biggest hits, songs from McComb’s solo catalogue, and time spent in the Blackeyed Susans – as well as some lost gems. Featuring an all-star line-up of Evil Graham Lee & Rob McComb (the Triffids), Mick Harvey (Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, PJ Harvey), Phil Kakulas, J.P. Shilo (Blackeyed Susans, Hungry Ghosts, Rowland S. Howard, Mick Harvey), Bruce Haymes, Mark Dawson (Ed Kuepper), Rob Snarski (Blackeyed Susans), Romy Vager (RVG), Alex Gow (Oh Mercy).

Presented as part of Melbourne Music Week.