Penny Lane’s was founded by Richard Lane (1965-2020) with the aim of sharing his love of music with the kids (and adults) of Freo. Richard was a brilliant musician and educator. Continuing his vision for the school and his legacy here is a key priority for all of us at Penny Lane’s.

Founding member of The Stems and The Chevelles, he had a rich and varied career with other bands including The Rosebuds, The On & Ons and The Painkillers. Richard was inducted the WAMi Hall of Fame and awarded an Aria Gold Record. Education was also calling for Richard and he was a brilliant teacher to hundreds of students in Freo. Many of his students have gone on to study music at WAAPA, form bands and enter the local scene. Some are now even teaching at Penny Lanes themselves!

Richard also made huge contributions to the WA music scene through his booking agency and record label Idaho Records, he work at X-Press Magazine in the 90s, and his constant mentorship and encouragement of the musicians and people around him has made a huge impact on the Australian Music Industry.
As Bob Gordon writes:

“He was the most sincere, caring musical friend I’ve had in this business. And he always played music. He always championed artists. New and old. He wanted talented people to be given their due. And he worked with them, behind them and sometimes without their knowledge, to boost their stocks. To endeavour to give them a chance to propel.” - Bob Gordon