Richard Lane (1965-2020), founding member of The Stems, Richard had a rich and varied career with other bands including The Chevelles, The Rosebuds, The On & Ons and The Painkillers and was inducted the WAMi Hall of Fame and awarded an Aria Gold Record.

Education was a calling for Richard and he was a brilliant teacher to hundreds, if not thousands, of students. Many of his students have gone on to study at WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts), form bands of their own and enter the local and national music scenes. Some are now teachers at Penny Lanes themselves!

Richard made huge contributions to the WA and Australian music scene through his booking agency and record label Idaho Records, his work at X-Press Magazine in the 90s, and his constant mentorship and encouragement of the musicians and people around him.
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

Richard built Penny Lane’s with the aim of sharing his love of music with the kids (and adults) of Freo, now Penny and her mum Cathy are continuing his vision and his legacy is a key priority for everyone at Penny Lane’s.