They’re still talking about Chad Morgan’s visit to Bonalbo.

He performed at the Dog n Bull Hotel in November 2022.

Chad Morgan died yesterday, Wednesday, January 1. He was 91.

Dog n Bull publican Carl Agnew said on New Year’s Eve, people in the pub were talking about what a great night it was when Chad Morgan came to town.

The Dog n Bull Facebook page said:

“Thanks for visiting our town ol’ mate, we still talk about it today.”

Bonalbo scored a visit from the Sheik of Scrubby Creek because Chad’s nephew lives in Bonalbo.

The nephew asked Carl if he’d be interested in Chad performing at the pub.

“Lock him in,” Carl had said.

Bonalbo was lucky to see him perform as Chad retired soon after.

Chad’s career spans 70 years. He began in 1952, when he was discovered through the radio talent quest Australia’s Amateur Hour.

The title of the song he entered with, The Sheik Of Scrubby Creek, became his  nickname.

Casino’s Josh Powell-Fussell went to see Chad play at Bonalbo and on the way he wrote a song about Chad.

It was a sweet moment for Josh because when he was six years old, Chad gave him his first cassette.

In January 2023, Josh released When Chad Morgan Came to Town about the visit.

The song mentions Bonalbo, Woodenbong and Bottle Creek.

“I’m sad to hear that Chad Morgan passed away this evening,” Josh said on Instagram yesterday.

“There will never be another authentically genuine legend such as Chad. Rest In Peace, Chad.”

Chad died at a hospital in Gin Gin near Bundaberg, Queensland.

Vale Chad Morgan

This article appeared on indyNR.com on 2 January 2025.