“I was mesmerised”: In his gold jacket, Liam “Rockdude” O’Brien brings joy to aged care homes in Gippsland

Liam O’Brien’s gig schedule includes venues such as J.H.F. McDonald Wing Nursing in Maffra, Wilson Lodge in Sale, Stretton Park in Maffra and Laurina Lodge in Heyfield.

Working under the stage name Rockdude, O’Brien plays guitar and sings once a week on a rotation basis through aged care facilities throughout Gippsland.

He also performs the occasional show at the Traralgon Sound Dome.

O’Brien told the Gippsland Monitor he has a repertoire of more than 1,000 songs, many of which rekindle fond memories for the residents of the nursing homes.

He loves the music of Elvis Presley and Kenny Rogers, and his set includes Presley’s Hound Dog, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear, Are You Lonesome Tonight?, (You’re the Devil) in Disguise and Jailhouse Rock.

O’Brien said: “A Mess Of Blues is my favourite song.”

Among the Kenny Rogers songs performed are Daytime Friends, She Believes in Me, Lucille and The Gambler.

Sporting a gold jacket, and with his disability support worker Chris “Roadie” Boots by his side assisting with backing tracks and Rockdude’s guitar, O’Brien delivers a high-energy performance.

Aged care worker Carly Leviston said Rockdude’s music “has an incredible power to awaken the senses, enhance mood, and create moments of joy, especially for people living with dementia, disability, or limited mobility.

“Residents embrace the chance to smile, sing along to old classics, or reminisce about their younger days. Music is food for the soul, a powerful connection to memory, identity, and life itself.”

She said it had been “an absolute honour to witness Liam’s growth, not just as a performer, but as an individual”.

Laurina Lodge resident Roger said: “I used to be a real Elvis fan, [it] brings back memories for me.”

“I was mesmerised,” said fellow resident Gwen. “It just gets to you.”

Rockdude’s next gig is at Laurina Lodge on Wednesday (June 25).