WA Music to induct legendary promoter ‘Squasha’ Knight into Hall Of Fame

Music association West Australian Music (WAM) is inducting venue promoter Ken ‘Squasha’ Knight into its Hall of Fame tomorrow night (November 8) as part of the WA Music Awards.

Knight first emerged in 1982 as singer of one of Perth’s first punk bands, Mob Vengeance. He later set up Central Nervous Systems, bringing over bands such as New Order, REM, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, The Models, Hunters & Collectors and Faith No More. They booked The Ramones at Cargo’s Nightclub (a former ice rink), which ended up becoming Metropolis Fremantle and also put the first act (Iggy Pop) into Challenge Stadium as a live music venue.

He took over management of the Wizbah, turning it into a six-night-a-week showcase of local acts, and also runs the Astor Theatre. He was also the WA promoter for Big Day Out and, WAM said, “always made sure there was plenty of room for local acts to be exposed on the bill.”

Knight said, “I’m honoured to be joining what is an incredible list of West Australian musicians and industry players who have made such a contribution to our music industry.”

The WA Music Awards, with 27 categories, are held at the Astor Theatre.  Hosted by triple j’s Dom Alessio and Lewi McKirdy, performers incude San Cisco’s Jordi Davieson, The Love Junkies, Mama Kin; Anton Maz from the Death Disco DJs, Mathas, Abbe May and Diger Rokwell.