Harris plays wobble board on film

It is the first time Rolf Harris has recorded music for a movie

Artist and musician Rolf Harris has recorded his legendary wobble board on the soundtrack of forthcoming Hollywood film Australia.

Harris, 78, was asked to provide the wobble board sound for a track on Baz Luhrmann's new film, which stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

"It's amazing to get the wobble board on the film," Harris said.

Harris had his first international hit with the wobble board on the song Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport in 1969.

'Iconic sound'

The star said the instrument had "a wonderful appeal" and "a lovely rhythm" to it.

He first discovered the musical properties of hardboard in 1959 when he was preparing to paint a portrait.

Placing it under a paraffin heater to dry off, Harris shook the board to cool it down and the noise was discovered.

Australia is due to be released in UK cinemas in December

The wobble board went on to become his trademark.

Australia follows the story of an English aristocrat, played by Kidman, who inherits a remote cattle station before the World War II.

"I was told they wanted the iconic sound of the wobble board," Harris said.

"They already had the didgeridoo on there."

He added: "Apparently Baz Luhrmann suddenly said, 'this is crazy, we haven't got the iconic sound of Rolf Harris's wobble board on the music, we must be mad'.

"I've sent the recording of the wobble board back and they were thrilled to bits."

The music will be used in the opening credits and in a fight sequence, Harris said.

It is the first time he has been asked to record music for a movie.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version