Local Bloke… Scott Lane-Blair from Bronte

By James Hutton on July 12, 2018 in People

The prodigal son.

Bronte’s Scott Lane-Blair, also known as The Bondi Binge, is a born and bred Eastern Suburbs local. He shares his local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here? I was born and bred in Bronte and I’ve resided here or in Bondi my entire life. One side of my family has been here since before federation and the other side since 1965 when my Kiwi father crossed the ditch.

Why do you live here? It’s a prodigal son thing – hi Huey, I’m home!

What’s your favourite beach? Bronte. It’s all here; the reef, the Bogey Hole, the pool, the beach breaks, Tama and Mackenzies right next door, and I’m a closet gothic – I love the cemetery.

Where do you like to have a drink? Charing Cross Hotel and the Robin Hood. I also dig the Regis, North Bondi RSL and the Icebergs when I’m back in Scum Valley.

What’s your favourite eatery? Much the same; the bowlo, the Hood and the Charo. The Maroubra Hotel does a delicious iced coffee and their very Brazilian burgers are a tasty treat when I’m doing my music down that way (I have a music studio near the Bra). The Wok Master in Maroubra Junction is pretty good too, it’s the Chinese that the Chinese eat.

Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? The yin and yang of the city beaches. It’s got the buzz of the city without the drawbacks. You really can’t beat it.

Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? The overdevelopment and the lack of vision from those allowing this development to happen. There’s no room, the house is full. I dislike blow-ins who disrespect nature by throwing their rubbish, cigarette butts or whatever in our beautiful parks and beaches. We need more schools, not more tools or other blow-in fools!

Do you have a favourite sporting team? Easts to win! Eastern Suburbs Roosters through and through, as well as Bondi United and the Clovelly Crocodiles in the juniors, and Sydney FC and the Bloods.

What music are you into at the moment? Everything from Nirvana to Sinatra, punk to funk, and anything in between. There’s always some of my sensei’s music playing (Stephen Kilby from The Church). I love obscure ‘60s psychedelic stuff and I love my ladies singing the blues – Peggy Lee, Shirley Bassey, Billie Holiday – and, in a more modern context, Portishead, Monsheba, Monsoon, etc.

Who is your favourite person? Daniel, my six year-old son. His wisdom, gallantry and bravery astound me everyday. This environmental warrior isn’t afraid to tell people not to smoke on his beach, and his older brother, Typhoon Thomas, is a beautiful pianist who can pitch a baseball as fast as kids six years older than him.

What do you do for work? I’m an aesthetic creation observation machinist, also known as a singer-songwriter. I’m a wordsmith – a writer in general, of lyrics, poetry and prose.

What’s your favourite thing about work? Sharing something with people – the cathartic ritual, an expression – and having some sort of positive feedback from it, whether it’s just pure enjoyment or the way people relate to it and tell me so.

Do you have a favourite quote? My grandfather used to always say, “I cried because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.” I think the Rabbi Jesus of Nazareth said that one, but I’m not sure.

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? Remember folks, we’re all welcome to be part of the universe but none of us should be foolish enough to think we are the centre of the universe.