July 2008 kicked off with Australian music’s most emotional night of the year – the ARIA Hall of Fame.

In its short four-year existence as a separate event from the ARIA Awards proper, the annual ARIA Hall of Fame ceremony has developed its own tradition in providing Aussie musicians and music fans alike with countless golden, unforgettable moments. And the 2008 event, staged on the first evening of this July in the opulent heart of Melbourne’s famous Town Hall, is absolutely no exception.

The legendary 78-year-old Rolf Harris steals the show [and the following morning’s headlines across the nation] with his graceful and tearful induction speech, worthy of a great...