Interview by Olivia Williams
The music of the 1960s and ’70s
For many of us, the music of the 1960s and ’70s carries memories of first dances, long drives, family celebrations and teenage bedrooms. Its staying power lies not only in nostalgia, but in songs that continue to resonate.
Few acts understand that better than The 60 Four.
Now celebrating their 10th season at Adelaide Fringe, the group has gone from four high school students discovering Frankie Valli harmonies to a polished, world-touring act, praised for shows that feel “Las Vegas-worthy” while remaining grounded in musical authenticity. Their appeal lies not just in the songs themselves, but in the way those songs continue to connect generations; parents, children and grandchildren often sharing the same joyful experience in the audience.
As they return home for a milestone Fringe season, The 60 Four reflect on their journey, their sound, and why this music still matters.
Q: You perform iconic ’60s and ’70s hits while keeping the sound fresh. How do you strike that balance?
A: We’re deeply respectful of the original artists, so musical integrity always comes first. Harmony is the foundation of our sound, inspired by groups like The Beach Boys and The Bee Gees, and we bring that approach to everything we do.
From there, we add a modern performance sensibility through choreography, staging and energy. Our band, led by Marco and Emma Callisto, also plays a huge role, breathing new life into the music with bold arrangements and big moments. Rather than recreating the past note-for-note, we’re celebrating it in a way that feels alive now.
Q: Ten seasons at Adelaide Fringe is an incredible milestone. How does it feel to reflect on The 60 Four’s journey?
A: It’s honestly surreal. We were introduced to the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons by our high school music teacher as part of the boys’ choir. The four of us got together one lunchtime, sang those harmonies as a quartet for the first time, and fell in love with the sound.
We decided to put on a show, to invite people into this sound we’d created, and it’s grown into something far bigger than we ever imagined. Reaching ten seasons at Adelaide Fringe feels like a full-circle moment, and we’re incredibly proud of staying true to who we are.
Q: Many of our readers grew up with this music. What reactions do you love seeing from audiences?
A: There’s nothing better than seeing someone light up because a song brings back a memory, and then seeing their kids or grandkids dancing beside them. As young performers, we love turning back the clock for audiences and presenting these songs with the same excitement the original bands brought to the stage.
Music from this era has a unique power to bring people together, and being part of that shared experience across generations is incredibly rewarding.
Q: Your shows have been described as “Las Vegas-worthy.” What goes into creating that level of polish?
A: We approach every show like it’s opening night in Vegas. That means obsessive attention to detail, vocals, choreography, lighting, costumes, everything working together.
Twice a year we lock ourselves in the studio for intensive rehearsals, spending hours perfecting choreography and fine-tuning our vocal blend so every note sits exactly where it should. But the two most important ingredients are passion and chemistry. We’ve been performing together for so long that the energy between us is natural, and audiences feel that.
“Rather than recreating the past, we’re celebrating it in a way that feels alive now.”
Q: What can audiences expect from your 10th anniversary season?
A: We’re pulling out all the stops. There’s a completely new set list with songs audiences haven’t heard us perform before, alongside the ones they come back for time and time again.
We’ve said these songs often end up on 21st birthday playlists, well, this is our 10th birthday playlist, and we can’t wait to share it.
Hits of the ’60s and ’70s
By The 60 Four
7 March – 21 March
Across three venues at Adelaide Fringe
For tickets:
adelaidefringe.com.au
