In 2005 we stood and cheered with affection when the late, great Smoky Dawson delivered his memorable acceptance speech at the inaugural ARIA HALL OF FAME event. One year later there wasn’t a dry eye in the room when Helen Reddyspoke of her pride at being recognised by her peers. On the same night the tears turned to laughter when Chrissie Amphlett of Divinyls decided she was having so much fun she insisted on an encore … and the band played on! At last year’s event who could forget the magic of The Waifs performing Frank Ifield’s I Remember You; and the killer duet performance from Marcia Hines of I Got the Music in Me with Sneaky Sound System’s Connie Mitchell.

In the very short time this event has existed those who have attended the ARIA HALL OF FAME event know that they will witness “never before, never again” moments and Australian music history.

Now ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) can confirm the return of this successful standalone event for 2008.

The organisers are proud to announce that the 2008 ARIA HALL OF FAME, now in its fourth year, will be held at Melbourne Town Hall on Tuesday, 1 July, 2008 and for the very first time, members of the general public will be able to attend. A limited number of general admission tickets will be made available to the public from 9.00am on Monday, 12 May, 2008 through Ticketek (www.ticketek.com.au or Phone 132 489).

ARIA Chairman and President & CEO of Warner Music Australasia Ed St John said "2008 marks the 50th anniversary of Johnny O'Keefe's "The Wild One" - the ground zero of Australian rock & roll.  So in our 50th anniversary year, it's so exciting to be again celebrating the wonderful history of Australian rock & roll and the many incredible artists who have made it so special.  The ARIA Hall of Fame has become the most memorable night in the Australian music calendar - a time to remember our fallen heroes and celebrate careers that have lasted longer than one or two albums. We're talking about whole lives devoted to music - and it's an honour just to be a part of it."

Over the past three years ARIA has inducted some of the most important performers in Australian music history into the stand alone ARIA HALL OF FAME event - Brian Cadd, Radio Birdman, Hoodoo Gurus, Daddy Cool, Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons, Hunters & Collectors, Rose Tattoo, Normie Rowe, Icehouse, Easybeats, Renee Geyer, Split Enz and Lobby Loyde alljoin the list of music legends who define the Australian music landscape (see below for full list ARIA Hall of Fame inductees).

The 2008 event will feature the induction of five legendary artists and one very special industry inductee who will be welcomed into the ARIA HALL OF FAME. This year the ARIA HALL OF FAME moment will be completely separate to the ARIA Awards, this is the only time this year the artists will inducted on this legendary honour role.

The irrepressible JULIA ZEMIRO will return to host the 2008 ARIA HALL OF FAME event. The comedienne, radio presenter, Rockwiz host and all round entertainer and will be joined on stage by guest presenter inductors who are set to deliver the memorable tributes which make this such a special event.

But on the night, as always, is not about what’s hot in music this year; it is a celebration of Australian artists who have left a more than a carbon footprint behind. We celebrate not only Australian music diversity but indelible career footprints.

The 2008 ARIA HALL OF FAME promises to deliver more musical magic moments with performances by the inductees, contemporary Australian artist performances and in some cases musical collaborations with both. Simply, this is a night not to be missed. Music fans will be able to watch the 2008 ARIA HALL OF FAME when it is broadcast exclusively on Vh1 (available on channel 810 on subscription television Foxtel, Optus and Austar) on Saturday, 5 July at 9.00pm. Vh1 will screen an encore presentation of the event on Sunday, 6 July at 5.00pm.

A brand new dedicated website for the ARIA Hall of Fame will be launched online in early May (www.ariahalloffame.com.au) and will feature all the latest on the 2008 inductees and in-depth history of the ARIA Hall of Fame.