Share your memories of Jac
This site is a tribute to Jac (John Harding) Vidgen, who was born in Toowoomba on September 10, 1949.
Please share your memories of Jac - how you met, the strangest and sweetest things about him, the last time you met - and what he contributed to your life.
We have respectfully added some of the stories friends have shared in social media and other public media to this tribute page. Contact the administrator with any suggestions or concerns.
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Help grow Jac's Tribute by adding messages or memories you'd like to share.
Thoughts
Jac was a one-of-a-kind man. He was ageless, I think the secret was that Jac was interesting and endlessly interested in people, he cared. I first met Jac when he offered me the chance to be a stage manager at RAT's NYE Adeva et al extravaganza...I was hooked, what a night with many more to follow. That night changed my career path, because of Jac I became an event producer for many years. What I loved about Jac was his loving friendship and his enthusiasm for learning and for imparting his knowledge and in many cases wisdom. He taught me a lot including how to breath and I feel very blessed that I saw Jac with Billy on Jac's last trip to Oz. I still can't believe he is gone as I thought he'd out live us all. I love'd Jac and miss him. xElise
Elise
6th September 2018
Suffice to say that it was Jac and RAT that inspired me to start Sweatbox - also a major player in the dance party boom of the late 80s/early 90s. Each group had their own particular brand and style, but most likely none of them would have emerged without Jac Vidgen as our 'Godfather'. I think any promoter from that era would agree on this. He was the first.
Sent by Richard Weiss on 03/06/2018
I remember the last time I saw Jac in January 2018. He was staying at my place in Darlinghurst and Martin Harsono and I were seeing him off.
Jac left me an odd assortment of stuff, including a Luna Park RAT mask from 31 December 1986, and instructions (tape your mouth shut, do this, do that...). We agreed I would see what I could do to help him get at least a partial Australian pension.
I put Jac in an Uber to the airport, he offered me a $20 contribution (always his way) which I declined. I noticed how fragile he seemed yet I had no idea I would never see him again.
He was a person you can't imagine being without. Once Jac chose you as a friend, no matter how annoying or plain crazy either of you became, Jac's friendship stuck like superglue.
Christine, 4 September 2018