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Born: 3 June 1949, Mater Hospital, Newcastle, Australia
Marriage: Elizabeth Karmogiannis on 14 August 1971, St Demitrios Greek Orthodox Church, Hamilton, Newcastle
Launched Soundworld: 16 December 1974
Closed Soundworld Shops: 2006
Passed Away: 8 October 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Spero George Davias, a beloved figure in Newcastle and founder of Soundworld, who left us surrounded by his loving family on 8 October 2024. He was born on 3 June 1949 at Mater Hospital in Newcastle, and was christened at St John’s Anglican Church, Parry Street, Newcastle. Spero married Elizabeth Karmogiannis on 14 August 1971 at St Demitrios Greek Orthodox Church in Hamilton, Newcastle, where they were surrounded by friends and family, including koumbaros Arthur Cominos, groomsman Angello Rosetti, and bridesmaids Effie Davias and Anna Lioloi. His presence will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
As a young electrical contractor, Spero was heavily involved in wiring and setting up various retail stores across Newcastle, including working closely with Chester Woods of Chester’s and Reg Mason of Impact Sound. These experiences not only expanded his network but also nurtured his passion for music and retail.
The Soundworld journey was marked by Spero’s determination and creativity. After securing the lease for the Mayfield location, which was double the width of the Cardiff store, he approached Garry and Kevin from a nearby jeans store to share the space, creating a unique shopping experience. Soundworld quickly expanded, opening stores in prominent locations including Kotara, Hunter Street in the CBD, and Maitland. Often considered Newcastle’s equivalent to Sanity or HMV, Soundworld became a hub for music lovers in the region, known for its extensive collection of records and later CDs.
It was the 16th of December 1974 when Soundworld first opened its doors. The paint was still drying, and the sign writer was just finishing up as the first customers walked in. The record racks looked full, although many of the covers were actually empty, an innovative tactic used to create demand. Customers would often bring a cover to the counter only to find it was a ‘fake,’ at which point Spero or his team would say, ‘Sorry, we just sold our last one, but we can order it for you.’ Most customers happily placed orders, allowing Spero and his partner John to drive to Sydney each night to collect stock from record wholesalers, paying in cash from the day’s takings. This dedication and determination helped the business thrive, and soon after, a second store opened in Mayfield in early 1975. Over the years, the business continued to expand, opening locations in some of Newcastle’s most prominent retail spaces, including Garden City Kotara.
Soundworld was more than just a music store; it was a cultural institution that played a crucial role in Newcastle’s music scene for decades. From its beginnings as a local record shop, Soundworld expanded under Spero’s leadership to become a pioneer in the tech world, embracing the digital age with an online music store as early as 1995.
Spero’s love for music can be traced back to his early days running ‘Spero Electronics.’ By the age of 18, he was building guitar and PA amplifiers for local bands and would often attend gigs, tweaking the amplifiers during band breaks to perfect the sound. This passion extended into his work as an electrical contractor, where he spent long nights wiring stores like Chester’s and Impact Sound while listening to records, solidifying his dream of opening his own music store. He was often found attending gigs and tweaking amplifiers during band breaks to perfect the sound. This early adoption of online sales was a testament to Spero’s forward-thinking nature, always striving to keep his business on the cutting edge.
Spero’s journey into the music industry began through his work as an electrical contractor, wiring stores like Chester’s and Impact Sound, and later wiring Chester’s Jeans and Records in Maitland. These projects gave him access to countless records, which he would often listen to while working late nights. It was during these times that he envisioned owning his own record store, which eventually led to the creation of Soundworld.
Spero was also an influential figure in the radio and wireless communications industries, known for his efforts in importing music, setting up early WiFi networks, and his connections with local radio stations. He worked on building interconnected 802.11 super-fast WiFi base stations throughout Newcastle, which were the forerunners of the indoor WiFi tech as we know it today. He was introduced to the major record labels during a trip to Sydney with Reg Mason, who was selling Impact Sound at the time. This trip introduced Spero to the industry’s key players, which later proved invaluable when he opened his own record store. His passion for music extended beyond retail—he was deeply involved in Newcastle’s radio community, helping to shape the sound of the city. His contribution to the amateur radio community was equally notable. Many Novocastrians will remember his house on Memorial Drive, The Hill, adorned with antennas, a testament to his passion for amateur radio. His car was similarly distinctive, often seen around town with numerous aerials, reflecting his commitment to staying connected.
The impact Spero had on the Newcastle community is evident in the outpouring of condolences and tributes from friends, former employees, and customers. Leanne Ross, who worked for Spero for 14 years, remembers her time at Soundworld fondly: “End of an era and icon…I worked for Spero for 14 years at Mayfield, Kotara & Newcastle, so many memories. Rest In Peace.” Michael Wilson echoed the sentiments of many, stating, “Vale Spero Davias. What an amazing man, what an amazing impact on so many lives in this whole region, not just Newie.”
Carol Duncan, a well-known local radio personality, described Spero as an ever-present figure during her early Newcastle radio career, while Darryl Hoy added, “As Spero’s health declined in recent months, he never lost his positive, affable nature. Newcastle has lost one of its greats.”
Spero’s extensive career spanned multiple decades and fields. From being a licensed electrical contractor and electronics technician to founding and leading Sound World, he also played a major role in the development of wireless technologies and communication systems. His experience included everything from electrical design, fault tracing, and building point-to-point wireless data bridges to being an advisor on high-speed data solutions, VoIP telecommunications, and automation systems. Throughout his life, Spero Davias was known for his generosity, his passion for music, and his dedication to the Newcastle community. He was more than just a businessman; he was a true Novocastrian legend whose legacy will live on through the memories of the many people he touched.
Newcastle has truly lost an icon. Spero’s impact, from his pioneering work with Soundworld to his involvement in local radio and amateur communications, will not be forgotten. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and his contribution to Newcastle’s cultural landscape will be remembered for generations to come.
Our thoughts are with Spero’s family during this difficult time. He was a beloved father, husband, and friend, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, Spero.
For more information on Spero visit soundworld.com.au which contains information on Newcastle’s history.
Written by: Newy Staff
Newy 87.8 FM is an FM radio station established in 2014 targeting Classic Hits music enthusiasts across Newcastle and The Central Coast, Australia. The station plays 60s 70s and 80s music. The station can be streamed online via this website or smart phone apps such as Tunein. In 2024 we opened a local newsroom dedicated to publishing Newcastle News.
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