One of Australia's most underrated guitar acts of the 90s, Free Moving Curtis, emerged from Adelaide with a strong musical pedigree, featuring former members of The Plague, Bloodloss, Primevils, and Hot Tomatoes. Their name might have been inspired by a black male doll called Free Moving Curtis, introduced in 1975 by toy manufacturer Mattel as a friend of Ken. If anyone can confirm this theory, it would be intriguing.
Free Moving Curtis gigged around Adelaide's pub scene and in 1992, they opened for The Rollins Band along with Mark of Cain at the Old Lion in Adelaide. The band released two EPs, 'Blind' in 1993 and 'Persuader' in 1994, through Melbourne's Hippy Knight Records. On May 27, 1994, the band recorded four tracks for a live album with Headache and the Seaweed Gorillas at The Great Britain Hotel. In 1996, they worked on their debut full-length album with engineer Mick Wordley, who used techniques inspired by Steven Albini's visit to Mixmaster Studios during the production of The Lizard Train's album 'Everything Moves'. The resulting album showcased Free Moving Curtis in top form, particularly its opening track "Surface Tension," which highlighted Jim Selene's swirling guitar, Dave Plague's distinctive bass, and Steve Collinson's gritty vocals. A lineup change followed, and the band relocated to Sydney, leading to their eventual breakup. Despite being largely overlooked for pursuing a unique musical direction, they remained steadfast, refusing to cater to mainstream trends or pander to the rock press.
Members
Dave Plague [Dave Christopher] (bass), Jim Selene (guitar), Stuart Silcox (guitar), Warwick Savvas (drums), Steve Collinson (vocals)
EPs 'Blind' 1993 Hippy Knight Records 'Persuader' 1994 Hippy Knight Records
After The Honeys disbanded singer Andrea Croft and guitarist Bruce Begley formed Snow Leopards as a new outlet for Begley's songwriting. Begley brought in experienced musicians, creating a lineup with guitarist Paul Nagel, bassist Andrew Ingram (ex-Rhythm Pigs), drummer Peter Kelly (ex-Vanilla Chainsaws), and vocalists Greg Atkinson (ex-Ups and Downs), Lisa Partington (ex-The Rose Mary's), and Kylie Adams.
The Snow Leopards released a mini-album and one full length album on Waterfront Records, leading to a national tour, frequent airplay on JJJFM, a live performance for "Live at the Wireless," and music videos featured on ABC’s Rage. They climbed into the Top 10 of the Alternative ARIA charts and played regularly at various venues. Their track "Coco Pops" was included on the Roo Art 'Young Blood 3' compilation album, which opened doors to tours with The Fauves, The Clouds, The Welcome Mat, and other notable independent bands of the 90s. However, the band was short-lived and it was all over in a matter of moments. Bruce Begley died in 2016.
Members
Andrea Croft (vocals), Bruce Begley (guitar), Paul Nagel (guitar), Andrew Ingram (bass), James Lockett (keyboards), Peter Kelly (drums)Greg Atkinson (vocals), Lisa Partington (vocals), Kylie Adams (vocals)
ALBUMS 'Snow Leopards' 1991 Waterfront Records 'Sweet Sweet Dreams' 1991 Waterfront Records
Mick Antonio was born in Smythesdale, Victoria, 20 kilometers southwest of Ballarat, in 1920. He grew up with six sisters and three brothers. As a boy soprano, he sang in school choirs, but at 15, he switched to hillbilly music and yodeling after teaching himself guitar. Mick enlisted in the army in 1940 and was discharged in 1946, during which he participated in Army entertainment shows. In 1947, he moved to Sydney and auditioned for EMI, but they required him to tour before recording, which was not feasible due to his young family. He returned with his family to Victoria and settled in Ballarat.
Mick represented Ballarat in "Top Town" contests and won the Roy Rodgers Hillbilly Contest of Victoria. He was placed second in Australia's Amateur Hour the following year and became a semi-finalist in "Swallow Parade" in 1954. In 1956, he won the Hillbilly Championship of the Midlands of Victoria and was again a semi-finalist in Australia's Amateur Hour in 1958. From mid-1957 to 1958, he hosted his own sponsored session on Radio 3CV, raising £2,000 through popularity votes for charity. Mick performed concerts across Central Victoria, where he composed many of his songs. He recorded on the Planet, W&G, and Crest International labels. His song ''Can I Sleep In Your Barn'' was added to the Various Artists album 'Country & Western, Volume 3' released in 1967. In 2008, he was inducted into the Hands of Fame in Tamworth. Mick Antonio died in 2009.
Cesare and Sandro Scartozzi, the brothers behind Duo Moreno, formed their group in Rome during the mid-1950s. In 1958 Hollywood came to Rome to film the epic movie, Ben Hur. In those days CGI did not exist, everything was done on a grand scale, including the thousands of extras needed. Sandro was 21 and Cesare was 19, they were chosen as extras in three scenes, most notably the chariot race scene. They moved to Australia in 1960 for an 18-month engagement, performing Italian and Mediterranean music at the Royal Hayman Hotel on Hayman Island, owned by Sir Reginald Ansett. After their time there, they decided to stay in Australia, thriving on TV and performing at upscale venues like Res Oriental and Le Chateau in Melbourne, and The Highway in Adelaide. That same year, they signed with Astor Records, releasing their debut single "Carina / A Sonnambula," followed by an EP and an album both titled "Italian Holiday."
In 1963, they expanded into a quartet, adding saxophonist/drummer Euro Sabatini and guitarist Mimmo Fornaro, both recruited from Italy. They later moved to the W&G label, where they released numerous singles and albums over a ten-year period in which their popularity soared within the Italian community. Following a lineup change with Fornaro's departure, they evolved into a combo, adding guitarist Nello Giansiracusa, bassist Renato Buzari, and percussionist Maurice Souery. They released "The New Sound Of The Duo Moreno Combo" and "Midnight At Le Chateau". That year, they bought property in Melbourne’s Kilsyth suburb, creating their venue, The Villa Borghese. This venue became their base, where they built a thriving restaurant and entertainment business. In 1977, they expanded the Villa to include Capriccio’s 77, featuring a colorful glass dance floor. Duo Moreno’s recordings showcased their versatility, performing Latin American rhythms, contemporary pop hits, and Italian classics. They were also skilled songwriters, winning the Australian Italian Song Festival four times.
Members
Sandro Scartozzi (drums, percussion, vocals, guitar), Cesare Scartozzi (guitar, keyboards, vocals, accordion), Luisa Scartozzi (vocals & harmony), Ross Spinello (guitar, vocals), Nello Giansiracusa (guitar), Andre Shusta (bass), Renato Buzzari (bass), Silvester Roxas (trumpet, horns), Euro Sabattini (sax), Maurice Souery (congas, drums), Mimmo Fornaro (guitar)
SINGLES
''Carina / 'A Sonnambula'' 1960 Astor
''Amore Fermati / Sie e Spento Il Sole'' 1964 W&G ''Bimme / Nota Per Me A'' 1964 W&G ''Uno Per Tutte / Se Piangi Tu'' 1964 W&G ''Por Dos Besos / Cielo'' 1964 W&G ''Ogni Volta / I Love You Bambina'' 1964 W&G ''Al Di La / Why Don't We Get Married'' 1964 W&G ''Questo Grande Amore / Amore A Peazione''1967 W&G ''Nel Sole / Serenata'' 1967 W&G ''Hully Gully A Mezzanotte / 77 Sunset Strip'' 1968 W&G ''Sha-La-La-La-La / Tintarella Di Luna'' 1968 W&G ''Luna Carrese / Che Ce Conce'' 1968 W&G ''Che Tipo / La Vita Non E Vita'' 1968 W&G ''Gli Occhi Miel / Che Vuoi Che Sia'' 1968 W&G ''La Nova / Allora Si'' 1968 W&G ''Stornelli Romaneschi (Part 1) / Stornelli Romaneschi (Part 2)'' 1968 W&G ''Scende La Ploggia / La La La'' 1968 W&G ''Dondolo / Ob LAdi Ob Lada'' 1968 W&G ''Pensando A Te / Alla Fine Della Straoa'' 1969 W&G ''Quando L'Amore A Viena / La Sols Per Me'' 1969 W&G ''Ti Ho Inventata / Non Credere'' 1969 W&G ''Tarantella / Amore Siciliano'' 1969 W&G ''Rose Rosse / Mai Nessuno'' 1969 W&G ''Pa'Diglielo A Ma / Neuicava A Roma'' 1970 W&G ''Serenita / Varca Lucente'' 1970 W&G ''As Long As There's Love In Your Eyes / There's No Limit'' 1970 W&G ''Ghitarra Suono Piu Piano / Settembre'' 1971 W&G ''Vino Amaro / Paese'' 1972 W&G ''Come Bello Fa L'Amore / Fiori Trasteverini'' 1974 W&G ''Cherie Sha La La / Voglia Di Mare'' 1974 W&G
EPs 'Italian Holiday' 1960 Astor
'Cha-Cha-Cha With The Duo Moreno Quartet' 1964 W&G 'Amore Scusami' 1965 W&G 'Forget Domani' 1965 W&G 'San Remo '67' 1967 W&G 'San Remo '68' 1968 W&G 'San Remo '69 In Stereo' 1969 W&G
ALBUMS 'Italian Holiday' 1960 Astor 'Italian Favourites' 1962 Astor 'Rome By Night' 1963 Astor 'Live At Mario's' 1965 W & G 'The New Sound Of The Duo Moreno Combo' 1967 W & G 'Midnight At Le Chateau' 1969 W & G 'Cha! Cha! Cha! 1968 W & G 'Moreno's On The Move' 1970 W & G 'The Godfather' 1974 W & G 'Beautiful Sunday / Live At Villa Borghese' 1972 W & G 'From The Moreno's With Love' 1974 W & G 'Italian All Time Hit Parade' Summit
Plug Uglies were a rock band formed in Sydney in 1985, taking their name from an 1830s New York street gang known for wearing top hats stuffed with straw to soften police baton blows. The original lineup featured John Gorman (who had occasionally played with Brisbane punk band The Leftovers) on guitar, Wayne Baker on bass, Tina Stevens on drums, and Roger Norris on vocals. Their debut performance was at The Music Cafe in Kings Cross in 1986. They quickly became one of the top inner-city bands, playing at iconic pub venues like the Harold Park Hotel, Palace Hotel, Evening Star, Vulcan Hotel, and the Hopetoun Hotel, among others. They also toured QLD.
Before their first recording, Baker was replaced by Mark Lock. In 1988, they entered Kings Row studio in Sydney and released a seven-track mini-album titled 'Knock Me Your Lobes'. Unfortunately, that same year, John Gorman tragically took his own life just five months before his thirtieth birthday, causing significant upheaval for the band. Bassist Mark Lock departed and was replaced by John Willsteed (ex-Go Betweens). John Gorman's brother, Michael Hiron (ex-Flaming Hands, The Riptides), joined the group, along with Clem Lukey (ex-Pineapples From The Dawn Of Time). This lineup went on to record the EP 'Johnny Panic' in 1990 and the single 'Pounding Grace / Grubby Supper'. The Plug Uglies finally called it a day in 1992. Tina Stevens became an award-winning artist exhibiting her work internationally, Roger Norris a successful advertising creative in New York and John Willsteed became a senior lecturer in the School of Creative Practice at QUT. In 2005 Laughing Outlaw Records released a compilation of their recorded material. Michael Hiron died in 2001.
Members
Roger Norris (vocals), John Gorman (guitar), Wayne Baker (bass), Tina Stevens (drums), Clem Lukey (guitar), Michael Hiron (guitar), Mark Lock (bass), John Willsteed (bass)
Clifford Portwood born (17 October 1937) was an English professional footballer (who played with Preston North End, Port Vale, Grimsby Town and Portsmouth) and later a singer and television personality. He played 251 games from the period 1955 - 1969. In 1970 he signed on with South African team Durban United. Whilst there he entered a talent contest and won his heat, and he started singing at the Mayfair Hotel in Durban. His soccer manager wasn't impressed and tried to ban Cliff doing more gigs, so he quit after 8 games with them. Portwood ended up winning the final of the singing contest in Johannesburg. The prize was two tickets to Australia, 600 rand and a recording contract. He recorded the album 'Sweet Memories' on the Gallo label in Johannesburg.
Following a three-week Chevron Hotel date in Melbourne and lured by the warmth of the sunshine and people, Cliff decided to make Australia his home. Portwood’s first stop in Melbourne was at the house of the Seekers bassist Athol Guy. The pair had formed an unlikely friendship in England, exchanging tickets to Portsmouth with tickets for Guy’s live shows. With a little help from his well-connected friend, Portwood quickly settled in the area, finding himself a regular position on Channel Seven’s Saturday night variety show The Penthouse Club. Between a mixture of sports results and light-hearted comedy, the Englishman would belt out tunes for an adoring audience.
Despite establishing himself in the entertainment industry, Portwood struggled to convince his new acquaintances that he was, indeed, a former professional footballer. As Australian musician Mike Brady (of Up There Cazaly fame) puts it: ''Most people didn’t believe it. What would you be doing in Australia singing if you were a former pro?'' Portwood reflected ''They all thought it was just a lie, until some footballers came from the United Kingdom to play in Australia in their summer break. I got Mike Summerbee from Manchester City on the show, and he said, ‘Yeah, Cliff played, of course’. So the proof came that I wasn’t telling lies about my ex-career.''
Having accepted that Portwood was no fraud, his Channel Seven colleagues set about devising a nickname for their charming English friend. The co-host of the show Mary Hardy, sister of the author Frank Hardy and a popular figure in her own right, settled on "Sexy Legs", because, the story goes, Portwood had to stand in one position while singing for the camera so could only shake his hips. The nickname quickly stuck and, according to Brady ''he became a bit of a sex symbol to women, which suited Cliff’s personality perfectly''.
Portwood’s popularity in Australia grew, and on the back of several letters to the station asking for his music, the Englishman released the album ''By Request Here’s Cliff'' which went gold four times. Between recording, rehearsing and performing, Portwood also found time for drinking sessions with celebrities, including Keith Moon from the Who – ''an interesting experience'' he later recalled in understated fashion.
With the television industry in a state of flux, The Penthouse Club came to an end in the late 1970s. With a suitcase full of gold records, the Englishman and his family returned home for their next adventure. Portwood’s music career continued after he left Australia, with regular shows in England and the USA. As he once commented wryly about performing in Blackpool clubs: ''If you haven’t done them, you haven’t done anything!''. He died in hospital at Basingstoke on 10 January 2012, after losing his battle with lung disease.
SINGLES ''The Wind / My World'' 1971 RCA ''Turn Around / The World Around Us'' 1972 RCA ''Happy Anniversary / I'm Thinking Of You'' 1976 Hammard
Kenneth James Kitching was born at Auburn, NSW in 1932 is a steel guitarist and dobro player. In the early 60s he was the resident steel guitar player for the TV series Country Style with the LeGarde Twins on Channel 7. In the 70s Ken played at the Texas Tavern in Kings Cross with Nev Nicholls and the Playboys. Here he met American jazz steel guitarist Buddy Emmons (travelling with Roger Miller). Kenny bought from Buddy a double-neck 10 Emmons pedal steel guitar. During this period Kenny played on over 250 recorded tracks for various artists.
He was featured as a permanent band member on the national TV show Travlin’ Out West (with host John Williamson, and regulars Ricky & Tammy, and his future wife Emma Hannah). In 1974 he recorded his first single on Apogee label, ''Here Comes the Dobro / Hands of Steel'', both Ken’s compositions. In 1978 he travelled to Nashville and recorded the 'Sydney To Nashville' album released on US label Mid-Land Records. In 1985 he released 'In The Hawaiian Mood' an album full of beautiful Hawaiian melodies, music close to Kenny's heart.
A noted exponent on Dobro (lap steel resonator guitar) he has lent his expertise to many recordings in Australia. He had a 19-year recording association with Slim Dusty and played and recorded with many other Australian recording artists including Johnny Ashcroft, Buddy Williams, Smoky Dawson, Judy Stone, Tex Morton, Jade Hurley, The Barry Sisters, Rex Dallas, Singing Kettles, Rick & Thel and the Webb Bros.
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SINGLES ''Here Comes The Dobro / Hands Of Steel'' 1974 Apogee
ALBUMS 'In The Hawaiian Mood' 1985 Nicholls N' Dimes Records 'Country's Best' [with Norm Bodkin] 1989 Hadley Records
Pilar "Pilita" Garrido Corrales born August 22, 1937, in Lahug, Cebu City was a Filipino singer, actress and comedian. She was known for her distinctive backbend when singing and was popularly referred to as the "Greatest singer in the Philippines" and "Asia's Queen of Songs" for her vocal style and longevity. In 1958, Corrales began her recording career after arriving in Australia for a brief period. She first appeared on Australian television on the BP Super Show and later appeared on The Bobby Limb Show and In Melbourne Tonight. She became a star of the Victoria Television circuit and her first hit, "Come Closer to Me", became part of a collection on which she was billed as one of the ''Grand Dames of Victorian Radio and Television''. She also recorded two albums in the early 1960s: 'Pilita Tells the Story of Love' and 'I'll Take Romance' under Astor Records. Being one of the pioneers of Australia's early television years, a street was named after her in Victoria. The ABC featured Corrales and several pioneering female artists in Australia in the second episode of the highly acclaimed TV special; Love is in the Air. Corrales returned to Manila in 1963 to pursue a career in the Philippine music industry. She died in April 2025.
SINGLES ''Speak Low / Come Closer To Me'' 1960 Astor ''Brazil / Angelitos Negros (Little Black Angels)'' 1960 Astor
EPs
'I'll Take Romance' 1960 Astor
ALBUMS 'I'll Take Romance' 1960 Astor 'Pilita Tells The Story Of Love' 1962 Astor,
Kaktus Mantras was an industrial/noise/punk rock/ ambient band. Formed 1990 in Queensland by Cristina Calerno (ex-The Mothers) and Scott Dachroeden. The band focused on creating music that went in a dozen different directions at once and in as many genres as they could, no pre-determined style or concept, just creating music for the sake of it. Magazine Drum Media stated, "In trying to think of one word that would capture tonight's set, the noun that comes to mind above all others is freedom. Here we have three people apparently off in their own little world of music, yet all together enough to create a soundscape that held the audience in a gaze".
Rolling Stone stated "No one could accuse Kaktus Mantras of playing it safe: their song ''Easy'' does indeed sound like a mantra...one that's being chanted in a wind tunnel! Eastern Exotica meets riffery, and they get on fine!" They released their first album 'Yess' in 1992 with Tim Chillingworth on drums. After countless tours and two albums Kaktus Mantras called it quits in 1997, Cristina Calero went on to work with Carmen Rizzo, a Grammy-nominated producer, in Los Angeles with the 'trip-hop' project POVI, the album 'Life in Volcanoes' [2000 Nettwerk Records] was the fruit of their labor. Scott Dachroeden moved to the US over two decades ago with the hopes becoming a concert photographer and working in the music industry. He would find success both as a photographer and guitar tech, working with Alice in Chains, as well as Tool, Rob Zombie, Halestorm, Bush, and many more. Scott died of cancer in 2022.
Members
Christine Calerno (vocals / bass), Scott Dachroeden (vocals / guitar), Tim Chillingworth (drums)
Australia's answer to Brenda Lee, Carolyn Young was an early 60s singer that appeared on Bandstand as a singing sweetheart. She also appeared on The Johnny O'Keefe Show. Her first single ''You're Running Out Of Kisses'' was released on the Pye label in 1962. Her protest song ''When Freedom Comes (Count Me In)'' written by Tommy Tycho is one of my favourites from that era. She recorded for Festival up until 1966 but with no chart success. Carolyn seems to have disappeared after her recording career finished.
SINGLES ''You're Running Out Of Kisses / Ordinary Guy'' 1962 Pye ''When I Fall In Love / When Freedom Comes (Count Me In)'' 1965 Festival ''He's Got The Power / Losing Battle'' 1966 Festival
Penguins On Safari were an indie pop band with members from Sydney's Macquarie University (with the exception of Tim Freedman who was studying at the University of Sydney). The band formed in the late 1980's. They released one mini-album and a number of singles. After they disbanded Freedman founded The Whitlams.
Members
Tim Freedman (vocals / piano), Ken Maeda (bass), Michael Sachs (drums), Mark Wells (guitar), Matt Jennings (sax), Paul Jensen (trumpet), Simon Bartlett (trombone), Paul Jones (harmonica)
SINGLES ''Sleep (I Love My Bed) / Baby, Baby, Baby'' 1989 Modern Records ''Naked Dance / Laugh'' 1990 Modern Records ''Slide / Whisper'' 1990 Safari Records
The Daisygrinders formed in Bathurst, NSW, in 1991. The band formed when Adam Young and Andrew Hunter of Flat Out Fucked joined Andrew Beaman and Rohan Bridge of The Rubber Bicycles. The four band members attended Charles Sturt University in the early 1990s where they gravitated to the student indie rock radio station, Studio 4. They performed once under the name The Griswolds before renaming themselves The Daisygrinders. The group played at local parties, university festivals and an Australian Music Day event at the Bathurst Tavern. The early set list included originals and covers such as ''Touch Me I’m Sick'' by Mudhoney.
With the assistance of Sean Rabin and Hugh Williams, who took up managerial duties, a demo was recorded and then distributed by Rabin through his Sydney music scene contacts. An offer was made by Nic Dalton of Half a Cow records to include a song, ''Test Pattern Baby'', on the various artists album 'Slice Two: A Half A Cow Compilation'. The Daisygrinders’ first Sydney show was on 15th February 1992 at the Hopetoun Hotel supporting Swirl. The Daisygrinders signed to Half a Cow Records and played at venues in Sydney and around Australia until 1996. During that time, they issued one album, one mini-album, four EPs and appeared on numerous compilations records, including 'Swapping Spit' which saw You Am I, Smudge, Headache and the Daisygrinders cover each other’s songs.
The Daisygrinders supported international acts such as Buffalo Tom, Pavement, Smashing Pumpkins and Teenage Fanclub. They also opened the Skate Stage at the Big Day Out 1993 and played the FBi Radio Benefit show on Nov 4th, 1995, at the Hordern Pavilion. Following their breakup, band members pursued careers based on their university degrees. Adam Young went on to play with Sydney contemporaries Big Heavy Stuff. He also achieved solo success with the release of his 2016 album 'Elementary Carnival Blues'.
Members
Andrew Hunter (bass, vocals), Adam Young (guitar, vocals), Rohan Bridge (guitar, vocals), Andrew Beaman (drums, vocals)
EPs 'Roamin' Bruce' 1993 Half A Cow 'Previval' 1994 Half A Cow 'Cardriver' 1995 Half A Cow 'Yo-Yo' 1995 Half A Cow Records
ALBUMS 'Throwlily' 1992 Half A Cow Records 'Joe Velocity' 1995 Half A Cow Records
The Cuckoos began life in Adelaide during 1979 as the Beat Detectives. The band specialised in a sunny brand of pop rock. Following a move to Melbourne, the Beat Detectives became The Cuckoos, and in 1983 The Cuckoos moved base once again to Sydney. The Hot label distributed the band's debut, four-track EP, `On the Ghost Train', which appeared in August 1984. The band played all the major venues in Sydney including The Tivoli, The Manzil Room, The Mosman Hotel Strawberry Hills Hotel etc. The Cuckoos signed to the Survival label and issued the singles ''Wax Works /`You Were a Devil'' (1984) and ''Wheels of Your Heart'' (1986) plus their debut album 'Sticks And Stones'. The album drew on blues, folk, country, and even punk roots to deliver an edgy and organic pop/rock sound however the album was not successful, and the band broke up in the late 1980s.
Members
Graeme Forsythe (guitar / keyboards), Alastair Wallace (guitar), Simon Kafas (bass / vocals), Stephen Kane (drums) Linda Forsyth Terry Burgan (bass), Willie McCracken (drums), Graham Reekie (vocals / bass), John Spreckley Tony Kirkman
SINGLES ''Point Of No Return / Point Of No Return'' 1984 ''Waxworks / You Were A Devil'' 1984 Survival ''Wheels Of Your Heart / Splinters Of You'' 1986 Survival
Gordon Parsons was born in Paddington, an eastern suburb of Sydney in 1926, and moved with his parents to Cooks Creek near Bellingen, NSW, in 1929. At age 14, he left his parents' farm and subsequently worked as a sleeper-cutter. Around this time, he entered a well-known radio talent quest, Terry Dear’s Australian Amateur Hour, and was awarded second prize. Regal Zonophone Records, as a result of hearing him on Amateur Hour, recorded six songs with him in 1946. As a performer, he then toured widely in rural Australia with a number of travelling shows, including Goldwyn Brothers Circus. While touring he met and married his first wife, Zelda, of the Ashton's Circus family. They had a daughter (Gail) in 1949, but the marriage soon ended.
He continued to tour regularly with major country acts such as Slim Dusty, Chad Morgan, and Tex Morton, and between tours went bush to write more songs, fish, and do menial farm work. He changed labels and recorded on John Mystrey's. (Australian label founded in the late 1940's by Lester Basil Sinclair (aka John Mystery) who was well known for his Australian publications of children's books. In 1956, someone handed Parsons a scrap of paper with the words of a poem, "A Pub Without Beer" (written in 1943 by Queensland farmer Dan Sheahan, on finding that his local pub, the Day Dawn Hotel in Ingham, QLD, had been drunk dry by US servicemen stationed in the area), and suggested that it might be a basis for a song.
Parsons wrote "A Pub With No Beer", fleshing the poem out with word-portraits of patrons of his own local pub, the Cosmopolitan Hotel at the tiny settlement of Taylors Arm, about 25 km inland from Macksville, NSW. Slim Dusty heard the song while touring with Parsons, and he asked if he could record it as a novelty filler for his upcoming 1957 recording date, as he was one song short of the required four. Dusty's recording was released as the B-side of his 78 rpm release, "Saddle Boy", and much to Slim's surprise, the B-side was soon getting huge airplay, particularly on Sydney radio station 2UE. In 1958 it became a massive hit all over Australia and remains the first and only 78 to be certified an Australian gold record. In 1959, it reached #3 in the UK and #1 in Ireland, as well as becoming popular in Canada and the USA. Besides Regal Zonophone Gordon recorded on other labels including Hadley, Columbia and Selection. In 1978, he married his third wife, Jeanette, and they settled in Sydney.
In 1979 Parsons was inducted into the Hands of Fame in Tamworth and then elevated to the Roll of Renown. His wax likeness was part of a collection at the Gallery of Stars Wax Museum in Tamworth. In 1990 he was hnducted into Rocky Page’s Hall of Fame and Avenue of Honour in Barmera, SA. Parsons died on 17 August 1990, at age 63, and is buried in Pinegrove Cemetery.
SINGLES ''The Happy Bushman / My Mother In Heaven'' 1946 Regal Zonophone ''The Australian Bushman / Back To Those Rolling Plains'' 1946 Regal Zonophone ''Where The Bellinger River Flows / The Passing Of Cobber Jack'' 1946 Regal Zonophone ''Rhythm Of The Range / The Parent's Song'' 1951 Regal Zonophone ''Please Tell Me Darling / Way Up North'' 1952 Regal Zonophone ''Lovely Young Aust. Girl Of Mine'' 1953 John Mystery's ''The Parents Song'' 1953 John Mystry's ''My Best Girl's Just Walked Right Out On Me / S.W.Y. (The "Two Up" Song)'' 1965 Hadley ''Men Who Are Lost / That's The Kind Of Life I Live'' 1967 Columbia ''Back To Those Rolling Plains / Slightly Used'' 1968 Columbia ''Where The Bellinger River Flows / Jody'' 1968 Columbia ''Baby's Not Walking / A Mangled Mass Of Steel'' 1969 Columbia ''Pub With No Beer / Another Day, Another Town'' [with Slim Dusty] 1983 Columbia ''Joe The Crow'' 1985 Selection
EPs
'Gordon ''Pub With No Beer'' Parsons 6 Great Songs' 1965 Hadley
'Yesterday's Kisses' 1975 Hadley
ALBUMS 'Rhythm Of The Range' 1970 Columbia 'Bluey Francis Meets Gordon Parsons' 1975 CM 'Gordon Parsons' 1976 Hadley 'The Old G.P.' 1980 Selection 'Just Passin' Through' 1982 Selection 'Throw In A Line' 1983 Selection 'Just Driftin' Along' 1985 Selection
Blitz Babiez was a five-piece band formed by Joanne Lanzon and Ziad Beydoun in 1993 during the heyday of '90s Sydney punk. They added Ian on bass, Jamie Dack on guitar and Grant Dirckze on drums. Joanne and Ziad had previously been in a band called Dream Riot. Ian didn't last long and was replaced by bassist Errol Alley. They released a three-track single ''Time's Ticking / Monkey Grip / Emotions'' on No Deal Records. The band played hundreds of shows including the Sandringham Hotel the Lewisham Hotel, The Phoenician Club and The Metro to name a few.
They embarked on a European tour in 1995 at the invitation of its European record distributor after releasing their first album, 'On The Line'. They played at the Dynamo Open Air Festival in the Netherlands and famously became one of the only Australian bands to play war-ravaged Serbia in this time. In 1996 the band decided to remain a four piece after successively losing two guitarists (both named Jamie). After recording a second album, 'Thought Spawn' the band embarked on another European tour. On return they played at the Big Day Out in NZ. A third European tour was planned in 1997 but, when this fell through due to a dodgy promotions company, the band decided to call it a day as drummer Grant Dirckze was moving to England.
John Joseph Jones born 3 February 1930 was a poet, folk singer, musician, playwright, and theatre director. Born in London, Jones first arrived in Australia in 1948. Between 1950 and 1952, he worked briefly in England, Canada, and Fiji, but settled permanently in Australia in 1952. He graduated from University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Anthropology and English (1959).
After graduation Jones worked as a journalist for the Albany Advertiser, and a lecturer in the Western Australia's TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutes for 20 years. He performed at the first Winthrop Folk Festival, and at the 1964 Adelaide Festival of the Arts, which led to him to recording five EPs in the 60s focusing on Australian outback life. He lived in Parkerville and developed and sustained the Parkerville Amphitheatre during his lifetime The amphitheatre became the site for a number of 1970s concerts, including John Farnham, Cold Chisel, and Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons. A documentary on the Parkerville Amphitheatre, Sets, Bugs & Rock n Roll, by Tempest Productions, was shown at the Revelation Film Festival in Perth in July 2015. Jones died in 2000.
EPs 'Five Australian Ballads' 1964 EMI [Custom Pressing] 'Australian Songs And Ballads' 1965 EMI [Custom Pressing] 'Songs And Ballads Of Australia' 1865 EMI [Custom Pressing] 'Australian Ballads By Durack And Sorensen' 1965 EMI [Custom Pressing] 'Australian Ballads - Songs Of John Shaw Neilson' 1965 EMI [Custom Pressing]
Bigstorm comprised of Bjarne Ohlin on guitar, Don Miller-Robinson on guitar and bass, Huey Benjamin on drums and Stewart D’Arrietta on vocals and keyboards. The members of Bigstorm came from varied backgrounds. Ohlin had appeared as an actor in episodes of Bluey and Case for the Defence in 1976 and 1978 and played guitar with Divinyls from 1980-1986 and recorded some albums with them. Miller-Robinson had also acted, appearing in the 1982 film, Monkey Grip, and released three singles as a solo performer. ''Who Kissed The Usherette?'' did the best charting at #61. Benjamin had moved from Canberra to Sydney to play drums with G Force and later the Tasmanian band, The Innocents. D’Arrietta had released a solo album, 'Side Effects', in 1985 and had also been a member of The New Republic.
In 1988 Bigstorm released the single ''Rubber Love''. In January 1989 they released ''Happy New Year'' followed, in February, by ''Not Guilty''. Their debut album 'Living in Exile' followed and was recorded at The Rockfort in Sydney (with additional recording at Rhinoceros Studios). It was produced by Miller-Robinson. The music was melodic, arena-ready in the vein of Noiseworks.
One more single followed, ''Once In Bed” and, like those which preceded, failed to sell significant numbers. Soon after Bigstorm dissipated and the members went their separate ways. Miller-Robinson went on to score several films, including 2005’s Tennis, Anyone…? in which he also appeared as an actor. Benjamin continued to perform as a session musician, including on Grant McLennan’s solo debut and with later Ian Moss of Cold Chisel and Yothu Yindi. He also went on to score films and ballets. D’Arrietta has worked as a musical director in theatrical productions and has scored television series including Ocean Star,The Cut, and Trapped.
Members
Bjarne Ohlin (guitar), Don Miller-Robinson (guitar / bass), Huey Benjamin (drums), Stewart D’Arrietta (vocals / keyboards)
SINGLES ''Rubber Love / Not Guilty'' 1988 WEA ''Happy New Year / Rubber Love (Live)'' 1989 WEA ''Not Guilty / Rubber Love (Live)'' 1989 WEA ''Once In Bed / Not Waiting'' 1989 WEA
Colin Hardy, musician and Gamilaraay man, was born in July 1940 and raised at Brewarrina, north-western New South Wales, one of eleven children. Hardy won a talent quest in Walgett NSW, and did a short tour with the Willie Fennell Travelling Show. He stated ''I grew up with music all around me,” he says. “Before I moved to Sydney, I worked in the shearing shed with my dad and we used to listen to the radio at night. In those days one of my favourite singers was Roy Orbison''.
In 1962, Col moved to Sydney to pursue a career in music. During the 1960's he was part of the Opals a little country outfit, which at times became house-band for Jimmy Little's travelling All Coloured Revue. In Sydney, he worked for the Water Board, while still performing at parties, dances and charity shows. In 1963, he appeared on Bandstand.
In 1971 he recorded his first EP 'Protest; Protest! on Opal Records based in Tamworth. In 1973 Col recorded his debut album 'Black Gold'. In the same year the first Australasian Country Music Awards was held in Tamworth. Col was the first Aboriginal singer to be awarded with a Golden Guitar. He won the Radio Listener Award, which has not been awarded since. The song ''Black Tracker'' from his second album 'Country' tells its own story of the days when black trackers were called upon by the police to track bushrangers, convicts. Other singers have written songs about black trackers. Brian Young recorded ''Black Man Jacky Jacky'' for his album 'Brian Young Country' in 1976. Throughout the 1970s he toured Australia extensively and performed with some of the biggest names in country music. He would often do club work with Auriel Andrew. In 1979 he was inducted into the Hands of Fame at Tamworth.
In 1983 he released his third album 'Black and White Tangle' followed by 'Remember Me'. In 1990 during NAIDOC Week, Hardy was voted Aboriginal Artist of the Year for New South Wales. In 2007 he won an OAM for service to country music and in 2011 he won the Jimmy Little Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 he recorded his last album 'I Am Me' of songs that were his favourites and held special meaning.
SINGLES
''Don't She Look Good / (A Land They Call) Down Under'' 1972 Opal ''Excuse Me / Words'' 1976 Opal ''Black And White Tangle'' 1983 Opal
EPs 'Protest; Protest!' 1971 Opal
ALBUMS 'Black Gold' 1973 Opal 'Country' 1978 Opal 'Black & White Tangle' 1983 Opal 'Remember Me' 1991 Opal 'I Am Me' 2014 Swingin Doors Studio
Geoff Achison was born on Phillip Island in 1965 and raised in the rural town of Malmsbury, Victoria—the third of five siblings. His musical spark ignited when he discovered an old guitar beneath the family stairwell. Encouraged by his trumpet-playing father, Geoff began lessons and got his first taste of performance playing in his dad’s old-time dance band. A chance mentorship with local jazz musician Alan Watson introduced Geoff to the world of jazz, improvisation, and rhythm. Watson encouraged him to switch to bass for a time, broadening his musical foundation before Geoff returned to guitar with a newfound appreciation for groove and feel.
In the quiet isolation of the Australian countryside, Geoff developed his own approach to sound and tone, improvising effects and techniques that helped define his unique voice on the instrument. Geoff moved to Melbourne in 1987 and quickly found his place in the city's blues scene, landing the role of lead guitarist with Dutch Tilders. His talent and drive soon pushed him to pursue a solo career, and in 1994 he released 'Big Machine', the first in a string of acclaimed albums.
The following year, Geoff represented Melbourne at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, taking home the Albert King Award for Most Promising Guitarist. That pivotal moment launched a truly international career. He began touring the US and UK regularly, often assembling local versions of his backing band, The Souldiggers to overcome the prohibitive costs of touring as an independent artist.
On his first major US tour, Geoff received a custom acoustic guitar from the famed Gibson Guitar Company— a gesture that reflected his rising status. After recording the album 'Gettin’ Evil' in the U.S. with an American lineup of The Souldiggers, Geoff returned to Australia and assembled an all-star local version of the band featuring Mal Logan on keyboards (ex-Chain, Healing Force), Roger McLachlan on bass (ex-Little River Band, Stars), and Gerry Pantazis on drums (ex-Stylus). This powerhouse ensemble became known as The A-Team, providing the perfect vehicle for Geoff’s musical vision to truly take flight. Known for their exhilarating live performances, The Souldiggers captivated audiences with their extended jam sessions—transforming tight, four-minute songs into epic, ten-minute sonic journeys that left fans wanting more.
Whether fronting the full band or playing solo, Geoff Achison is a commanding presence on stage. His acoustic showsshowcase delicate fingerpicking and slide guitar mastery, while his electric performances with The Souldiggers channel the raw power of blues and funk into a thrilling, live-wire experience. Geoff is also a gifted storyteller with a dry, witty stage presence that keeps audiences engaged between songs. His sets are equal parts musicianship and entertainment. A respected educator, Geoff conducts guitar workshops across Australia and internationally. He’s been a regular guest instructor at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch in Ohio, USA, sharing his knowledge with players of all levels.
With dozens of albums, international tours, and countless live performances under his belt, Geoff Achison remains a driving force in the Australian blues and roots scene, inspiring a new generation of musicians. In 2020, he was honored with induction into the Blues Music Victoria Hall of Fame - a fitting recognition of his influence and contributions to the genre.
SINGLES
''Eyes On The Prize'' [with The Souldiggers] 2020 Jupiter 2 Records ''Dragon Wings'' [with The Souldiggers] 2020 Jupiter 2 Records ''Footy Cards'' [with The Souldiggers] 2020 Jupiter 2 Records ''Secret To Life'' [with The Souldiggers] 2022 Jupiter 2 Records ''Capricorn Pilot'' [with The Souldiggers] 2022 Jupiter 2 Records
ALBUMS 'Big Machine' 1994 Jupiter 2 Records 'Genevieve' 1995 Jupiter 2 Records 'Mystery Train' 1996 Jupiter 2 Records 'Gettin’ Evil' [with The Souldiggers] 1999 Jupiter 2 Records 'Chasing My Tail' [with The Souldiggers] 2002 Jupiter 2 Records 'Little Big Men' [with The Souldiggers] 2005 Jupiter 2 Records 'One Ticket, One Ride' 2008 Jupiter 2 Records 'Box Of Blues' [with Chris Wilson] 2012 Jupiter 2 Records 'Another Mile, Another Minute' [with The Souldiggers] 2016 Jupiter 2 Records 'Sovereign Town' 2018 Jupiter 2 Records
Swoop was an Australian seven-piece rock, funk and disco band established in 1991 in Sydney as a funk and rap duo by Joshua Beagley on guitar and keyboards and Roland Kapferer on lead vocals (rapping, MCing). The pair had met as students at Marryatville High School, Adelaide in 1987 before relocating to Sydney. The duo were joined by "an ever-changing line-up that has featured a collection of rappers, DJs, musos and dancers". The band released two early singles "Positivity's Groove" (May 1992) and "Jelly Funk" (August). Fiona Ta'akimoeaka joined Swoop on lead vocals before August 1992 and by November the other members of the seven-piece were Chris Brien on drums, Armando Gomez on percussion, Alex 'Gob' Hewetson on bass guitar and Breadman St Ledger III on keyboards.
For their third single "Everybody Loves the Sunshine", which appeared in November 1992, they were briefly joined by Terepai Richmond (also a member of Directions In Groove) on percussion. Rebecca Lang of The Canberra Times described their sound, "Drawing on the '70s funk, dipping into '90s acid jazz and adding a blend of '80s rap." In August 1993 the group issued "Do It", which became a disco hit in Japan; it was also listed at #87 on national radio station Triple J's popularity poll, Triple J Hottest 100, 1993. It was followed with their debut studio album, 'Thriller' via Freakzone Records/MGM Distribution in October. Beagley recalled "we released it on our own label purely through frustration of not being able to get a deal. The end result was a deal so it was worth all the pain."
In October 1994 Swoop released "Neighbourhood Freak", which became the group's first charting single, peaking at #62 on the ARIA singles chart. That track appeared at #74 on Triple J Hottest 100, 1994. At the ARIA Music Awards of 1994 they were nominated for Best New Talent for 'Thriller'. During 1994 and 1995 the group played regular gigs in the Gershwin Room at St Kilda's Esplanade Hotel. The group released "Rock Dog" in July 1995 and followed in October with "Apple Eyes", which peaked at #9 on the ARIA Charts and was certified gold by ARIA in the following year for shipment of 35000 copies. "Apple Eyes" was listed at #32 on Triple J Hottest 100, 1995.
In November 1995 Swoop released their second studio album 'The Woxo Principle' via Mushroom Records/Festival Records. It reached #51 on the ARIA albums chart. The Canberra Times' Liz Armitage felt, "it does embrace the spontaneity and spirit that makes a really good band. Lyrically, Swoop has always been dodgy... and this shows no sign of changing." Simon Woodridge of Juice Magazine observed, they "contrived a cheesy amalgam of funk/rock/disco/pop on this album, and they've put it together with enough skill to make overlooking the amount of second hand riffage totally painless." Two further singles were released from the album, including their cover version of Captain & Tennille's "Do That to Me (One More Time)" (September 1996). At the ARIA Music Awards of 1996 they were nominated for Song of the Year and Best Video for "Apple Eyes", and Best Pop Release for 'The Woxo Principle'.
The group took a six-month break from touring and performing while Kapferer finished his PhD. During that break Ta'akimoeaka left the band in 1996 and was replaced by Rebekah Jane (later known as Rebekah LaVauney) as lead vocalist in 1997. Brien was replaced by American-born Allen Murphey. By 1998 latter-day members included drummer Calvin Welch and Japanese-born keyboard player Tetsushi Morita. Swoop issued "Blood Runs Hot" (May 1998), the lead single from their third studio album 'Be What You Is', which was released in January 1999. Also in that month they provided "Remedy". The group performed "Angel Eyes" at Mushroom 25 Concert in November 1998 and disbanded thereafter.
Members
Joshua Beagley (guitars), Roland Kapferer (vocals), Fiona Ta'akimoeaka (vocals), Chris Brien (drums), Armando Gomez (wood block), Alex Hewetson (bass), Breadman St Ledger (keyboards), Terepai Richmond (percussion), Rebekah Jane a.k.a. Rebekah LaVauney (vocals), Allen Murphey (drums), Tetsushi Morita (keyboards), Calvin Welch (drums)
SINGLES "Positivity's Groove" 1992 Freakshow "Jelly Funk" 1992 Freakshow "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" 1992 Freakshow "Do It" 1993 Freakshow "Neighbourhood Freak" (#62) 1994 Freakshow "Rock Dog" (#83) 1995 Mushroom "Apple Eyes" (#9) 1995 Mushroom "(It Could Happen) Any Day Now" (#74) 1996 Mushroom "Do That to Me (One More Time)" 1996 Mushroom "Remedy" 1998 Mushroom "Blood Runs Hot" 1998 Mushroom
EPs 'The Raw Funk Power' (#96) 1994 Freakzone
ALBUMS 'Thriller' 1993 Freakzone 'The Woxo Principle' (#51) 1995 Mushroom 'Be What You Is' 1999 Mushroom
Formed in Melbourne in 1984, Urban Principle was an electronic pop band that had a vision to write and fashion songs and music about the spirit of the human condition on a planet under pressure from urbanization/industrialization, the march of technology and the mediascape. The band was a major project and commitment of time and energy until they disbanded in 1990. The band went through a number of members before settling on two definitive line ups. The band performed many live shows and produced videos, films, photographs and releases. Based in Richmond then North Fitzroy just off Brunswick Street in a rambling shared house, band members shared a dream, ideas and long conversations.
Soundtracks were composed and recorded for Swinburne student films and independent film makers. In 1987 ''Something Inside'' was released as a single on the Cleopatra label followed by an EP with the same title. The lineup for these recordings was: John Phillips (vocals / guitar), Mark Bernsons (keyboards), Nick Kharitou (keyboards), Sai Ferran-Lucas (vocals, guitar / synthesizer), Rex Delaney (vocals / guitar). More recordings were released on cassette. In 1998 a fictionalised account of the band and their lives: The Unexpected Salami was written by New York author Laurie Shapiro with her partner and ex member of the band Paul O'Leary then published and released in USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. A film script was developed, and the screen rights were sold.
Members
John Phillips (vocals / guitar), Mark Bernsons (keyboards), Paul O'Leary (vocals / bass), Mark O'Leary (guitar), David Rogerson (drums), Rex Delaney (vocals / guitar) Philip Rienhardt (bass), Nick Kharitou (keyboards), Sai Ferran-Lucas (vocals, guitar / synthesizer), Steve Carter (bass), Patrick Quinn (bass), Michael Rumpf (drums), Steve Henderson (drums), Tony Italia (drums)
