NORTH 2 ALASKANS

 

The acid-billy psychedelic cabaret band North 2 Alaskans came together in 1982. Bassist Johnny Topper had played in several groups, including The Pelaco Bros, while Frank Savage and James Williams had been part of The Citizens. They teamed up with the legendary Spencer P. Jones, who had a great time performing with them before moving on to The Johnnys and The Beasts of Bourbon. They played all the top music spots, like the Croxton Park Hotel, Dee Why Hotel, and the Governor’s Pleasure at The Rocks. That same year, they released 'Gonks Go Beat,' a three-track 45 on the Green label, featuring a wild, acid-infused cover of Tommy James and The Shondells’ ''Crimson and Clover.'' Later in 1982, they put out another single on the Missing Link label before calling it quits in 1983.

Members

Steve Watson (vocals), Johnny Topper (bass), Spencer P. Jones (guitar), Frank Savage (guitar), James Williams (keyboards)

SINGLES
Gonk Go Beat - ''Crimson And Clover / Incense / That Freaky Gonk Thang'' 1982 Green
''Love Machine / Take A Letter Maria'' 1982 Missing Link 

JOHNNY AND THE STRANGERS / JOHNNY YOUNG AND KOMPANY / KOMPANY

In the early 1960s in Perth, WA, Johnny Young’s backing band, originally called The Strangers, featured John Eddy (guitar), Tony Summers (guitar), Don Prior (bass), and Warwick Findlay (drums). They appeared on the local TV pop show Club Seventeen in early 1965 and released two singles, both on the 7-Teen label under the name Johnny and The Strangers. Young later signed with Clarion Records, a Perth label run by Martin Clarke, who recalled that Young was eager to make a national hit and expand his career. Clarke took Young’s recordings to Sydney, securing a deal with Festival Records to have Clarion manufactured and distributed across Australia.

In 1966, The Strangers changed their name to Kompany to avoid confusion with another Melbourne band called The Strangers. The lineup was now Eddy on guitar, Findlay on drums, Summers on guitar, and Jim Griffiths on bass, replacing Don Prior. Early that year, after opening for the Easybeats, Young recorded ''Step Back,'' co-written by Stevie Wright and George Young of the Easybeats (no relation). Released in May as a double A-side with his cover of the Strangeloves’ ''Cara-Lyn,'' the single hit #1 on the Go-Set National Top 40 in November. It became one of Australia’s biggest-selling singles of the 1960s, second only to Normie Rowe’s ''Que Sera Sera / Shakin’ All Over.'' In October, his EP 'Johnny Young And Kompany' reached #4 on the same chart.

Johnny Young & Kompany relocated to Melbourne in mid-1966. Mick Wade (ex-The Vibrants and The Harts) joined on guitar and organ, but his time with the group was brief. Soon after, they brought in two former MPD Ltd members, Mike Brady (vocals/guitar) and Danny Finley (drums), and welcomed back Don Prior. In 1967, Young departed to pursue a highly successful solo career. The Kompany released two singles on Clarion before disbanding. Tony Summers accepted an offer from The Masters Apprentices, while Mike Brady went on to become a music industry legend. Tony Summers died in 2025.

Members

Johnny Young (vocals), Tony Summers (guitar), John Eddy (guitar), Don Prior (bass), Warwick Findlay (drums), Mike Brady (vocals / guitar), Danny Finley (drums), Morrie Pearson (drums), Jim Griffiths (bass)

SINGLES (As Johnny and The Strangers)
''Oh, Johnny No / Club Seventeen'' 1965 7 Teen 
''No Other Love / Heigh Ho'' 1965 7 Teen 

SINGLES (As Johnny Young and Kompany)
''Step Back (#1) / Cara-Lyn'' (#1) 1966 Clarion 
''When Will I Be Loved (#4) / Kiss Me Now'' (#4) 1966 Clarion 

EPs (As Johnny Young and Kompany)

'Johnny Young and Kompany' (#4) 1966 Clarion
'Kiss Me Now And When Will I Be Loved' (#4) 1966 Clarion

SINGLES (As The Kompany)
''I've Been Around / Tell Her No'' (#77) 1967 Clarion 
''Little Joe The Boxer / The Family Way'' 1967 Clarion 

THE FUGITIVES

 

The Fugitives, what can I say? For a band that recorded in the 60's and 70's there is hardly any info on them at all. So, I have had to do a lot of digging around which unfortunately hasn't revealed much at all. Formed in the early 60s by the Monks brothers, Ron and Gary, they must have been pretty handy because Johnny Devlin then A&R manager and house producer at RCA got them a recording session. ''I'm Gonna Give My Love To You'' was written by Devlin and it was released in October 1964. By late 1965, vocalist ''Bip'' Addison (ex-The Thunders) was added to the lineup. Come January 1966 and The Fugitives issued another single this time on the Leedon label, ''All Your Lies / Baby Come Back''. Both sides were self-penned by the band. Daily Mail reviewer Wal Wallis thought The Fugitives had “obviously quite a lot to learn about presentation and selection of material.” While still with The Fugitives, ''Bip'' also performed as a solo artist before leaving the band that same year. Over the next few years, they toured nonstop and eventually transformed into a cabaret band. Multi-instrumentalist Ralph White joined just before they recorded their debut album 'Fugitives' on RCA in 1975, produced by Rocky Thomas. It is unknown when they finished up. Any extra info would be appreciated.Gary Monks died in 2016.

Members

''Bip'' Addison (vocals), Ron Monks (vocals / guitar), Bill Robins (bass), John Brissett (drums), Gary Monks (sax / flute), Ralph White (trumpet / trombone / keyboards)

SINGLES
''I'm Gonna Give My Love To You / Really Gonna Shake'' 1964 RCA
''All Your Lies / Baby Come Back'' 1966 Leedon 
''Rag Doll / We've Got More Than It Takes'' 1975 RCA

ALBUMS

'Fugitives' 1975 RCA

CHRIS PELCER

 

Chris Pelcer, born in Sydney, grew up in Moruya on the south coast of NSW. After high school, he returned to Sydney to pursue a music career, encouraged by Bill Ramsey (EMI studio manager). Signing with EMI/Castle Music Publishing and WEA (Warner Bros. Records), he released his debut album 'Can't Find Reverse' and wrote the theme song for the award-winning Australian TV series Simon Townsend's Wonder World, which remained its theme throughout the series. He eventually relocated to Los Angeles, California, after writing for numerous international artists.

He has penned songs for Peter Cetera, Van Zant, Edyta Górniak, Yanni, Leslie Mills, House of Lords, Sandra McCracken, B. J. Thomas, Kari Kimmel, Robin Beck, Tony Vincent, Kesha, Rare Blend, Emmanuel, and Ray Parker Jr. Pelcer also toured with country artist Eddie Arnold and collaborated with notable producers like Peter Collins, Cowboy Jack Clements, Spencer Lee, Roy Thomas Baker, Keith Olsen, Yanni, Ric Wake, Ray Parker Jr., and Wei Chen.

Now based in Nashville, Tennessee, Pelcer continues writing and producing for artists, as well as creating songs for film and television, often with long-time collaborator Leslie Mills. His credits include films and shows such as Coyote Ugly, What a Girl Wants, White Oleander, Shall We Dance, My Best Friend's Girl, Barbie and the Three Musketeers, Just My Luck, Las Vegas, Everything You Want, MyScene Goes Hollywood, Barbie of Swan Lake, and Gray Matters.

Pelcer is also recognized for his skills in arrangements and musicianship, excelling in guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals, and programming. He has arranged strings for artists like Rod Stewart and Paul Carrack and has contributed as a programmer, engineer, and musician on various recordings. In 2010, he co-wrote the music for the iPhone and iPad app Drums Challenge Charlie Morgan, released by Musigames.

SINGLES
''Fantasy / Lookin' Fine'' 1978
''You Can Be My Slave / Get Up Get Out Of Bed'' 1980 WEA
''Can't Find Reverse / Don't You Think I Ever Get Lonely'' 1980 WEA
''Another Night In Thredbo / Treat Her Like A Child'' 1983 EMI [Custom Pressing] 

ALBUMS

'Can't Find Reverse' 1980 WEA

References

Chris Pelcer - Wikipedia

THE PREFECTS

 

The Prefects, formed in Perth during the 80s, caught the attention of Molly Meldrum when he hosted a 10-band extravaganza in the city. Captivated by their infectious original songs, Molly returned to Melbourne and shared their demo tape with nearly every record company in Australia. It wasn’t long before they received offers from top recording labels and relocated to Melbourne. Signing with the Festival label, they released two singles under its Infinity subsidiary. The band gained further exposure through numerous TV appearances on shows like Countdown, Hey Hey It's Saturday, and Shirl's Neighbourhood, among others.

Members

Doug Allmark (vocals / bass), Tom Matthews (guitar), Michael Wiltshire (guitar), Brad Mack (drums), Kim Wainwright (guitar), Leo Glass (guitar), John Nyman (keyboards)

SINGLES
''Wait Until Midnight / Little Boys'' 1981 Infinity 
''I Wanna Make Love / Up All Night'' 1982 Infinity 

RANDALL WALLER

 

Randall Waller grew up in Killarney Heights, a suburb of Sydney. He released two solo albums: 'Oasis' on the Christian label Genesis in 1978 and 'Midnight Fire,' recorded at Peace In The Valley in Arleta, California, in 1980. In 1981, Waller formed the pop rock group Lionheart in Sydney with Evan Murray on keyboards, Martyn Toole on guitar, and his brothers John Waller on drums and Kendall Waller on bass. The group later renamed itself Avion, releasing two albums and several singles. According to Australian rock music historian Ian McFarlane, the band had "a strong cult following with their brand of melodic, American-influenced Adult Oriented Rock but met with virtual indifference at home." They toured extensively along the east coast, performing up to 220 shows a year, until disbanding in 1987 following Evan Murray's death in a car accident during a tour.

Waller briefly joined Sharon O'Neill's backing band before moving to the United Kingdom from 1988 to 1993, where he worked as a record producer and engineer. From 1998 to 2005, he was Shania Twain's guitarist and also played with Keith Urban (1999–2001), SheDaisy, and performed in shows with Elton John and the Backstreet Boys. His career includes performances at the Grammys, the 2003 Superbowl, and various award shows, along with appearances on Letterman, Leno, and other TV specials, in venues from Madison Square Garden to Wembley. His third album, 'More,' was recorded in 2023.

SINGLES
''Side By Side (Song For Port Arthur)'' 1996 Colossal

ALBUMS
'Oasis' 1978 Genesis 
'Midnight Fire' 1980 Tunesmith
'More' 2023 

ROGER KNOX

 

Country singer Roger Knox, known as "the Black Elvis" and "Koori King of Country," was born in 1948 in Moree, New South Wales. A member of the Gamilaroi nation, an Aboriginal Australian people, Knox grew up in the Toomelah Aboriginal Mission near Boggabilla, close to the New South Wales-Queensland border. He came from a family of 11 children, and his mother, a stolen child, was taken from her parents as a baby and raised in a children's home in Bomaderry. Knox was not allowed to attend high school in Goondiwindi and was instead sent by the mission to work unpaid on one of their properties. He shared that the first music he heard was gospel, played by his grandmother, a Sunday school teacher.

In 1964 he left the mission and his interests turned to sport, particularly football. moving to Tamworth where he found work and with the support from Gentleman Geoff Brown and John (Mr Hoedown) Minson, he entered talent quests and was soon performing regularly around the district. Starting as a gospel singer in the 1980s, he earned the nickname "The Black Elvis" for his hairstyle and dress style during the Star Maker talent contest at age 31 in which he made the grand final. He was later also called "Koori King of Country." An outback tour with the Brian Young Show almost ended Roger’s career just as it was beginning. A tragic plane crash in 1981 left him with severe burns and injuries and claimed the life of his drummer. After spending six months in the Adelaide burns unit and two years bedridden, he struggled to walk and return to performing. His Gomeroi Country – Toomelah Aboriginal Mission Station – called him back home. There, his Aunt Hannah cared for him with bush medicine and song. Rejuvenated, he emerged three weeks later, a transformed man. The experience deepened his connection to his Country, community, and culture. Despite badly burned hands preventing him from playing bass, Roger shifted his focus to his voice and continued his journey.

In 1984, he released his debut album 'Give It A Go' on the ENREC label, produced by Steve Newton. Two years later, he followed it up with 'The Gospel Album,' dedicated to his late grandmother, Carrie Knox. ENREC also released the pioneering Koori Classic series – Vol. 1-8 on cassette, featuring Roger on several albums. In 1988, he released the singles ''Koala Bear'' and ''Goulburn Jail.''

The album 'Goin’ On, Still Strong' was released in 2004, and he was inducted into the Hands of Fame in Tamworth. In 2006, he received the Jimmy Little Award for Lifetime Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait music at the Deadly Awards. In 2009, Roger was scheduled to perform at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, Illinois, on October 10 with Jon Langford and the Pine Valley Cosmonauts. However, his US visa was denied a week before the show, and he didn’t make the trip until 2013.

In 2013, he recorded the album 'Stranger In My Land' with various international guest artists, including Dave Alvin, Andre Williams, Kelly Hogan, Tawny Newsome, Bonnie Prince Billy, Charlie Louvin, Sally Timms, and Jon Langford. It was released on CD and vinyl by Bloodshot Records America and recorded at Joyride Studios in Chicago and ENREC in Tamworth. In 2018, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Indigenous Music Awards. A strong advocate for drug- and alcohol-free living, Roger has dedicated his life to uplifting his people’s spirits, performing regularly in jails throughout Australia, Canada, and the USA. Singing, an integral part of Aboriginal learning and culture, plays a vital role in bringing people together for healing, self-awareness, and reconnecting with their heritage.

SINGLES
''Koala Bear'' 1988 ENREC
''Goulburn Jail'' 1988 ENREC

ALBUMS
'Give It a Go' 1984 ENREC
'The Gospel Album' 1986 ENREC
'Goin' On, Still Strong' 2004 Trailblazer Records
'Stranger in My Land' [with The Pine Valley Cosmonauts] 2013 Bloodshot Records
'Buluunarbi and the Old North Star' 2025 Flippin Yeah Industries

GASH

 

Punk band Gash formed in Melbourne in 1985 with an initial lineup of Anna on vocals, Liz on guitar, Vera on bass, and Smeer on drums, which was unique for the time in a male-dominated scene. Gash released their first cassette in November 1985 on Hardcore House, the tape label run by Smeer and Liz. After receiving good reviews, they approached Phil Macdougall from Reactor Records to release an album. Gash provided the tapes and artwork, while Phil covered manufacturing costs. The album 'G.A.S.H.' came out in 1986 with 16 tracks of hardcore with a metallic edge, followed by the 'God Is Dead' single in September to promote it. The single sold out its 500-copy run and wasn’t re-pressed.

The 'G.A.S.H.' album was later released in the UK on Rough Trade Records in the late '80s. During this time, Gash raised complaints about missing royalties and payments from labels like Metal Blade Records, Flipside, and Rough Trade’s US division. Later, they signed with the independent label Cleopatra Records. Anna left the band before they released the album 'Positive Change' and the EP 'The Lesson,' which leaned more toward a metal sound. Early Gash material is often regarded as some of the best female-fronted hardcore/punk, not just in Australia but worldwide.

Members

Anna (vocals), Liz (guitar, vocals), Vera (bass), Smeer (drums)

SINGLES
''God Is Dead / Aquarius'' 1986 Reactor

EPs

'The Lesson' 1986 Cleopatra

ALBUMS

'G.A.SH.' 1986 Reactor

'Positive Change' 1987 Cleopatra

IAN B MACLEOD

Ian was born on January 25, 1938, aboard the Coronation Scot, an express passenger train launched in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, traveling from Glasgow to Southampton before heading to Ipswich. In 1947, he started singing in the local church choir and tuned in to Armed Forces Radio from Luxembourg, which played plenty of country and early rockabilly music. Every Saturday morning, he could be found at the Odeon Cinema, watching his idol, singing cowboy Roy Rogers, on the big screen. It was then that he decided he would become a cowboy singer himself.

At 15, he started working as a commercial artist but soon grew restless and joined the merchant navy, beginning as a kitchen hand peeling potatoes on old cargo ships. He eventually became a first-class waiter on P&O cruise ships, traveling the world aboard the Arcadia, Iberia, Himalaya, and Stratheden. While on these ships, he bought a guitar in Spain and formed his first group. They practiced every night in the mess, and during a stop in Sydney, Ian and The Bop Street Boys appeared on 2UW’s Australia’s Amateur Hour. They won with "Boppin’ The Blues" but were disqualified for not being Australian residents.

After returning to the UK, he packed his bags and set off for Australia as a first-class passenger on the Strathmore. He won his first talent competition at the Great Northern Hotel in Chatswood. When Johnny O’Keefe heard him sing "Honey Don’t" and "Move It," he booked him to appear on the radio show Rockville Junction and TV’s Six O’Clock Rock. O’Keefe wasn’t thrilled with his name, saying it sounded like a Scottish piper, and renamed him Adam. For the next four years, Ian B. MacLeod was shelved, and Adam appeared on Six O’Clock Rock, Bandstand, Teen Time, The Youth Show, Woody’s Teen Time, and Adelaide Tonight. As Adam, he became a teenage idol and was likely the first true rockabilly artist of that era. He toured extensively, performed at every teenage dance in town, and released a single, "Princess / Made To Be Loved," on the Teen label, backed by Johnny Devlin’s Devils.

With The Beatles' new music style emerging, Ian formed The Nashville Five and started over as an unknown singer with a band playing country and rockabilly – genres that weren’t very popular at the time. The group later added another member and became The Major Six, performing in clubs, pubs, and teenage dances. They were approached by David Gibson of Top Spot Records and recorded around 20 tracks on a Rola two-track tape machine in an old warehouse in Redfern. Shortly after finishing these recordings, Top Spot Records went out of business, and the tapes were thought to be lost. Twenty years later, while sorting through an old trunk at his sister’s house, Ian found a box of tapes labeled The Johnny Cash Show. Inside were the missing Top Spot sessions from 1964. The tapes were taken to Roy Cooper at Soundlab Studios and transferred to a new master tape. In April 1984, twelve tracks were released as 'Return To Six O’Clock Rock'.

During the late 1960s and into the 70s, Ian appeared on shows like the Ernie Sigley Show, IMT, The Bob Rogers Show, The Club Show, Travlin’ Out West, Reg Lindsay’s Country Homestead, and the Lee Conway Show. Club bookings started flooding in, and country tours became his routine. He also began performing on the Sitmar cruise line, introducing country music to cruise audiences until 1978. In 1975, he launched his own record label, Bunyip, signing notable artists such as Johnny Heap, Bill Newman, Jonnie Russell, Roland Storm, Christine Roberts, and Barry Stanton. In 1997, he rebranded the label as Pinewood, bringing more acts to its roster. He also owned the subsidiary label Rockabilly in which he recorded on.

Ian has had an impressive career, recording numerous albums and singles. His show, "A Tribute to Slim Whitman," showcased his country talent with a stunning collection of Whitman classics, highlighting his three-octave range and featuring hits from one of country music’s most beloved icons. From Mt. Gambier in South Australia to Townsville in Queensland, Ian has amazed audiences with his remarkable portrayals of Carl Perkins and Slim Whitman, consistently drawing packed crowds. In 1997 he was inducted into the Hands of Fame, Tamworth. In 2008, he was a key performer at the first Gympie Country Music Stampede (later renamed The Maryborough Stampede) and has become a regular feature, performing annually. A frequent and cherished visitor to New Zealand, Ian has toured both the North and South Islands multiple times, and in 2008 released his first DVD, filmed during a sold-out concert at Eltham Town Hall in Taranaki. In 2000, he was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame at the Wintersun Festival on Queensland’s Gold Coast and later that October, into the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

SINGLES
''Princess / Made To Be Loved'' [ As Adam With Johnny Devlin's Devils] 1960 Teen 
''When You Say Love / Less Of Me'' 1974 Festival
''Goodbye Joanne / Sweet Fantasy'' 1974 Festival
''If We Don't Have Love / Goodbye, Joanne'' 1976 Bunyip
''Song For Jenny / Rockabilly Cowboy'' 1982 Bunyip
''Captain Moonlight / God Bless The Children'' 1982 Bunyip
''Help Me Dream'' [with Melinda Johnstone] / ''The Rockabilly Express'' [with The Rockin' Chevies] 1986 Rockabilly 
''Be-Bop-A-Lula / I'm Goin' Home'' 1986 Rockabilly
''Forever Yours / Buddy, Gene, Eddie, Elvis, Rick And John'' 1990 Rockabilly

ALBUMS
'Restless' 1972 Troubadour
'In Concert At Sea' 1975 Bunyip
'Hello Mary Lou' 1977 Bunyip
'Just For You' 1981 Bunyip
'The Rockabilly Country Special' 1982 Bunyip
'Return To Six O’Clock Rock' 1984 Rockabilly
'Thank You Mr Perkins' 1988 Rockabilly
'Jesus Even Loves Cowboys' 1995 Pinewood
'Blue Misty Mountains' 2006 Pinewood
'Classic Rockabilly' 2006 Rockabilly
Sings Slim Whitman 2006 Pinewood
To Sail On A Dream 2006
Ride For The Kids 2007
Blue Suede Shoes: 16 Great Rockabilly Hits.
'Easy Lovin' 2009 Pinewood
Cedar Creek Memories.2013
That’s How The Yodel Was Born.2016

References

IAN B MacLEOD; IAN B MacLEOD; HOF_1997_MACLEOD | eHive

MERV GLEESON

 

In 1951 Merv Gleeson won a talent quest on the Buddy Williams Show and toured Australia with the likes of Reg Lindsay, Rick and Thel Carey, Gordon Parsons and Tim McNamara. Merv worked as a timber cutter, potato picker, rodeo rider, miner and farm labourer. He also worked in a boxing troupe. Based in Ulvertstone Tasmania, Merv was regarded as the last of the Australian country pioneers. Merv recorded on the Candle and Bullet labels. Country band 1901 recorded one of his songs in the late 70s. Graeme Howie said, ''My brother John and I have always loved the song. Merv wrote ''House Where The Wind Blows Cold'' off our 1901 album 'An Old Fashioned Country Way Of Singing' which won our first Golden Guitar (Best New Talent 1979), at the Australasian Country Music Awards. We think he is a great songwriter."

SINGLES

''Dam It All / Thank God For The Salvos'' 1983 Candle 

ALBUMS
'Three Little Heads At The Window' 1982 Bullet 
'The Songs Of Merv Gleeson' 1983 Bullet 

THE DEARHUNTERS

 

The Dearhunters were an indie and alternative country band from Sydney formed in 1998. Greg Hitchcock (ex-The Bamboos, Challenger 7), Tim Oxley (ex-The Verys), Jodi Phillis (ex-Clouds) and Raphael Whittingham (ex-Golden Rough), were successful artists solo or in various other acts. They first performed several times under the name Lunar Tunes in April 1998. The group released the album, 'Red Wine and Blue' which was recorded in roughly three weeks and released under Candle Records in 1999. It was launched at the Hopetoun Hotel in Surry Hills. 'Red Wine And Blue' featured dual vocals between Oxley and Phillis, and the album produced favorable reviews. On working on the album, Phillis said in an interview that "in this group I feel free to explore any territory and I’m not afraid to get too introspective or sentimental". She went on further to say that The Dearhunters was a side project for her.

They also appeared on a compilation featuring artists or groups under Candle Records, as well as releasing a single ''Ivy'' with Hired Guns on the B Side ''Blue Sunday'', which was released on vinyl.  Following the release of their split single in 1999 and album in the same year, Whittingham left the group and was replaced by Dave Ashton. Then, after a small subsequent tour following their album release, the group disbanded and returned to prior musical projects or engaged in new ones. They finished up in 2000.

Members

Greg Hitchcock (guitars), Tim Oxley (vocals, bass), Jodi Phillis (vocals, guitar), Raphael Whittingham (drums), Dave Ashton (drums)

SINGLES
''Ivy'' 1999 Steady Cam Records

ALBUMS
'Red Wine and Blue' 1999 Candel Records

References

The Dearhunters - Wikipedia

NEW FIVE

 

Before forming New Five in 1983, Gavin Quinn was part of one of Melbourne's original punk bands. Babeez, formed in 1976, drew inspiration from groups like The New York Dolls and MC5. They soon evolved into the News, becoming one of Melbourne’s top punk rock acts, full of energy and attitude, releasing several singles and an album. New Five debuted with the single "Life Without Lulu" in 1983 on the small Au Fait label—a heartfelt song about the pain of losing a beloved pet. Mushroom Records must have been impressed, as it was re-released on their subsidiary label White. In 1984, they released a second single, "Every Minute," produced by renowned American producer David Kershenbaum (known for working with Duran Duran, Tracy Chapman, Joe Jackson, Bryan Adams, Laura Branigan, and Supertramp), but it failed to gain traction.

Members

Gavin Quinn (vocals), David Forward (keyboards), Dave Jacobs (guitar), Billy King (drums), Bob Reinking (bass)

SINGLES
''Life Without Lulu / Latin America'' 1983 Au Fait 
''Life Without Lulu / Latin America'' 1983 White Label
''Every Minute / The Philosophy Of Hate'' 1984 White Label

NEIGHBOURHOOD UNIT

 

Indie rock band Neighbourhood Unit formed out of friends at Padua College in Brisbane in 1985. A truly great live band who won the 1987 QLD Rock Awards. The band released two singles on the Brisbane-based Bent Records label and were regulars at Bonapartes Hotel. They disbanded in 1990. Vocalist Damien Garvey became lead singer in the power-pop band, The Tellers. The Tellers released two albums, 'Flex' and 'Limited Movement'. He also became an actor starring on McLeod's Daughters, in a recurring role from 2001 until 2007.

Members

Damien Garvey (vocals), Jamie Clark (guitar), Robert Roberts (bass), Paul Smith (trumpet), Brett Cox (sax), Neil Wickham (keyboards), Chris Tone (drums)

SINGLES
''Love Lies / Luv U 2'' 1988 Bent 
''Westminster / Inner City Bust'' 1988 Bent 

THE BAMBOOS

The Bamboos were a swamp and alternative rock band formed in 1984 in Collie, a rural town in Western Australia located 213 kilometers (132 miles) south of Perth. The original lineup included Tony Giallella on drums, Mark Gelmi on bass guitar, Craig Hallsworth on guitar and vocals, and Roger Russell on guitar. In 1984 they recorded a number of tracks at No Sweat Studios that ended up on the album ''Rarer Than Rocking Horse Shit,' released by Cleopatra in 1987. In 1985, they moved to Perth, where Greg Hitchcock (ex-The Go-Starts and Graverobbers) replaced Roger Russell on guitar. This lineup recorded three tracks for a six-box set, 'Cooking with George – Mark Too,' produced by Ian Davis at ABC Studio 621 in Perth.

In 1986, Shakir Pichler, (ex-The Kryptonics), replaced Giallella on drums. Australian musicologist Ian McFarlane described their style as "raw guitar trash and country-swamp rock," which caught the eye of Citadel Records boss John Needham, leading to their signing. That September, they dropped the single "Virginia / Snuff," followed by a six-track mini-album, 'Born Killer,' in 1987.

After two national tours, Pichler left to form his own rockabilly band, The Howlin Moondoggies, and Russell Hopkinson (ex-Vicious Circle) joined as drummer. In October 1987, they released their final single, "With Which to Love You / Winded," before disbanding. During their career, The Bamboos supported acts like Lime Spiders, Johnny Thunders, The Damned, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Johnnys, Hoodoo Gurus, Violent Femmes, and The Cramps.

Members

Tony Giallella (drums), Mark Gelmi (vocals/bass), Craig Hallsworth (vocals/guitar), Roger Russell (guitar), Greg Hitchcock (guitar), Shakir Pichler (drums), Russell Hopkinson (drums)

SINGLES
''Virginia / Snuff'' 1986 Citadel 
''With Which To Love You / Winded'' 1987 Citadel 

ALBUMS
'Born Killer' (#94) 1987 Citadel
'Rarer Than Rocking Horse Shit 1987 Cleopatra

References

The Bamboos (rock band) - Wikipedia

MIKE QUARMBY

 

Country singer Mike Quarmby, raised in South Australia, spent years writing and performing his own songs but initially turned down recording offers, fearing he couldn't produce his music the way he wanted. Producer Mike Fitzhenry eventually persuaded him to record an album, leading to the release of his debut album 'Visions' in 1973 on CBS. The album received high praise in the November issue of Electronics Australia for its brilliance and Quarmby's acoustic guitar skills, with tracks like "Someday the Sun" and "People, People, People" standing out. A single, "The Far Outback / Someday the Sun," was also released from the album.

In 1977, Quarmby released his second album, 'It’s Nothing You Could Ever Hang a Name On,' and performed at the Southern Country Music Festival alongside other artists, drawing a crowd of 8,000. His third album, 'Misty Morning,' came out in 1981 on RCA, along with the single "Whatever The Moment Requires / Misty Morning." That same year, he and his band performed with the S.A. Police Band at the Bushing Fair, which was hailed as one of McLaren Vale's biggest events by the Victor Harbor Times. By 1988, Quarmby's music had gained widespread popularity, and he released a self-titled cassette album in 1989.

Quarmby regularly played at the Currency Creek Winery and appeared with other artists like Trevor Warner and Kelly's Revenge Bush Band in a country music event at the Mount Barker Show in 1990. Beyond music, Quarmby has been a horticulturalist for many years, working alongside his wife Gayle on bush tucker projects. 

SINGLES
''The Far Outback / Someday The Sun'' 1973 CBS
''Whatever The Moment Requires / Misty Morning'' 1981 RCA

ALBUMS
'Visions' 1973 CBS 
'It’s Nothing You Could Ever Hang a Name On' 1977 EMS
'Misty Morning' 1981 RCA 
'Mike Quarmby' 1989

FREE MOVING CURTIS

 

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

ALBUMS
'Free' 1996 Hippy Knight Records

SNOW LEOPARDS

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

 

Mick Antonio was born in 1920 in Smythesdale, Victoria, about 20 kilometers southwest of Ballarat. Growing up with six sisters and three brothers, he started out as a boy soprano in school choirs but switched to hillbilly music and yodeling at 15 after teaching himself guitar. He joined the army in 1940, serving until 1946 and performing in Army entertainment shows. In 1947, he moved to Sydney to audition for EMI, but touring before recording wasn’t possible with a young family, so he returned to Ballarat. Mick went on to represent Ballarat in Top Town contests, win the Roy Rodgers Hillbilly Contest of Victoria, place second in Australia’s Amateur Hour, and become a semi-finalist in Swallow Parade and later in Australia’s Amateur Hour again. He won the Midlands of Victoria Hillbilly Championship in 1956, hosted his own sponsored radio session on 3CV, and raised £2,000 for charity through popularity votes. Performing across Central Victoria, he wrote many of his songs and recorded with Planet, W&G, and Crest International. His track ''Can I Sleep In Your Barn'' appeared on the compilation 'Country & Western, Volume 3' in 1967. Honored with induction into Tamworth’s Hands of Fame in 2008, Mick died in 2009.

EPs
'Yodelling Album' 1960 Planet
'Mick Antonio' 1964 W&G

'Mick Antonio Volume 2' 1965 W&G

ALBUMS
'Love Knot In My Lariat' 1977 Crest International 

DUO MORENO

Cesare and Sandro Scartozzi, the brothers who made up Duo Moreno, started their group in Rome in the mid-1950s. In 1958, Hollywood arrived in Rome to film the epic Ben Hur. Back then, there was no CGI, so everything was done on a massive scale, including hiring thousands of extras. At 21 and 19, Sandro and Cesare landed roles as extras in three scenes, most famously the chariot race. In 1960, they headed to Australia for an 18-month gig performing Italian and Mediterranean music at the Royal Hayman Hotel on Hayman Island, owned by Sir Reginald Ansett. When their contract ended, they decided to make Australia home, finding success on TV and playing at top 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 grew into a quartet by adding saxophonist/drummer Euro Sabatini and guitarist Mimmo Fornaro, both hailing from Italy. They later signed with the W&G label, releasing numerous singles and albums over a decade as their popularity soared within the Italian community. After Fornaro’s departure, they became a combo with guitarist Nello Giansiracusa, bassist Renato Buzari, and percussionist Maurice Souery joining the lineup. They put out 'The New Sound of the Duo Moreno Combo' and 'Midnight at Le Chateau.' That same year, they purchased property in Melbourne’s Kilsyth suburb, establishing The Villa Borghese as their own venue, which became the heart of their thriving restaurant and entertainment business. In 1977, they expanded it to include Capriccio’s 77, complete with a colorful glass dance floor. Duo Moreno’s recordings reflected their versatility, spanning Latin American rhythms, contemporary pop hits, and Italian classics. They were also accomplished 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

 

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)

SINGLES
''Pounding Grace / Grubby Supper'' 1990

EPs

'Johnny Panic' 1990 Ratllesnake

ALBUMS
'Knock Me Your Lobes' 1988 

CLIFF PORTWOOD

 

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 

EPs

'I Never Said Goodbye' Jay Records

ALBUMS
'Love Portraits' 1970 Crest 
'By Request Here's Cliff Portwood' 1975 Hammard 
'Two Sides Of' 1977 Hammard 

KENNY KITCHING

 

Kenneth James Kitching, born in Auburn, NSW in 1932, is a talented 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, where he met American jazz steel guitarist Buddy Emmons, who was touring with Roger Miller. Kenny purchased a double-neck 10 Emmons pedal steel guitar from Buddy. 

Around this time, he recorded over 250 tracks for various artists. He was also a permanent band member on the national TV show Travlin’ Out West with host John Williamson, regulars Ricky & Tammy, and his future wife Emma Hannah. In 1974, he released his first single on the Apogee label, ''Here Comes the Dobro / Hands of Steel'', both his own compositions. In 1978, he traveled to Nashville to record the album 'Sydney To Nashville', released on US label Mid-Land Records. In 1985, he released 'In The Hawaiian Mood', an album filled with Hawaiian melodies close to his heart. A renowned dobro (lap steel resonator guitar) player, he contributed to countless Australian recordings, enjoyed a 19-year recording association with Slim Dusty, and worked with 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