The band got its start in Perth, Western Australia, in the early 1960s with Jimmy Lee on bass, Lloyd Abeysekera on piano, Peter Bull on rhythm guitar, John Lemin on lead guitar, and Peter Hannan on drums. Over their 40-year run, they went through plenty of lineup changes, with many talented musicians joining along the way. Famous for their style, sound, and harmonies, they became staples of the nightclub scene, playing venues like West End, Top Hat, Chequers, Two Eyes, Pinocchios, and the Waldorf. In 1964, John Parker took over drums from Peter Hannan, Rick Selby stepped in for John Lemin, and Peter Nell became a permanent member, replacing Peter Bull.
In 1965, they opened for The Rolling Stones in Perth. The following year, drummer John Parker left and was replaced by John Gotch. Soon after, Peter Bull rejoined the band, this time as their drummer instead of guitarist. In 1969, they traveled to Singapore with singer Lynne Mather, playing at venues like The Kelong at The Cathay Hotel and The Moonshine Nite Club at the Ocean Beach Hotel, where they also recorded a three-track single on the local Life label. The line-up for that first Singapore trip featured Peter Bull (drums, vocals), Lynne Mather (vocals), Rex Bullen (keyboards, guitar), Rick Selby (guitar, vocals), and Graham Flintoff (bass, vocals). In 1971, they returned to Singapore for another six-month residency, this time with Peter Bull (drums, vocals), Peter Andersen (vocals, saxophone), Bill Blissett (keyboards, vocals), Rick Selby (lead guitar, vocals), and Doug Wilkinson (bass, vocals).
In the 1960s, they recorded with the Clarion label before switching to M7 in the 1970s. In 1973, they made history by performing the first live TV show from the Sydney Opera House with Barry Crocker and Normie Rowe. Later in the decade, they moved to the Gold Coast, becoming a hit at spots like The Playroom and the Surfers Paradise Beer Garden. By the late ’70s, some members headed back to Western Australia, and in 1999, the band reunited with their classic 1974 lineup. Over the years, they have lost several members: Rex Bullen in 1983, John Hossen in 2007, Doug Wilkinson in 2010, Peter Bull in 2014, Lloyd Abeysekera in 2017, and Bill Blissett in 2022.
Members
Jimmy Lee (vocals/bass) John Parker (drums) Rick Selby (guitar), Lloyd Abeysekara (vocals/keyboard), Peter Nell (vocals/guitar), Peter Bull (guitar/drums), Rick Vandam (bass), John Gotch (drums), John Lemin (guitar), Doug Wilkinson (bass), Peter Hannan (drums) Graham Flintoff (bass), Rex Bullen (keyboard), Peter Anderson (vocals/sax/guitar), Peter Slatter (bass), Gary Howard (drums), Bill Blissett (keyboard), Al McOwart (guitar), John Hossen (sax), Kenny Walther (vocals/keyboards), Bev Harrell (vocals), Bruce Coleman (vocals/keyboards), Lynne Mather (vocals)
SINGLES
''Near To Me / Big Boat (#76)'' 1967 Clarion''Come Home, Baby/ Little Boat'' 1968 Clarion
''Sing A Song / Roberta'' 1973 M7
''By The Devil (I Was Tempted) (#49) / The Collector'' 1973 M7
ALBUMS
'Playroom' 1975 Wheel
References
http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/
I am trying to locate John Hossen, old Norwood Boys Technical High School days
ReplyDeleteand last seen when Troupadores played in Adelaide in the late 80's or early 90's
I went to school with John.
Fred Hiscock
John Hossen died from heart failure in 2007.
Deleteunfortunately and sadly John,a good friend, passed away a few years ago. I Have
ReplyDeletebeen a friend of all Troupadores members for many years. John was one of the best. Especially on sax and his theme song, I'm Just A Gigalo!
What is the name of the Troubadore second form the righat end. Sue
ReplyDeleteRick Selby
DeleteThe name of the Troubadore second from right in the black and white photo above.
ReplyDeletei think who ever wrote this should get the fact's right. i was the drummer from 1962 to 68. john gotch
ReplyDeleteFrom my notes you replaced John Parker in 1966.
DeleteWas there any dave wilson in or filling in for troupadores? 60s-70s? Maori fella
ReplyDelete