MARK IV

The band began as The Zebecs (1964-1966), performing cover versions with the original lineup of: John Crook (guitar), John Tower (bass), Howard Smith (guitar) and Alan Scupham (drums). In 1966, John Crook was called up for national service and was replaced by Harry Allen. Around this time the group changed its name to The Mark IV. Shortly afterward, Murray Grieve joined on keyboards, expanding the band to a five-piece lineup. In 1967, Harry Allen departed and was replaced by Albany guitarist John Lemin. By then, the band had become a fully professional outfit and quickly established itself as one of Perth's leading pub and club bands.

Several lineup changes followed. Ken Jackson replaced Alan Scupham on drums, while Geoff McAullay took over bass duties from John Tower. In 1968, after a dispute with their management and booking agency, The Mark IV were effectively blacklisted in Perth. Through Ken Jackson's contacts, the band secured a three-month engagement at the Albion Hotel in Kalgoorlie. During this period, Howard Smith, the last remaining original member, left the group and was not replaced. Returning to Perth as a tight four-piece, the group was welcomed back by local agencies and was immediately booked to perform at the opening of the Waldorf. Their success continued, and in 1969 Kevin Smith, formerly of Melbourne's The Cherokees, joined the band.

In May 1969, Ken Jackson left to pursue a radio career and was replaced by Cliff Toll (ex-Ray Hoff and The Offbeats). Soon afterward, The Mark IV won the Western Australian Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds and traveled to Sydney for the national final. Although they won the Best Vocal Group category, they were officially awarded second place overall, with The Affair taking the national title. While in Sydney, the band recorded the single "Groove With What You Got / It's For You" on the Spin label. They later supported Elton John during his 1971 Perth tour.

The Mark IV continued professionally until 1972, when they released a second single, "Let This Life Mean Something To Me / Gonna Get Hung", on Martin Clarke's Clarion label. After the record failed to gain significant attention, the band scaled back to part-time status, with newcomers Alan Lyford (bass) and Basil Vdelli (keyboards) joining the lineup.The band's final reunion performance took place in 1980 at Pinocchio's Night Club. John Lemin later pursued a solo career during the 1980s. Murray Grieve died in 2008. Howard Smith died in 2015. John Tower died in 2024. Cliff Toll died in 2025. Basil Vdelli died in 2025. Kevin Smith died in 2026.

Members

Harry Allen (guitar), Howard Smith (guitar vocals), John Tower (bass), Alan Scupham (drums), Murray Greive (keyboards), John Lemin (guitar), Ken Jackson (drums), Geoff McAullay (bass), Kevin Smith (vocals), Alan Lyford (bass), Basil Vdelli (keyboards), Cliff Toll (drums), Greg Wynne (bass), Jamie Rigg (keyboards), Paul Ewing (keyboards), Brendon Fosdyke (guitar), Phil Rigg (bass), Alan Pithers (keyboards), Kenny Barker (bass), George Janecki (guitar), 

SINGLES

''Groove With What You Got (#87) / It's For You'' 1969 Spin
''Let This Life Mean Something To Me / Gonna Get Hung'' 1972 MCR