Rock band the Fendermen was formed in Melbourne in 1961 with drummer Frank Burns (Ronnie Burns older brother), bassist Ray Houston and guitarists Frank Brent and John Cosgrove. Houston, Brent and Cosgrove had all been members of The Bluejays that recorded on the Crest label. The Fendermen gigged at lots of Melbourne venues, packing out dance floors at places like Legget’s Palladium in Prahran, the Orama Ballroom in Footscray.and the Palais de Dance at St.Kilda.
The Fendermen also had a residency on popular television show, In Melbourne Tonight, where the pressure was on. Frank Burns recalls ''IMT was filmed at Channel Nine in Bendigo Street in Richmond and was hosted by Graham Kennedy. If that wasn't enough, I spotted Billy Hyde sitting in the wings on our first night. Needless to say, it added a bit of pressure, as we were on air. I just put my head down and played. I knew Billy very well.'' Ray Houston left the band in 1967 and joined Grandma’s Tonic. In 1968 the Fendermen moved to a long running residency at the Dorset Gardens working with and supporting a long list of international acts.
In 1970 they backed Merv Benton on his final recordings for W&G after recovering from his throat problems. The album had a country flavour and was released as 'Great Country Songs (Movin' On)'. This is a now something of a rarity, but several tracks were included on the Canetoad CD compilation 'Great Shakin' Fever'. Sometime in the 70s Burns departed and was replaced by Gordon Pendleton. The band cut one EP in 1974, 'Dorset Gardens Present The Fendermen' on the Cumquat label and then disbanded. The original band reunited for a one-off gig in 2011 to celebrate 50 years since they were formed. John Cosgrove died in 2024.
Members
John Cosgrove (vocals/guitar), Ray Houston (bass), Frank Brent (vocals/guitar), Frank Burns (drums), Gavin Grace (bass), Gordon Pendleton (drums)
'Dorset Gardens Presents The Fendermen' 1974 Cumquat
Nice article on the Fendermen, but the fact is that Ray Houston actually left the group prior to them taking up Residency at the Dorset Gardens Hotel. Ray is currently playing with Honey B and the Stingers.
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DeleteWhen I knew them at the Dorset Gardens Rex Harris was a member of the band.
ReplyDeleteI worked at the Dorset Gardens from 1968 till 1979. During this time The Fendermen played every thursday, friday, saturday & sunday for several years. They provided backing for dozens of floorshow artists from Australia and overseas.
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