BREAKAWAY

Breakaway, a Perth band formed in the late 60s, originally featured Peter Robbins on vocals, Ernie Rampellini on guitar, Joe Coci on keyboards, Eddy Podgorny on bass, and David Waters on drums. They became popular on the local pub scene and built a solid following. In 1970, Paul Musson (ex-Bacchus) produced their first single, ''Ra Ta Ta Ta'', on the Tasmanian label Van Diemen. By 1974, Podgorny and Rampellini were replaced by Ray Van Ross (ex-Bazaar) and John Lemin (ex-The Troupadors), and soon after, Reg Carson took over from Robbins. The band moved to the east coast, joined Ivan Dayman’s Swinger Circuit, and signed to his Sunshine label, releasing ''God Give Us Strength / I Don’t Know Why'' and ''Love / Country Boy''. Robbins returned to sing on ''God Give Us Strength'', but neither single charted, prompting their return to Perth in late 1975. In 1976, they released ''My Girl / Gold'' on the Indigo label and appeared on ABC’s Countdown, yet success eluded them. After more lineup changes and another east coast tour, they disbanded in 1978.

Members

Peter Robbins (vocals), Ernie Rampellini (guitar), Joe Coci (keyboards), Eddy Podgorny (bass), David Walters (drums), Ray Van Ross (vocals/bass), John Lemin (guitar), Reg Carson (vocals), Dennis Broad (vocals), Steve Ramm (bass), Bob Anderson (bass), Ray Wood (drums), Peter Nelson (guitar), Paul Reynolds (bass), Richard McDonald (keyboards), Dave Dunn (drums)

SINGLES
''Ra Ta-Ta-Ta / Serenade To Last Night's Dream'' 1971 Van Dieman
''God Give Us Strength / I Don't Know Why'' 1974 Sunshine
''Love / Country Boy'' 1974 Sunshine

''My Girl / Gold'' 1976 Indigo