The Nightbeats were a Canberra band established in the early 60s. Vocalist Robert Beattie started out singing folk songs at the Methodist Fellowship Centre when in 1964/65 The Nightbeats asked him to join the band as original singer Bruce McEwan was leaving. After about a year or so they travelled to Sydney and recorded four tracks at EMI on the strength of the song ''What's In A Name'' that was sent to them prior by John Kerr the local DJ at 2CA. Incidentally The Easybeats had been recording on the same day in another studio.
''What's In A Name / Gwenda'' was released on Columbia in 1966 with both sides being written by Beattie. The band promoted the song ''What's In A Name'' at 2UE studios and at the Royal Easter Show and it did get some airplay in Sydney. The single didn't chart but they managed to sell a couple of thousand copies. On the local scene they gigged around the usual traps which included a residency at HMAS Harman (a naval base in the Canberra suburb of Harman) every Friday night. ''What's In A Name'' eventually found its way on to the compilation album, 'Groovy Down Under (OZ 60's Psychedelic Pop And Beat)' released in 2018 on Blue Fogg Records.
Members
Robert Beattie (vocals), Frank Pangallo (guitar), Lou Cerviatty (guitar), Stan Novak (drums), Arthur Cox (bass), Bruce McEwan (vocals)
SINGLES ''What's In A Name / Gwenda'' 1966 Columbia ''When I'm With You / Love At First Sight'' 1966 Columbia (promo only)
Melbourne band that toured Perth in 1968. Having realized that the city would become a good money-spinner for them they decided to reside there permanently. The band was popular on the local scene appearing regularly at Perth's top venues: Troubadour, Pinocchio's, Top Hat and Top Of The Town. The added local singer Terry Wilson whose tenure was short lived when he moved to Sydney to become one of the cast members for the rock musical Hair. Swingshift would back big-name artists like Johnny O'Keefe when they came to town. Jazz vocalist Joy Mulligan joined the band in 1969, and they signed on to Martin Clarke's Clarion label where they released a single and EP.
They eventually moved to Sydney via Melbourne and cut one last single in 1971. The B side ''Leaving Right Away'' sees the band at its most funky. Unfortunately, they ran out of gas and disbanded not long after. Guitarist John Neeme went on to teach arranging and improvisation at the jazz department of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Joy Mulligan also remained in Sydney, where she was contracted to do her own weekly series of radio shows on the ABC, as well as guesting on television programs, such as The Don Burrows Collection on the ABC, The Midday Show etc. Joy died in 2018.
Members
Joy Mulligan (vocals), John Sullivan (vocals), Terry Wilson (vocals), John Neeme (guitar), Gabor Zentai (guitar), Joe Palozzolo (bass), John Gray (bass), George Neidoff (drums), Brian Kinner (drums), Bruce Devenish (drums), Stewart Garrett (drums), Basil V'delli (keyboards), John Hellings (trumpet)
SINGLES ''Words / Here There And Everywhere'' 1969 Clarion ''Make It, Break It, Take It / Leaving Right Away'' 1971 MCA
Bits of Kids was formed in August 1986 by vocalist/guitarist Don Green (ex-Joyful Killing), guitarist Jed Highton (ex-Moose Effect) and bassist Paul Field (ex-Even As We Speak). Several drummers were trialed throughout the remainder of that year and into early 1987 without any becoming permanent. In March 1987 the band Exserts broke up and Charlie Sammut was recruited as the band's permanent drummer. The band took their name from the single ''Bits Of Kids'' (released in 1982) by Irish punk band Stiff Little Fingers
In July of 1987 the band recorded a single ''Sorry Son / They Say'' on Revolution Records which debuted at #9 on the Sydney alternative music charts and was engineered and produced by Alan Thorne at Trafalgar studios in Annandale, NSW. In March of 1989 a 6-track mini-album 'Taste This!' (also, on Revolution Records) was released, this time produced by ex-Radio Birdman member Rob Younger.
Embracing a ‘Do It Yourself’ punk ethos, the band organised their own gigs, printed posters, filmed videos, self-managed and built up a strong fan following over the time they were active. Some of the venues they played at were the Piccadilly Hotel, Frenchs Tavern and The Palace Hotel. They played on the same bill as The Hellmen, Examplehead, The Hummingbirds, The Johnnys and Roaring Jack plus many other bands.
Despite doing well in the alternative charts, achieving #8 with their single over Christmas 1987, and #5 with their mini-album in mid-1989 - as well as video coverage on Rage, Video Hits and SBS The Noise, there was no sustained interest from radio, print media or promoters. A self-funded southern Queensland tour to promote the album in July of 1989 did no more for their exposure and after nearly four years of hard gigging around inner Sydney pubs and clubs, they decided to call it a day early in 1990, with members drifting into other projects within and outside of the music industry.
Members
Don Green (vocals/guitar), Jed Highton (guitar), Paul Field (bass), Charles Sammut (drums)
Bill McCormack was born in Belfast Northern Ireland in 1921. Bill served in the RAF during WWII in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. On his return from the war his popularity soon exploded when Bill sang with dance bands all over the British Isles, appeared at all the Moss and Stool theatres in the UK and was the featured singer in the Charlie Chester TV show Pot Luck. In 1952 Bill achieved great success at London's Victoria Palace with the world-famous Crazy Gang. After three years with them he then appeared with Jimmy Edwards and Tony Hancock and the Royal Adelphia Theatre for a bit over two years. He emigrated to Australia in the late 50s and soon after GTV 9 signed him to run his own show Bill McCormack Sings. The show went for three seasons. After the show finished, he featured regularly on the TV show In Melbourne Tonight. He was a prolific recording artist and released many albums on the Galaxy, Astor and W&G labels. Bill McCormack also dabbled in acting appearing in a couple of episodes of Division 4. Bill McCormack died in 1976.
SINGLES ''I Want You For Christmas / Silent Night'' 1958 Galaxy ''She Wears My Ring / You're Breaking My Heart'' 1961 Astor ''The Way Of Love / Fascination'' 1972 W & G
EPs
'She Wears My Ring' 1960 Astor
'To Mother' [with Dorothy Baker] 1965 Golden Fleece
'Bill McCormack Sings The Big Ones' 1965 W&G 'Bill McCormack Sings Hymns Of All Churches' W&G 1966 'Christmas Time' [with Lenore Somerset] 1966 W&G 'Irish Favourites' 1970 W&G 'There's A Little Bit Of Irish In Everyones Heart' 1971 W&G 'Fascination' 1972 W&G '20 Golden Family Favourites' 1976 W&G
Bill Mullin also known as ''Buffalo'' Bill Mullin was born in Launceston, Tasmania. Mullin grew up in Wonthaggi and started his singing career in the mid 1950s. Coming from a family of singers Bill was always the soloist and would travel to Shepperton to record items for Neville Pelitt's Harmony Trail Show on 3SR. His recording career started when he cut an EP 'Stolen Moments' on the Telefil label located in Melbourne. This is now one of the rarest records in Australia. Pellit eventually got Mullin signed to W&G and he would release two EPs and an album. He hosted a program on 3HA Hamilton and was inducted into the Hands of Fame, Tamworth in 1987.
EPs 'Stolen Moments' Telefil 'All Time Favourites' 1962 W&G 'The Starliners Meet Bill Mullin' 1963 W&G
ALBUMS 'Hank Snow And Melody Ranch Favourites' 1964 W&G
Synth pop band My Three Sons were formed in Brisbane. Guitarist Nigel Kimber had played with The Lemmings in the late 70s, early 80s. The Lemmings were one of Brisbane's busiest bands who supported The Ramones at Festival Hall and The Vapours at Cloudland. Bassist Anthony Childs had been with punk rock and new wave band Zero/Xero. My Three Sons signed a management/publishing contract with Lance Reynolds from LA and spent more than a year negotiating a record contract with Bigtime Records from the USA. They released a single and an album 'Wages of Sin' which was recorded at Livingstone Studios in London in 1987 and produced by Peter Wilson (who also produced Paul Weller's albums).
Members
Nigel Kimber (guitar), Anthony Childs (bass), Shane Williams (keyboards), Gerard Reynolds (vocals), Robert Crawford (drums)
The Psychotic Turnbuckles were formed in Sydney in 1984 as part of a wave of hard rock bands that sprang up in Australia in the first half of the 1980s with roots in the US 1960s punk and 1970s big-energy Detroit rock scenes. The band were professional wrestlers who re-located from Pismo Beach in California after being banned by the Pismo Beach Wrestling Alliance. Founding members were Jesse the Intruder [Colin Caldwell] on lead vocals, The Creep on bass guitar and vocals, The Grand Wizard [Vince Cuscana] on guitar, The Spoiler [Craig Holmes] on drums and El Sicodelico [Jay Younie] on guitar. Their influences were the 13th Floor Elevators, Radio Birdman, the Moving Sidewalks, the Masters Apprentices, the Sonics and the Aztecs.
The Psychotic Turnbuckles released two singles on Vi-nil Records, "The Creeps" and "Psychotic Situation" while the latter had been co-written by The Intruder and The Grand Wizard for another band, band, Conspirators. Australian musicologist Ian McFarlane described these singles as "primitive slices of buzzing R&B/garagemania" with "authentic 1960s sound and sheer acid-guitar firepower". In 1986 they appeared on Network 10's TV talent show Star Search, performing "The Creeps".
Their debut EP of six tracks, 'Destroy Dull City', followed in August 1986 via Rattlesnake Records, which was produced by Rob Younger (Died Pretty, Lime Spiders, the Stems). The Music's Michael Smith referred to the band's "mythical" origin story. According to 'Destroy Dull City's' liner notes the members were former professional American wrestlers who re-located to Australia by 1982 from Pismo Beach, California, after banishment from Pismo Beach Wrestling Alliance by promoter Sammy Duke. Their publicity described "a nuclear accident during the band's daily surf which turned their hair psychedelic green and purple. They now drink Turnbuckle Tonic to keep it that way."
The Canberra Times' Lisa Wallace described their next EP, 'Go Go Gorilla' (1987), as "throwbacks from a bad '60s acid trip which made me smile... Be different, be daring." In that year the group were in an episode of comedy TV series, Willing and Abel performing a non-released track, "Your Face is Driving Me Insane".
The Psychotic Turnbuckles' first studio album, 'Beyond The Flip-Out' (October 1987), was recorded in March with The Creep leaving before it was released. He was replaced on bass guitar by The Psychedelic Unknown/The Unknown. The Sledgehammer [Bud Slater] replaced El Sicodelico on guitar later that year, who was replaced in turn by Kid Sunshine in 1988. Psychotic Turnbuckles were a regular attraction on the Sydney live music circuit and shared stages with the Troggs, the Hitmen, Dark Carnival, Beasts of Bourbon and the Screaming Tribesmen. They regularly worked as the house band at the Petersham Inn, Sydney, which ran The Pismo Bar, in their honour. Their single, "Good Times Outweigh the Bad Times" (1988), was reviewed by Wallace's colleague Kathryn Whitfield, "these boys have attempted to not only hide their identities, but also any inkling of talent... 60s-flavoured thrash rock that makes a lot of noise about nothing". Gorgeous Lord Karl Domah replaced The Spoiler on drums.
The line-up of The Intruder, The Unknown, The Grand Wizard and Gorgeous Lord Karl Domah recorded the band's second studio album, 'Pharaohs Of The Far Out (1989). The disc was produced by Johnny Kannis (ex-the Hitmen). The same line-up issued an EP, 'Lunar Chik' (1989). Two members of touring US band Guns and Roses, Duff McKagan and Slash, attended a 1992 show by the band at the Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney.
Psychotic Turnbuckles released their next studio album, 'Figure Four Brain Trance' (October 1993) via Shagpile/Shock. Late in 1994 The Unknown was replaced on bass guitar by Chuck the Rock and the group issued a compilation album, 'Ride The Wild Sounds' (1994), before disbanding. The band existed for a decade and had signed to US label Sympathy for the Record Industry as well as several Australian imprints. The band eventually dissolved as members moved back to the US in the early 1990s. In June 1997 the line-up of The Intruder, The Grand Wizard, The Unknown (on guitar), Chuck the Rock (on bass guitar) and Karl Domah reformed for a one-off gig, where they provided a giveaway EP, 'Louder Than Distortion' (1997).
Supposedly inspired by a fan's social media page, the line-up of Jesse the Intruder, The Grand Wizard, The Unknown and Karl Domah reunited in Sydney in December 2012. Encouraged by their audience's reaction, they signed to Citadel and issued a retrospective 2× CD compilation album, 'Destroy Dull City' (2013). The collection includes the EP of the same name, their first studio album, previously unreleased demos, out-takes and their singles.The band played shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The Psychotic Turnbuckles have performed sporadically since then and toured Japan in 2023, including an appearance at the Tokyo Halloween Ball. The band is undertaking an Australian tour "40 Years Undefeated" in 2024 to mark their fourth decade. The Spoiler died in 2013.
Members
Jesse the Intruder [Colin Caldwell] (vocals), The Creep (bass), The Grand Wizard [Vince Cuscana] (guitar), The Spoiler [Craig Holmes] (drums), El Sicodelico [Jay Younie] (guitar), The Psychedelic Unknown/The Unknown (bass), The Sledgehammer [Bud Slater] (guitar), Kid Sunshine (guitar), Mr Ultimate (drums), Gorgeous Lord Karl Domah (drums), Chuck the Rock (bass), Solomon Grande (guitar), Buddy "Bam Bam" Balam the Brooklyn Bruiser (drums), Count Forza (guitars), The Infliktor (bass)
SINGLES ''The Creeps / Energy'' 1985 Vi-nil ''Psychotic Situation / The Crusher'' 1985 Vi-nil ''The Good Times (Outweigh The Bad Times) / Sudan Butcher'' 1989 Rattlesnake ''Rock 'n' Roll Terrorist / Hero Mountain'' 1990 Shock ''She's Afraid To Love Me / Slow Death - Live / High Energy - Live'' 1992 Shagpile
EPs 'Destroy Dull-City' 1986 Rattlesnake 'Go-Go Gorilla' 1987 Rattlesnake 'The Louder Than Distortion E.P' 1987 'Lunar Chik' 1989 Rattlesnake 'She's Afraid to Love Me' 1992 Shagpile 'You Hurt My Head' 2013
ALBUMS 'Beyond The Flip-out' 1987 Rattlesnake 'Pharaohs Of The Far Out 1989 Rattlesnake Figure Four Brain Trance 1993 Shagpile
The Sharades were a short-lived band formed in Melbourne in 1967. The band released one single on the Scope label. The A side was a cover of The Young Rascals ''What Is The Reason'' with Bob Dylan's ''Love Minus Zero'' on the flipside. Clive Mitchell stated '' the reason we did a cover version of What is The Reason by The Young Rascals is that we dig their music so much that we thought it would be a good number to record''. The band played at all the major city venues. After they disbanded Tony Enery would turn up in The Perfection and later played on boogie band Carson's single ''Resting Place'' recorded in 1970. As far as the other members go, I have no idea.
Members
Clive Mitchell (vocals/guitar), Bruce Bacon (guitar), Norm Young (drums), Tony Enery (keyboards), Frank Morgan (bass)
SINGLES ''What Is The Reason / Love Minus Zero'' 1967 Scope
Pauline and Jennifer Gottani were born in Ingham in North QLD. Both sisters learned to play instruments quite young with Pauline on guitar and Jennifer on guitar and banjo. Playing at home in Rollingstone (54ks north of Townsville), a small farming community in North QLD, their hobby began to take a hold. The sisters naturally started singing together, with Jennifer slipping into harmony and picking instrumental breaks on the banjo. They mostly played country, with a few ABBA songs thrown into the mix. In the late 1970s their dad Emilio and mum Fay began prepping them with musical equipment and matching stage costumes and they began competing in talent quests, at eisteddfods, fetes and community events.
Their first public performance was at the Rollingstone Hotel, which led to them supporting touring acts including Slim Dusty, Reg Poole, Terry Gordon, Lee Conway and Bullamakanka. In 1981 they represented Australia in the Seagrams 7 International Battle of the Bands in Nashville, TN where they met George Jones, Lee Greenwood and Buck Owens. Their first album 'By Request' was released in 1981 (the first produced in Townsville, QLD by SKL Recordings). This sold out quickly, being played on the radio and the girls were rewarded with life membership of the Townsville CM Club.
In 1983 they moved to Brisbane and performed at one of the very early Webb Bros Music Musters in Gympie, alongside Aussie greats John Williamson and Eric Bogle. At Twin Towns RSL, they supported international acts including Johnny Cash, Des O’Connor and Gene Pitney. They won the Best Group/Duo and Bluegrass sections in the QLD CM Awards at Ipswich. Eventually they moved to Sydney and released their second album 'Drops of Water' on Nev Nicholls’ label, Nicholls ’N Dimes, with RCA.
They joined Slim Dusty for part of his Bicentennial Tour, including the official opening of the Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach, QLD. They then represented Australia at Fan Fair in Nashville, TN performing on the International Showcase and introduced on stage by George Jones in front of 25,000 fans. They performed three songs, backed by the Jordanaires (Elvis Presley’s backing singers) and shared the stage with Lynn Anderson. They received a standing ovation. A Nashville newspaper declared their act a standout of the event. They made two appearances on Ernest Tubb’s Midnight Jamboree on WSM Radio, being introduced by Grandpa Jones. They also met Little Jimmy Dickens at this show.
Their third album, 'The Gottani Sisters' was released in 1989. They returned to Nashville to appear on TNN’S TV show, You Can Be A Star, hosted by Jim Ed Brown. They placed second, appearing on the show four times, but had to regretfully decline the opportunity to tour with Jim Ed Brown due to commitments back home in Australia. Based in Sydney, they toured extensively throughout Australia. In 1990 they released a single ''Love Won't Ever Get Better Than This / Down By The River'' on the Sundown label with Owen Blundell. In 1992 they relocated to the USA and performed throughout the country. Living in Nashville, then Oklahoma, they moved to Branson, Missouri performing in several musical theatres. For the next three years they worked with Janie Fricke at the Charley Pride Theatre, then toured the USA with her, getting the chance to meet and perform with Don Williams, Jerry Reed and George Jones. They eventually moved back to Australia and in 2019 were inducted into the Australian CM Wall of Honour at LBS Studios, Tamworth and the following year inducted in the Hands of Fame, Tamworth. They are still out there performing.
SINGLES ''Love Won't Ever Get Better Than This / Down By The River'' [with Owen Blundell] 1990 Sundown
ALBUMS 'By Request' 1981 Reverse Records 'Drops Of Water' 1986 Nicholls N' Dimes
Baritone singer Bill Newman was born in the Victorian regional town of Horsham on June 15th, 1934. He began singing in the church choir whilst studying singing in his youth and worked as a car salesman. As a young man, international operatic star Marjorie Lawrence heard Bill sing and had him trained by her teacher in Melbourne. Later an audition for theatrical impresario J.C.Williamsons won him a tour with the musical South Pacific in which he played several parts and understudied the lead. The engagement won Bill Newman the juvenile lead in Paint Your Wagon followed by the leading role in Can Can in which he toured Australia and New Zealand plus a further two-year tour playing Sid in The Pyjama Game.
In 1959 Newman journeyed to England where he auditioned and was accepted for BBC Television. He sang leading roles in two of the Men Behind The Music series. Other programmes he was heard regularly on whilst in the UK were Tuesday Tunetime, Midday Melody Hour, Showtime and At Your Request. After singing in centres around Europe Newman received an offer to return to Australia and star in Bobby Limb's long running television show The Sound Of Music. In addition to his TV duties Newman compared an ABC radio program called We Sing Your Songs during this time.
In 1964 he won a Logie for Best Male Singer On A TV Show. Newman became one of the best-known faces in the entertainment scene and made over 100 appearances on The Sound Of Music. Newman signed with Festival and recorded his first single, ''The World Is Full Of Wonderful Things'' in 1965. His recording output continued until the late 70s with the release of a number of albums.
SINGLES ''The World Is Full Of Wonderful Things / What Kind Of Fool Am I'' 1965 Festival ''They Call The Wind Maria / House Of The Rising Sun'' 1976 Bunyip
EPs
'The World Is Full Of Wonderful Things' 1966 Festival 'Juanita' [with Darryl Stewart] 1967 Festival
ALBUMS
'Christmas Magic' 1965 Universal 'A T.V. Request Programme' 1965 Festival Records 'Granada - A Dorothy Dodd Songbook' 1966 Calendar 'Bill Newman Premiere' 1968 Calendar 'The God Be The Glory' 1969 Festival 'Request Time' 1972 Summit 'Sings For His Friends' 1975 Bunyip '20 Duet & Solo Favourites' 1976 [with Rosalind Keene] Dyna House
The Naked Lunch formed in the mid 80s with Mike Corcoran on vocals, Anthony Gibson on guitar (ex-Howling Commandos), Tony Robertson on bass and Gary Cross on drums. Robertson had been a member of The Hitmen. They specialised in garage rock. The band enthralled audiences with their exciting shows and contagious enthusiasm, all thanks to their raw and gritty sound. In 1986 they recorded their first single ''Little Too Late / Teenage Blues'' on the Waterfront label. Steve Beves replaced Corcoran on vocals for their next outing an EP 'Things Grow' released in 1988. The band ended due to member commitments to various other bands.
More than three decades later they released their first album 'The Naked Lunch' to excellent reviews. The lineup was Tony Gibson (guitar), Tony Robertson (bass), Murray Shepherd (drums) and Steve Beves (guitar/vocals). They recorded their second album 'Real Gone' in 2022. Triple J summed up the album: The edgy guitar riffs, thumping drumming, and soulful vocals that inspire a sense of revolt and longing are what define their music. Punk, blues, and psychedelic rock are all expertly combined by the band to create a distinctive sound that makes them stand out from the competition. Their songs explore topics of love, sorrow, and the difficulties of daily life. They are brimming with unadulterated emotion and thoughtful lyrics.
Members
Mike Corcoran (vocals), Anthony Gibson (guitar), Tony Robertson (bass), Gary Cross (drums),
Murray Shepherd (drums), Steve Beves (guitar/vocals)
SINGLES ''Little Too Late / Teenage Blues'' 1986 Waterfront
The Perfection was formed in Melbourne in the late 60s. Vocalist Bob Pritchard was already well known to teenybopper audiences as he was a member of pop show Kommotion screened on Channel 0. The rest of the band was guitarist Joe Murdock, bassist Chris Pitch (ex-The Cruisers), drummer Bill Thomson, keyboardist Tony Enery and guitarist Ron Dent (ex-The Cruisers). The group aimed for older audiences at various venues around the city. Signed to the Astor label their first single was ''Pretty Girl / Three Rooms And Running Water''. The A side was written by talented songwriter Philip Quirk from The Last Straws.
In 1968 the band went through a massive lineup change. The band now consisted of Bob Pritchard on vocals, John Wilkman on organ (ex-Grantley Dee's Hurricanes), John Vallins on bass (ex-The Kinetics), Mal Nicholls on lead guitar (ex-Gingerbreadmen) and Ian Manzie on drums (ex-Kinetics). Coinciding with the lineup change the band changed managers. Dennis Smith ex producer of The Go!! Show was also responsible for Johnny Young's huge success. This lineup travelled to Perth and when they returned continued on where they left off, however, by 1970 the only original member was Pritchard. Tony Enery had played on boogie band Carson's single ''Resting Place'' recorded in 1970. The new lineup was now Martyn Sullivan on bass, Lynn Rich on drums, (who had been the Musical Director at the Lido), Mike McGuire (ex-The Harts, The Cherokees) on guitar and keyboard player Jill Batten who incidentally had been a ballerina with the Melbourne Ballet Company.
The band left for QLD on a four-month tour and then worked on a cruise ship to Fiji before making the move to Sydney. Again, Pritchard's focus in Sydney was to play to a more mature audience which included private social functions. They cut a single on the du Monde label. The A Side was a cover of Cliff Richards hit ''Goodbye Sam, Hello Samantha'' and the B side ''Andrea'' was written by the band's guitarist Milke McGuire. The band continued to work on cruises and around town. It is unknown when they disbanded. Ron Dent has since died.
Members
Bob Pritchard (vocals), Joe Murdock (guitar), Chris Pitch (bass), Bill Thomson (drums), Tony Enery (keyboards), Ron Dent (guitar), Martyn Sullivan (bass), Lynn Rich (drums), Mike McGuire (guitar), Jill Batten (keyboards), John Wilkman (organ), John Vallins (bass), Mal Nicholls (guitar), Ian Manzie (drums).
SINGLES ''Pretty Girl / Three Rooms And Running Water'' 1968 Astor ''Goodbye Sam, Hello Samantha / Andrea'' 1970 du Monde
Adelaide band Just Kidding began as a collaboration between Chris Mills (guitar/vocals) and Steve Phillips (drums) during late 1986. Joined by other core members Bart Bee (bass) and Paul Duldig (keyboards) they became one of the citys most innovative and outstanding bands. Their music developed from raw ska beginnings to a more diverse blend of ska, reggae and funk backed by a dynamic and flexible horn section. Venues they played at were Rox, Limbo's and Club Foote.
The band created its own record label (No Joke) and released two singles and an EP. Following a visit to Adelaide by an associate of Unicorn Records (based in London) the band was offered a place on two European compilation albums. Two tracks from their EP can be heard on Unicorn's 'Skankin' Aound The World Vol II' and 'Planete Ska' on French label Squale Records. In addition, Just Kidding secured a licensing deal with Unicorn for the worldwide release of their 1989 mini album 'Watch The Fires'. They finished up in the 90s.
Members
Chris Mills (guitar/vocals), Steve Phillips (drums), Bart Bee (bass), Paul Duldig (keyboards)
SINGLES ''Why Must We Fight / Makin Time'' 1987 No Joke ''Bite The Bullet / I Don't Understand It'' 1989 No Joke
Vicious Kites was formed in Brisbane in 1984. The lineup was Luke Jacobs (vocals/bass), Nick Patterson (drums), Gerard Lacheca (vocals/guitar) and Nick Volk (guitar). 1985 was a good time for the band. Thier release ''Speaking Minds / Here With You'' saw them get good airplay on 4ZZZ and they got some good support slots with the likes of the Hoodoo Gurus. They got good crowds at their own shows too and were generally thought as on par with band Ups and Downs but with less paisley and a bit more funk. The band relocated to Sydney and recorded their second single ''Taking Care Of You / Another Man's Poison'' on Revolution Records in 1986. The band gigged at many pubs around town like the Mortdale and Hopetoun. Patterson was replaced by Darren Lallich before they recorded 'Sold', a 12″ mini-album. It was released by Faith & Hope records and it included six songs, three on each side. Guitarist Ian Davies joined the band in the late 80s but they didn't last much longer. Gerry Lacheca, Nick Patterson and Luke Jacobs were later in a band called Ne’erdowells and they were based in Brisbane. Founding member Luke Jacobs died in 2019.
Members
Luke Jacobs (vocals/bass), Nick Patterson (drums), Gerard Lacheca (vocals/guitar), Nick Volk (guitar), Darren Lallich (drums), Ian Davies (guitar)
SINGLES ''Speaking Minds / Here With You'' 1985 Offbeat ''Taking Care Of You / Another Man's Poison'' 1986 Revolution
Hard-rocking band U-Turn formed in Sydney in 1976, comprising vocalist Chris Fitzgibbon (who was clearly influenced in the coiffure department by Rod Stewart), guitarists George Steffe and Shane Pacey, bassist Shane Rogers and drummer Geoff Full. During 1977, the band released the ultra-catchy glam-infused single ''Traffic Lights'' and their sole album 'Living In The City' (1977) which spawned a single of the same name. All releases were on the Laser label and produced by Sherbet's producer, Richard Lush. The band appeared on Countdown several times. After they disbanded Shane Pacey would wind up in the legendary Bondi Cigars. As for the others I have no idea.
Members
Chris Fitzgibbon (vocals), George Steffe (guitar), Shane Pacey (guitar), Shane Rogers (bass), Geoff Full (drums)
SINGLES ''Traffic Lights / Long Lost Years'' 1977 Laser ''Living In The City / Do You Remember?'' 1977 Laser
The Blue Beats were formed in Sydney in 1964 and managed by 2GB disc jockey John Melouney (who managed other bands at the time including his nephew's Vince Melouney's band The Vibratones). Led by guitarist Mick Gibbons their brand of R&B was hugely popular wherever they played. They were one of the few bands that were sponsored by an amplifier company that being Moodys. Signed by Festival they released their first single ''She's Coming Home'' in 1965, a cracking garage rocker written by the bands lead singer Wayne Poll. This single is worth a fair bit of money these days. The song has made its way on to many compilations eg 'Ugly Things #2', 'Before Birdman Flew Vol 2' and 'So You You Wanna Be A Rock 'N' Roll Star'.
Their second single ''Dr. Feelgood'' was an excellent cover of the Johnny Kidd and The Pirates track. The band toured all the over the east coast including all the major venues in the capital cities like the Thumping Tum and Biting Eye in Melbourne and the Bowl in Sydney. They supported The Rolling Stones on their 1965 tour. After the band called it quits Brian Patterson joined Tony Worsley's band The Fabulous Blue Jays in 1966. Gibbons was offered the guitar slot in the newly formed Dave Miller Set in 1967 but he didn't last long being replaced by future Blackfeather guitarist John Robinson. Gibbons moved to WA and died in 2015.
Members
Wayne Poll (vocals), Mick Gibbons (guitar), Brian Patterson (guitar), John Peters (drums), Barry Dessaux (bass)
SINGLES
''She's Comin' Home / Let It Be'' 1965 Festival ''Under The Moon Of Love / Dr. Feelgood'' Leedon
Kenny Arnott was born in Horsham, Victoria on June 19th, 1937. On his tenth birthday his Dad gave him his first guitar, and being left-handed he was self-taught. He wrote his first song at 13, titled ''Christian Cowboy''. Kenny was a promising young footballer in his hometown of Horsham, recruited by Horsham’s Seconds. However, he had ended up in hospital due to an accident on the field. He was equally involved in music, which he eventually took up as a career. Kenny’s first public performance was with his father in a prominent local Mouth Organ Band. This built the foundation of his musical career.
On August 4th, 1950, the Horsham Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women Amateur Hour had staged the grand final with 600 people in attendance at the Horsham Theatre. The winner was Max Barlett pulling in 212 votes in the Juvenile section, Kenny (yodelling guitarist) came in second with 211 votes. It was in February 1952; Kenny entered the Horsham Progress Association Amateur Hour where he won the best junior section. At the age of 15, he went to Melbourne to appear on Don Moore’s Hillbilly Hour which was broadcasted from station 3DB. A cousin advised him to leave Horsham and move to Melbourne.
At age 16, Ken left his parent’s home in Henry Street, Horsham in February / March 1954, to pursue a career in entertainment. After leaving home, he conducted his own sessions on 3AK Melbourne on Saturdays, and 3XY every Monday morning. He would also gain a regular engagement at the Savoy Theatre, Melbourne. His first recording for Planet Records was released on a 10inch LP, 'Hillbilly Classics' (December 1954), included standard songs: ''Old Shep'', ''Orphan Boy and his Dog'', ''Missing In Action'', ''Letter Edged in Black'', ''Sweeter Than Flowers'', ''Don’t Make Me Go To Bed'' to name a few. He toured with Gill Brothers Rodeo in 1955 as featured singer, after his first recording.
In 1959 he married Dulcie Cameron (hometown sweetheart). It was after their marriage Ken toured again with Gills Brothers and later with Perry Brother’s Circus. Arnott became involved in the service station industry, eventually running a Mobil Service Station for 12 years. During this time, he recorded a few sides for the Crest label, but due to other commitments eg. the birth of his son Peter, he could not promote them as well as he would have liked. In the early 1970’s he formed a band Country Revue which lasted until 1984, and by the late 1980’s Ken had stopped performing. He returned to his passion of performing in 1995. In 1998 Ken was inducted into the Hands of Fame in Tamworth. Kenny lives in Hervey Bay these days.
SINGLES
''Robbery Under Arms / One Has My Name (The Other Has My Heart)'' 1958 Planet ''Tom Dooley / Pub With One Beer'' 1958 Planet ''The Rebel Johnny Yuma / The Prisoner's Song'' [with The Blue Jays] 1962 Crest
EPs
'Reward' 1956 Planet
'The Singing Wanderer' 1956 Planet
'Here's Kenny' 1957 Planet
'Countrystyle No.1' 1959 Planet
'King Of The Hillbilly's' 1960 Planet
'Christian Cowboy' 1963 Crest
ALBUMS
'Hillbilly Classics' 1955 Planet
'Kenny Arnott Encores' 1958 Planet
References
Australian Pioneers of Country Music - Floreena Promotes Country
In May 1992 their cover version of the Ronettes' "Be My Baby" became a #6 hit on the ARIA Singles Chart. Their debut album, Get Happy, was released on Westside Records/Phonogram in November 1992 and reached #36 on the ARIA Albums Chart. It included "some classic songs from the '60s." Bevan Hannan of The Canberra Times rated the album at 3 out of 10, he felt that it was "Manufactured pop... for aspiring musicians (?) like the Teen Queens, who supposedly have the world at their feet, why would you choose to play the type of material that clapped out rockers use on the RSL club circuit? Get Happy! is a bit like that... it would probably be better to tune in to 2CA, or better still purchase one of the '60s rock box collections. The originals blow away this regurgitated stuff."
The group also provided the vocals for a Coca-Cola TV ad. In July 1992, the Teen Queens appeared on E Street as contestants on a fictitious, in-show dating game, Dream Date. They had further top 40 singles including The Four Tops' "I Can't Help Myself" (#28) in July 1992 and The Paris Sisters' "Love How You Love Me" (#14) in September 1992. The latter track featured on an episode of E Street for the wedding theme for the characters of Toni and CJ. A final single, a cover version of The Shirelles' "Baby It's You" was released in April 1993, which peaked at #91. In June that year they performed the track on TV's Midday show, with backing by the station's Geoff Harvey band. A second album, Get Happy! II', was released in July 1993 before the group disbanded.
The Cutters were formed in Melbourne by Peter Bowman on guitars and vocals (ex-Talk That Walk), Phil Buckle on vocals and guitar, and Geoff Cain on bass guitar. They were joined by Virgil Donati on drums (ex-Cloud Nine, Taste, Peter Cupples Band, the Cosy Connection) and changed their name to The State in 1987. By 1988 the group were signed to Glenn Wheatley's label, Wheatley Bros Records, and released their debut single, "Responsible", in June. It was followed by "Real Love" in October. At the ARIA Music Awards of 1989 they were nominated for Best New Talent for "Real Love". They issued their debut album, 'Elementary', in February 1989. The Age's Mike Daly observed, "there is some polished playing on the album but it is undermined by predictable material. The quartet... produce hi-tech pop dominated by Donati's hard-edged acoustic and synthesised rhythms. Buckle is an accomplished guitarist, a jazz fusion veteran like Donati, which gives this group more chops than most contemporary bands. The opener. 'Responsible', is catchy, while some flashy guitar is unleashed on 'Real Love' and 'One Step', with strong vocal back-up. But the songwriting is superficial and short on melodic hooks."
During 1989 The State supported the Eurythmics Australian tour. According to Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, "their future looked promising, but there was one vital ingredient required to make the push into the big time (i.e. a good frontman and songwriter)." The State members formed Southern Sons with American-born guitarist-vocalist, Jack Jones (a.k.a. Irwin Thomas), in 1989, who became their front man. Jones "had auditioned for the band previously but was considered too young."
Members
Phil Buckle (vocals/guitar), Virgil Donati (drums/keyboards), Geoffrey Cain (bass), Peter Bowman (guitar)
SINGLES
''Responsible / Talk Mean'' 1988 RCA ''Real Love / Not My Life'' 1988 RCA ''So Lonely Now / Your Eyes'' 1989 RCA
The Madmen were formed in Townsville in 1988 with the lineup of Tim Steward (vocals, guitar), Bruce Gardner (guitar, vocals), Tony Blades (drums) and Jeff Johnson (bass). In 1989, Cam Hurst replaced Johnson on bass guitar and Gardner departed. The Madmen toured Queensland numerous times, before relocating to Brisbane in 1989. The band released the following on vinyl: ''Almost Past Caring / That's O.K. With Me'' on grey vinyl (1988), the EP 'Thunderegg' (1989), ''Tower / End Of This Day″ (1989) and ''Cool Kinda Kid / Walking Through the Village'' (1990). Recorded in Brisbane and Townsville studios, these records show a band in its infancy; they sound innocent, naive, fresh and young. The playing and singing weren't perfect, but the tracks were simple, direct, to-the-point energetic pop songs. When Hurst was replaced by Kellie Lloyd, the trio became pop/indie rock band Screamfeeder.
Members
Tim Steward (vocals, guitar), Bruce Gardner (guitar, vocals), Tony Blades (drums), Jeff Johnson (bass), Cam Hurst (bass)
SINGLES ''Tower / End Of This Day'' 1989 Stone Groove ''Almost Past Caring / That's O.K. With Me'' 1989 Bent ''Cool Kinda Kid / Walking Through The Village'' 1990 Modern Records
Henry Vihnyl (ex-Pelaco Bros) formed Millionaires in 1976 with longtime friend Nick Smith. The band was supposed to be the next big thing, but they were unfairly compared to Skyhooks and drew some criticism. They signed to Mushroom and released ''It's A Deal''. The band performed it on Countdown. The single flopped and they were unceremonially dumped by the label. They managed to record another single ''Please Don't Mention The Junta'' from a press of around 500 records but they didn't last much longer. After they disbanded Tim Brosnan would go on and join Paul Kelly & The Dots. Steve Leeson and Nick Smith would wind up in The Kevins and work with Joe Camilleri.
Members
Tim Brosnan (guitar), David Hicks (drums), Steve Leeson (bass), Carl Segnit (drums), Nick Smith (vocals), Henry Vynhal (violin, Rex Wailer (guitar)
This Australian duo, built around a creative core of Tom Kristensen (guitar) and Madeleine King (vocals), formed in 1995 after both partners had experienced varying degrees of success in other bands. As Kristensen told the press, ''We were sitting in our lounge playing songs together when a friend suggested we should get out and do them in public.'' Writing principally in a melodic country blues vein, the group signed to MDS Records. In addition to Kristensen and King, the group featured other members Barry Turnbull (John Kennedy's Love Gone Wrong, Widdershins), David Orwell (Golden Rough), Mandy Pearson (Craven Fops, The Jackson Code) and Richard Boxhall with each participant playing at least three different instruments. This helped lend Kristensen’s songs a crisp, eclectic sound quite unlike anything in their genre.
Their self-titled debut mini-album, produced by You Am I guitarist Tim Rogers, was voted album of the year by many Australian roots music critics. The album featured Amanda Brown (ex-Go Betweens) on violin and Chris Abrahams on keyboards. More albums followed: Fuel (1997), Jubilee Park (1999) and Greedy Hen (2002). The band held down a residency for several years at The Sandringham Hotel in Newtown and toured nationally. Mandy Pearson died in 2023.
Members
Barry Turnbull (guitar/bass), David Orwell (pedal steel/guitar/bass), Madeleine King (vocals/harmonica/bass), Mandy Pearson (vocals/drums), Tom Kristensen (vocals/dobro/guitar), Richard Boxhall (guitar),
Smokestack Lightning was a blues band formed in Adelaide in the early 70s. The band was very popular in the local pub scene; most notably at The Eagle Hotel where they had a weekly residency. Their debut album was released in 1975 on the EMS label and coincided with their Muddy Waters support show at the Adelaide Festival Theatre. Smokestack Lightning supported many overseas blues bands including John Mayall, Freddy King, BB King and Hound Dog Taylor to name but a few. The band went through many lineup changes in their five-year tenure. They disbanded in 1978.
Members
Greg Baker (harmonica), Marty Honow (guitar/vocals), Andy Jennings (drums), John Selmer (sax/flute), Ron Tabuteau (guitar/vocals), Peter Tsounis (bass/vocals), Rod Venning (harmonica), Julie Charlton (vocals), Mark Cornwall (bass), Marty Honow (guitar/vocals), Peter Horsam (guitar), Bob Petchell (harmonica/sax), Sue Wylie (vocals)
