Formed in Melbourne in 1984, Urban Principle was an electronic pop band that had a vision to write and fashion songs and music about the spirit of the human condition on a planet under pressure from urbanization/industrialization, the march of technology and the mediascape. The band was a major project and commitment of time and energy until they disbanded in 1990. The band went through a number of members before settling on two definitive line ups. The band performed many live shows and produced videos, films, photographs and releases. Based in Richmond then North Fitzroy just off Brunswick Street in a rambling shared house, band members shared a dream, ideas and long conversations.
Soundtracks were composed and recorded for Swinburne student films and independent film makers. In 1987 ''Something Inside'' was released as a single on the Cleopatra label followed by an EP with the same title. The lineup for these recordings was: John Phillips (vocals / guitar), Mark Bernsons (keyboards), Nick Kharitou (keyboards), Sai Ferran-Lucas (vocals, guitar / synthesizer), Rex Delaney (vocals / guitar). More recordings were released on cassette. In 1998 a fictionalised account of the band and their lives: The Unexpected Salami was written by New York author Laurie Shapiro with her partner and ex member of the band Paul O'Leary then published and released in USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. A film script was developed, and the screen rights were sold.
Members
John Phillips (vocals / guitar), Mark Bernsons (keyboards), Paul O'Leary (vocals / bass), Mark O'Leary (guitar), David Rogerson (drums), Rex Delaney (vocals / guitar) Philip Rienhardt (bass), Nick Kharitou (keyboards), Sai Ferran-Lucas (vocals, guitar / synthesizer), Steve Carter (bass), Patrick Quinn (bass), Michael Rumpf (drums), Steve Henderson (drums), Tony Italia (drums)
Born in Victoria, Donita Dey (real name Helen Turner) attended school at Warrnambool and Mortlake. Teaching herself to play guitar and having some lessons to learn bass, Dey performed her first gig singing solo, live, to air on Radio 3YB for their Hospital Appeal Day at age 17. Soon after local band The Western Ramblers was formed with Ray Batten and Hilton Boyle plus Dey singing vocals and playing bass. They released an EP 'Introducing The Western Ramblers' in 1969 on the local Tower Hill label. Another EP 'Many Happy Hangovers' followed by their album 'The Western Ramblers With Their All Original Country Music'. The Westerners were very successful in Victoria with their own weekly half hour radio program on 3CS out of Colac as well they made appearances on the Reg Lindsay Country & Western Hour TV Show.
In 1971 Donita left the group to go touring with country star Buddy Williams for six months. On return she moved to Sydney to try the club scene. During this period, she changed her name to Donita Dey, performed around the Club Circuit in New South Wales where her style of entertainment in playing both modern and county music and hits from all-time greats of that time, proved a great delight to her audiences. Donita then went on to tour throughout Australia to perform alongside such greats as Frank Ifield, Jay Justin, Col Joye, Digger Revell, Buster Noble, Lucky Star, Johnny Chester, Jade Hurley, Chad Morgan, Slim Dusty, Jimmy Little, Reg Lindsay, Judy Stone, Dinah Lee and Little Pattie and also with other well-known Australian artists. Many of Donita's tours included small towns with the venues being mostly in halls. Touring the Aboriginal Missions was such a learning experience, as Donita says, "it was an experience I wouldn't have missed, how different and what wonderful audiences".
Donita says that Tamworth was a part of her life for a few years. There she appeared on the Must Be Country TV Show which was as Donita says "Lots of fun". Donita only ever entered one of her singles at the Tamworth Awards and was placed in the finals of Best Female Vocalist. The song was "Warm Sheets, Can't Cover Up Your Cold, Cold Heart" which didn't win, but what an honour to reach the finals. Donita's many trips to America prevented her entering more of her singles in the years to follow, for which she is very regretful.
In the US she had a hit in California with her Tamworth nominated single "Warm Sheets, Can't Cover Up Your Cold, Cold Heart". Donita's trips to the US back then were not the done thing and she lost some popularity at home for doing so. Donita worked in the US on TV with Hank Williams Jnr and with David Allan Coe riding in David's touring bus. When Donita did her spot on the show David would stay on stage and play along on guitar. Donita recorded on Pike Records in the U.S. While in America Donita interviewed many great American artists for various radio stations in Sydney and some of these artists were Emmy Lou Harris, Carl Perkins, Oakridge Boys, The Osmonds, Joe Diffie, The Belamy Brothers, The Statler Brothers, Jerry Reed, Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash, John Schneider, Stella Parton, Mary Reeves (wife of Jim), Richard Carpenter, Robert Fuller, James Burton (lead guitarist for Elvis Presley), Faron Young, Ray Peterson, Brenda Lee, Mel Tillis, Tom T. Hall, Tanya Tucker, Johnny Paycheck, Johnny Rodriquez, Skeeter Davis, Cliff Richards, Chuck Connors, Merle Haggard and Marty Robbins. She also agreed to interview Garth Brooks to coincide with the release of his first album.
Donita specialised in both Country and 50/60s Rock ‘n Roll and her lively stage performances brought out the best in the songs which her audiences loved. While performing at Clint Eastwood’s Hogs Breath Inn at Carmel on the San Francisco Bay, Donita was fortunate enough to spend some time conversing with the superstar and to coin a phrase to make her day. Back in Australia Donita was the guest artist on the Mike Walsh Show on several occasions and in the 1980s and 1990s she worked on television productions and commercials. She also became an extra for various movies which included the television show A Country Practice during its last five years of production. Donita also appeared regularly on various Country TV shows out of Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and Tamworth and also performed for many charity events and concerts. In 1995 Donita organised a successful benefit concert at the Wentworthville Leagues Club in Sydney for her old friend Reg Lindsay who at that time was critically ill in hospital. After Donita retired in 1998, she and her husband returned to live in her hometown of Mortlake, and this is where they now still live happily together.
SINGLES ''Blue Jeans On My Chair / I Can't Help Myself'' 1981 SL Soundlab ''Too Much Is Not Enough'' [with Digger Revell] / Wasn't That Love'' 1989 Rockabilly
Singer from South Australia from the early 60s. Her first performance was at the Boomerang Club in Brighton. After singing and winning at the Hi-Fi Coca-Cola Talent Quest in 1961 she was signed to the Festival label. Her first record was ''In The Chapel In The Moonlight'' backed by popular Adelaide band The Penny Rockets. She also recorded on the RCA label. Sellers was one of the pioneers of the early rock shows on television such as Teentime and Reg Lindsay's Country Hour plus Adelaide Tonight and Six O'Clock Rock.
SINGLES ''In The Chapel In The Moonlight / Oh, Dear, What Can The Matter Be'' 1961 Rex ''If You Try To Steal My Baby / Tell Him I'm Not Home'' 1964 RCA
Johnnie Russell was born in Guildford, NSW in 1942. By the time he was 5 years of age, Jonnie Russell knew beyond a doubt that he wanted to be a country music star. At the age of 14, he made his very first radio performance on Sydney radio 2SM which was broadcasting a weekday early morning Country & Western program. Then, at the age of 17, he entered Alan Toohey's Amateur Hour which was conducted by Radio 2UW. He won the quest by an easy majority which led to offers of work in hotel lounges around the suburbs of Sydney. It was here that Jonnie gained a lot of valuable experience - something he would need a lot of if he were to succeed in the highly competitive Australian entertainment industry.
Rock 'n' roll was just becoming popular in Australia and so for the next few years; after forming his own rock group, he performed at hotel lounges and dances in the evenings and weekends and worked a clerical job by day. He gave away his office job in 1969 and decided to "take the plunge" on a fulltime career in country music. In 1972 he met well known steel guitarist Norm Bodkin who was to influence his career even more. Norm arranged a meeting for Jonnie with Opal Records in Tamworth and he subsequently signed a 2 1/2-year contract with them. In 1971 he released the EP, 'Girls In My Life' and the album, 'My Heart’s In A Prison'.
In May 1974, the Jonnie Russell All Star Variety Show was the first concert of its kind in the Sydney Opera House Music Room. It was compered by Greg Evans, who went on to host the national TV show, Blind Date. Jonnie signed with the Melbourne label W&G and releaseda single with backing by the Capital Three Ranch Band containing the self-penned ''Transport Blues'' and ''Till The End''. It was recorded at Angelwood Studios, Currabubula. Radio 2UE’s Mike Carlton loved the song and gave it quite a few spins. During this period Jonnie appeared at a number of festivals including Mildura, Gympie and Kempsey and toured with various musicians such as the late pedal steel guitarist Norm Bodkin and Dave Tyne of Cedar Creek fame.
In March, 1981, Jonnie decided to make one of his dreams come true and headed for Nashville, Tennessee. While in Nashville, he was invited to appear on the Carl Tipton Show on WTVF Channel 5 which had a large viewing audience and could be seen each morning on the local Nashville station. He also worked the Vagabond Inn in Nashville and proved once and for all the Aussies "have what it takes". He also cut two brand new songs in Nashville, produced by good buddy Andy King, and they feature him with the Nashville Edition and Lloyd Green on steel and dobro. Jonnie Russell could justifiably be called one of our great pioneers of country music in Australia and this was acknowledged in 1985 when he was inducted into The Hands Of Fame Park in Tamworth. Over the years, Jonnie has produced his own Country Package Show and has played many of the Sydney major clubs, as well as a successful performance at the Sydney Opera House. In 199 he was inducted into Rocky Page’s Hall of Fame and Avenue of Honour in Barmera, SA.
SINGLES ''Transport Blues / Till The End'' 1976 W & G ''Truck Drivin' School Teacher / This Lonely Man'' 1978 Emertone ''I Feel Loved / Make My Coffee Black'' 1981 Bunyip ''The Immortal Southern Cross / The Immortal Aussie'' 1982 Bunyip ''Dustie Rhodes'' 1984 Rockabilly ''When We're Alone Tonight / If You've Got The Money (I've Got The Time)'' 1989 Bunyip ''Solo Woman / The Immortal Southern Cross'' 1991 Pinewood EPs
'Girls In My Life' 1973 Opal
ALBUMS 'My Heart's In A Prison' 1979 Opal 'Most Requested' 1987 Bunyip
Indie band, One Million Pieces was formed in Sydney in the 1980s by Richard Quiggin (guitar, vocals), Grant Jackson (drums) and Nick Turnbull (bass). They signed to Phantom records, a well-regarded Sydney indie label known for acts including the Hoodoo Gurus, Hummingbirds and Def FX. The band released three singles on vinyl and album 'Smother Mary' on CD. All these single releases made it into the top 20 in various Australian indie charts and ''Deep Dark Hole'' was widely played on alternative radio station Triple J. The original membership changed and the band split around 1994.
Members
Richard Quiggin (guitar, vocals), Grant Jackson (drums), Nick Turnbull (bass), Edmund Ludwig (guitar), Mick (drums)
SINGLES ''So Sure / Picture Of You'' 1989 Phantom ''Deep Dark Hole / I Think I'll Take My Own Life'' 1989 Phantom ''Nothing Will Change / Sorry'' 1991 Phantom
No was a Melbourne band, active during the late 1980s. They blended electronic music with nihilistic punk rock, in a similar fashion to New York's Suicide. Ollie Olsen (ex-Whirlywirld) formed No in late 1986, performing on keyboards, vocals, drum machine and sampler, with Marie Hoy on keyboards, vocals, samples alongside Michael Sheridan on guitar. Both Hoy and Olsen had been members of post-punk group Orchestra of Skin and Bone. Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, described them as "the ultimate crossover act due to its confrontational fusion of hardcore energy, abrasive heavy metal guitar riffs, electro-funk beats and acid-house grooves."
In August 1987, the band supported Big Black when they toured Australia. In November they released their first album, 'Glory for the Shit for Brains', on Ultimate Records. The songs were all written by Olsen, recorded at Jam Tin Studios in Cheltenham, Victoria, in late 1986/early 1987, and produced by Olsen and Gus Till (Beargarden and Models). The LP was dedicated to musician Ben Wallace-Crabbe who had committed suicide.
The album was followed in September 1988 by a self-titled EP, on Au-Go-Go Records, which featured a re-working of Jimi Hendrix's "Are You Experienced?". Sheridan later recalled working with Hoy and Olsen, "Surrounded by players of technology I decided to use the hold function on a BOSS DE 200 delay unit to achieve a way of sampling real-time phrases. I'd play these back through a second amplifier. This was a great way to play, having the best of 'hands on' the instrument and off while manipulating ones own sounds via a machine." The remaining songs on No were written by Olsen, recorded in late 1987 at Jam Tin Studios, and produced by the band and Gus Till.
In 1989 the band released its second album, 'Once We Were Scum, Now We are God', on Au-Go-Go Records with Kevin McMahon now on bass. The album was recorded live on 9 September 1988 at the Carlton nightclub, Tiger Lounge, and then mixed and produced by the band, Till and Simon Polinski at the Powerplant Studios in Carlton. Byron Colley, in the July 1989 edition of Spin, described the "center of the band's sound is something like a huge Martin Rev automaton, bloated to intensity and gorged with diesel amphetamine. Heaped on top is scittery, scuzzed up, feedback-guitar and Ollie's aggresso-rant-voice-stug. On extended tunes, like "Glory For The Shit For Brains", this has the same intenso-scrunch wallop as Suicide's "Frankie Teardrop" but with only about as much deviation-in-spatial characteristics as a flaming car rolling end over end down a hill. Just beautiful." In a subsequent Spin article/interview with Michael Hutchence, Joel Levy states the album "collapses skittering despair and ranting fury into a swirling cacophony."
While still a member of No, Sheridan formed Dumb and the Ugly (1987–93) with John Murphy on drums and noise tapes (ex-the Wreckery) and David Brown on bass guitar. No disbanded in September 1989 with Olsen and Michael Hutchence collaborating on a musical project, Max Q, co-producing a self-titled album combining electronic music with orchestra, bass, guitar and backing vocals. Max Q also included Sheridan and Murphy, with Hoy supplying backing vocals for the album. Ollie Olsen died in 2024.
Members
Ollie Olsen (vocals / machines / keyboards), Marie Hoy (keyboards /machines / backing vocals), Michael Sheridan (guitar), Kevin McMahon (bass)
EPs 'No' 1988 Au Go Go
ALBUMS 'Glory For The Shit For Brains' 1987 Ultimate Records 'Once We Were Scum Now We Are God' 1989 Au Go Go
Mighty Big Crime was an Australian hip hop duo formed by Tricky J (Julien Lodge) and Gumpy (Andrew Phillips) (ex-Battle Happy) in 1986 in Melbourne. According to British record producer, David Courtney, he saw the pair MCing at an early performance in a pub, he got them signed to Virgin Records and provided their name. In 1987 they issued one of the first hip hop recordings in Australia, "16 Tons" and "Humber Mania Time". "16 Tons" is a rap cover version of Merle Travis' country song, "Sixteen Tons". "Humber Mania Time" was co-written by Lodge and Phillips; both tracks were recorded at Metropolis Studios and Pig Pen Studios, Melbourne with Courtney, and John Phillips producing. From March to July 1987 Tricky J also worked as a member of I'm Talking.
Michael Wellham of The Canberra Times described "16 Tons", "after listening to this it seems hard to believe that no one thought of doing a rap version of it before, no song was more deserving of the treatment. When you think about it Australia has been absolutely crying out for some rap artists of its own and is now in the position where it can sigh with relief as the void is filled." Wellham's colleague, Stuart Coupe, reviewed Australian rap and hip hop in June 1988. He observed that Mighty Big Crime are, "the first Australians to make a record in this style... who seem to fancy themselves as the southern hemisphere's version of the Beastie Boys."
Their third single was a cover of Alice Cooper's "Schools Out". Their music video for "Dr. Dynamite" (1990) was nominated for ARIA Award for Best Video at the ARIA Music Awards of 1991. From 1991 to 1993 both Gumpy, on guitar and vocals, and Tricky J, on synthesiser, were members of Freaked Out Flower Children.
Clockwork Oringe was one of the finest bands to come out of the Apple Isle. Formed in Hobart in 1968 the initial lineup was Chris Norris from Devonport on guitar (ex-Once Loved), bassist Paul Studdert who hailed from Burnie (ex-The Cavemen), locals Carey Wilkins on drums and Paul Warren on vocals. The band played covers of Jimi Hendrix, Cream, John Mayall, Small Faces, Led Zeppelin and rearranged Beatles tracks. The band was extremely popular at all the local disco dances. With the help of their manager Greg Lode, Carey Wilkins acquired a double kick drum for extra dynamics. This would have to be one of the first set ups in Australia for the period. I don't recall any other band having two bass drums at this time. If there was, please advise.
The band entered the Tasmania heat of the 1968 Hoadleys Battle Of The Sounds. Although they didn't win a lot of punters stood up and took notice that this new band in town was the real deal. Subsequently the band came in first place the following year. They went on to represent their state at the national final at Festival Hall in Melbourne but couldn't beat the likes of Doug Parkinson in Focus. The band signed with local label Van Diemen and released their first single ''Rock Me'' a cover of the Steppenwolf track and Spooky Tooth's ''That Was Only Yesterday'' in 1970. The B side managed to get to #24 on the local charts. Their second single was interesting with the B side ''Piece Of Me'' being written by Jim Keays and Doug Ford from The Masters Apprentices. One more single followed.
There were a few lineup changes over the course of the band's life. Paul Warren was replaced by Gary Rizzolo on vocals in 1969 and guitarist David Tumney joined the band along with some others. I'm not sure when they disbanded but it must have been around 1972 as Wilkins and Tumney ended up in Bronco. Gary Rizzolo went on to become a well-respected luthier based in Melbourne. Dallas McDermott joined Glenrowan a short-lived band formed in the mid 70s out of Melbourne who recorded a single on the Wizard label in 1974. Clockwork Oringe got back together at a 40th anniversary reunion show. The tracks ''Baby It's Not The Same'' and ''Viva Bobby Jo'' were added to the 1999 compilation album 'Dancin' With The Devil - Tasmanian Groups 1999' issued by Spectangle Productions. Chris Norris died in 2023.
Members
Gary Rizzolo (vocals), Chris Norris (guitar), Paul Stutterd (bass), Carey Wilkins (drums), Paul Warren (vocals), David Tumney (vocals, guitar), Dallas McDermott (guitar), Roy ''Paddy'' Gearman (bass),
SINGLES ''Rock Me / That Was Only Yesterday'' 1970 Van Diemen ''Viva Bobbie Joe! / Piece Of Me'' 1971 Van Diemen ''Baby It's Not The Same / A Taste Of Honey'' 1971 Van Diemen
Men Of Country were formed in the early 70s. After releasing a single on Troubadour, they were signed to RCA and recorded their first album 'Free Country' in 1975. The lineup was Max Richards on vocals/guitar, multi-instrumentalist Wes Grady on guitar, pedal steel, banjo and harmonica, Neil Barlow on drums and Bruce McCumstie on bass. The album was produced by Johnny Ashcroft. McCumstie left the band after the album release to fill in as bass player on occasion at the Texas Tavern with Nev Nicholls and his Country Playboys. He eventually became a member of Wildwood.
After leaving RCA they linked up with the Bunyip label and recorded their second album 'Country Concept' (1977) adding Nelson Arentz on bass. In 1979 at the prestigious Mo Awards in Sydney, they were voted by their fellow entertainers as "Best Country Showgroup". In 1981 at the same awards, they won ''Best Country Group''. Add to these the dozens of appearances on every major TV show, including The Mike Walsh Show and Travellin' Out West, touring with Jimmy Little, Johnny Ashcroft & John Cootes, playing to packed houses with their versatile style which included bush ballads, comedy & country rock they were immensely popular wherever they played.
Members
Max Richards (vocals / guitar), Wes Grady (guitar / pedal steel / banjo / harmonica), Neil Barlow (drums) Bruce McCumstie (bass), Nelson Arentz (bass)
SINGLES ''Mrs. Newman's Thirty Months / Bills'' 1972 Troubadour ''Heavy On My Mind / Loaded Gun'' 1974 RCA ''Nudist Beach / No One Knows Midnight Like Melinda'' 1975 RCA ''Lusty Lady / All The Kings' Horses'' 1979 Bunyip ''Woman Of The World / A Part Of My Life'' 1980 Bunyip ''It Doesn't Matter Any More / Country Casanova'' 1981 Bunyip ''Dig A Little Deeper In The Well / Do I Ever Cross Your Mind'' 1982 Bunyip
By early 1978 Spiff Rouch had separated into two groups: The Flatheads and Clutch Cargo. The Flatheads had Guy and Bill McDonough, and Walker, who were joined by Sean Higgins (synthesisers) and Nigel Spencer (bass guitars, synthesisers). Clutch Cargo was renamed Australian Crawl and David Reyne (drums) soon left to be replaced by Bill McDonough. Guy McDonough had co-written "Downhearted", with Higgins and Bill McDonough, for the Crawl's third single from debut 1980 album 'The Boys Light Up'.
Guy McDonough joined Australian Crawl in October 1980, supplying rhythm guitar, vocals, and songwriting. The Crawl released their second album 'Sirocco' in 1981, which became a #1 album on the National charts. McDonough wrote or co-wrote five of its eleven tracks including two singles "Errol" and "Oh No Not You Again". He sang lead on "Oh No Not You Again" and on "Errol". "Errol" reached #18 on the Australian Singles Chart and was voted their third most popular song by listeners of Triple M in 2007.
1982 saw the release of 'Sons of Beaches' with McDonough again writing or co-writing five of its tracks. This album also reached #1 but the singles had less success. After its release, Bill McDonough left the Crawl. He was briefly replaced by Graham Bidstrup (ex-The Angels) on drums for the 1983 EP release 'Semantics'. This four-track EP contained no tracks written by McDonough but did feature the #1 Australian Singles Chart success "Reckless (Don't Be So)". The live album 'Phalanx' released later that same year saw drummer John Watson (ex-Kevin Borich Express) replacing Bidstrup. The Crawl's biggest overseas break came when Duran Duran took the band as support on an international tour.
Prior to his death in 1984, Guy McDonough recorded a series of demos with his brother, Bill McDonough (drums), Sean Higgins (keyboards) and Nigel Spencer (bass) (all former bandmates in The Flatheads), Mick Hauser (saxophone) and Michael Bright (guitar). Bill McDonough then assembled the tapes and Wheatley Records issued Guy McDonough's posthumous album, 'My Place', in April 1985.The singles were "My Place / Things Don't Seem" and "What's In It For Me / Hook, Line and Sinker". Seven of the tracks from 'My Place' were later remastered and released in 1996 as part of the Australian Crawl compilation 'Lost & Found'. Compilers and producers of 'Lost & Found' were Bill McDonough and Peter Blyton.
In the early months of 1984, McDonough decided to detox in an attempt to break away from alcohol and heroin addiction. McDonough booked into rehab with family support but then decided to not finish his program and returned home to follow a naturopathic procedure provided by a 'qualified' friend. Unfortunately, this was an error of judgment as this treatment exacerbated his health situation rather than improve it, leading him to contract viral pneumonia and to be admitted to hospital in Melbourne, forcing Australian Crawl off the road. McDonough was in the Intensive Care Unit for many weeks and improved enough to return home; but due to extreme physical deterioration from months in hospital and a weakened immune system, he contracted a secondary infection and was placed back into the Intensive Care Unit. Despite intense medical intervention, on 26 June 1984, he died at the age of 28.
SINGLES ''My Place (#76) / Things Don't Seem'' 1985 Wheatley
''What's In It For Me / Hook Line And Sinker'' 1985 Wheatley
Athol McCoy was born in Sheffield, Tasmania in 1925. During the 1930s Athol played piano at local dances and when he left school, he worked on his father’s farm and as a farmhand on neighbouring properties. During this period Tex Morton and Wilf Carter’s music gained his attention. In 1947 he got his first break when asked to sing on a program at Radio 7AD Devonport. The program ran for more than three years. In 1950 he moved to Melbourne to work on his career as an entertainer. He won the novelty section on the radio show P&A Parade which brought him constant radio work and live performances. To supplement his income, he worked as a barman in Connell’s Railway Hotel until 1958.
In 1956 he topped the poll on Terry Dear’s Australia’s Amateur Hour with more than 10,000 votes. On the strength of that, he went to Sydney for a Regal Zonophone audition. The first track he recorded was Wilf Carter’s ''My Swiss Moonlight Lullaby'' and his own composition, ''Tassy Tears''. The recordings made him the first Tasmanian to sing on 78rpm. In the latter part of the 1950s he undertook a promotional tour of the eastern states on Noel George’s Australian Wild West Show, which featured American Indian wrestler Big Chief Little Wolf. He also toured with Reg Lindsay, Chad Morgan and Rick & Thel Carey. He recorded a couple of singles on the Columbia label.
In the early 60s he organised his own travelling show, the best days for this type of entertainment had passed, so he returned to Tasmania. Athol began touring again in 1966. He teamed up with his boyhood idol, Tex Morton – as The Mortons and McCoys. The tour started in Morven, QLD, through to Mount Isa, across to Alice Springs, back through the settlements to Darwin where they did a three-week season showing nightly, across the Kimberley, down to WA and across the Nullarbor. After these shows ended, he toured with Terry Gordon, Ray ‘The Hat’ Hasler and Lindsay Butler. Back in Sydney, he recorded for RCA with Eileen Wood on fiddle, who also toured with him and they married.
At the end of the year in 1969, he had a break from touring and gained a job with the Reserve Bank in Melbourne. In 1972 he released the album 'Tassie Tears' on the Hadley label and during this time made his last tour of Australia. Hadley Records in Tamworth acquired the rights to most of Athol’s recorded output and issued a compilation album 'Your Tassie Mate'. Athol and Eileen settled in Bega, NSW where they had their own business. They also worked clubs occasionally as The Real McCoys duo. In 1980 he was inducted into the Hands of Fame, Tamworth and was elevated to the Roll of Renown in 2005. Athol died June 6 in Bega Hospital in 1995.
SINGLES
''Tassy Tears / My Swiss Moonlight Lullaby'' 1956 Regal Zonophone ''The Shepherd's Lament / The Hut Beside The Trail'' 1958 Columbia ''The Freight Train Yodel / Tassie Is The Star'' 1959 Columbia ''The Land Where The Crow Flies Backwards / Darling Nellie Gray'' 1965 RCA ''The Answer To "How Are Ya Mate" / Give Me The Life Of A Rambler'' 1965 RCA ''Scobie's Hangover / Things Are Really Changing'' 1965 RCA ''We're Going To The Old Barn Dance / Pick Me Up On Your Way Down'' 1966 RCA
''The New Tassie Waltz / Just Because'' 1975 Hadley
Born in Melbourne, Peter McLean started out as a rock n roll singer in the late 50s fronting Henri Bource's All Stars. In 1958 they cut the first rock n roll album 'Rock n Roll Party' ever recorded in Australia. He also recorded a couple of singles with the band ''Hard Headed Woman / Don't Ask Me Why'' and ''Reet Petite / Your Book Of Life''. McLean was known for his numerous TV, radio, stage and nightclub appearances and he toured the USA in the early 60s. In 1964 his old band mate Henri Bource was attacked by what is believed to have been a 2.4 metre long great white shark off Lady Julia Percy Island in Australia in November 1964. He lost his left leg but survived the attack and went on to retell the story in his 1969 documentary film, Savage Shadows. Peter contributed to the soundtrack with a couple of songs backed by an orchestra led by Frank Smith.
In 1973 McLean released a children's album 'Snips N' Snails, Sugar & Spice' on Don Burrows Cherry Pie label. The single ''Tom'' was lifted from the album and charted. The following year he signed with Polydor and moved into more folk country orientated music releasing a couple of albums. The first album was McLean singing traditional Australian country folk ballads. The next album 'Gently' was self-written that had a stellar lineup of musicians on it including drummer Russell Dunlop (Levi Smiths Clefs, Ayers Rock), guitarists Jim Kelly (SCRA, Crossfire) and Terry Walker (The Strangers) plus session musician maestro Tony Ansell. Not much is known about Peter McLean after this time. Any additional info would be most helpful.
SINGLES ''Hard Headed Woman / Don't Ask Me Why'' [with the Henri Bource All Stars] 1957 Planet ''Jealous Heart'' 1960 Planet ''Clementine / Starbright'' 1960 Planet ''Rollin' Old River (Swan River Song) / Wonder Welcome To The West'' 1962 Talent City ''Savage Shadows / And The Rain Came Down'' 1969 RCA ''Tom (#48) / Fantasy Child'' 1973 Cherry Pie ''Freedom / Thunder Boy'' 1974 Polydor
''Ben Boyd / It's You I Gotta Be Near'' 1975 Polydor
''Morganna / City Folk'' 1975 Polydor
EPs
'Sincerely Peter McLean' 1960 Planet
ALBUMS 'Rock N' Roll Party' [with The Henri Bource All Stars] 1958 Planet 'Snips n' Snails, Sugar & Spice' [as Peter McLean's World Of Children] 1973Cherry Pie 'Fair Dinkum Folk (A Collection of Australian Colonial Ballads)' 1974 Polydor 'Gently' 1974 Polydor
Country music artist Heather McKean was born February 20, 1932, in Gresford, NSW. When she was 7 years old her family moved to Yanderra, NSW where Heather’s musical journey really began. While her sister Joy was kept busy learning several instruments, Heather became fascinated with the ukulele. They would listen to old 78rpms of Harry Torrani, Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family. Having amassed quite a repertoire from their father’s record collection, the sisters began to make public appearances at school concerts and charity shows, fundraising for the war effort. About this time in 1940, they made their first appearance on radio on Norm Scott’s show on 2GB.
In 1941 Joy and Heather separated for a time when Joy was admitted to a Sydney hospital for polio treatment. The following year they spent six weeks at their grandmother’s house playing music and listening to 78rpms. The sisters appeared on Dick Fair’s Australia’s Amateur Hour radio show and the Tivoli Theatre for The Diggers Show. In 1943 the family moved to Murwillumbah when father Silas entered the army. The girls were even more inspired to assist with fundraising efforts around the district for the war. The following year the family moved to Birchgrove in Sydney where the girls continued to entertain at charity events in the city. They joined a concert party visiting prisons and other institutions. In her final year of school, Heather and Joy appeared on promoter Dick Sawyer’s Talent Quest and joined the first All Country Hall shows, run by Dick Sawyer and Bill Ferrier. The girls worked in the record bar at Alert Radio, Parramatta.
Joy, 19, and Heather, 17, secured their own radio show on 2KY, The Melody Trail, which ran for seven years. They became well-known for their harmonised yodelling. They first entered the Rodeo Records recording studio when Tim McNamara asked them to do back-up vocals on two recordings, ''Follow The Hillbillies Down The Main Street'' and ''Red River Valley''. The sisters passed up an audition with EMI when Tim McNamara persuaded them to try out for Rodeo Records and they were successful. Over the next three years, they recorded 18 sides, featuring 13 of Joy’s originals and five American covers. They completed a two-week tour of western NSW with Tim McNamara, Slim Dusty, Shorty Ranger and Gordon Parsons. About this time, Heather met a handsome young country singer, Reg Lindsay. The McKean Sisters were billed among the top stars of the day, along with Tim McNamara, Slim Dusty and Reg Lindsay.
In 1953 Heather married Reg Lindsay and they had three daughters – Dianne, Sandra and Joanne. In 1955 The McKean Sisters performed together for the final time at a concert in Sydney featuring Reg and Slim Dusty. In 1956 Heather began full-time touring with the Reg Lindsay Show when Dianne was five weeks old. She cut her first single in 1957 on the Rodeo label ''No Letter Today / Did You Tell Her About Me''. In 1960 she moved to Columbia and recorded ''The Man I Used To Know'' backed by The Delltones. From 1967 to the mid 70s she recorded five singles two EPs and four albums as a solo artist.
Ending full-time touring in the mid-sixties, Heather continued for the next 10 years with part-time touring and performing on the Sydney club circuit. Heather performed in several South Sydney club shows including playing the lead role in Annie Get Your Gun. During the 70s Heather performed on and was sometimes co-producer of television show Reg Lindsay’s Country & Western Hour, recorded in Adelaide, and also Country Homestead, recorded in Brisbane, which won several Logie awards. She toured with Hank Snow in Australia as part of the Reg Lindsay contingent. In 1973 Heather spent time in the USA as she was asked to represent Australia in the International Fan Fair Show in Nashville, TN, being the first woman to achieve this distinction.
In 1976 she won the Golden Guitar for Best Female Vocal with ''I Can Feel Love'' at the Australasian CM Awards, presented to her by her sister, Joy. The following year, as the McKean Sisters, Joy and Heather were inducted into the Hands of Fame, Tamworth. From 1980 Heather lived in the USA and worked for the CMA for three years, meeting many of the major country stars. She was the first Australian female artist to appear on the original Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN where she performed on more than 20 occasions, mostly with the Hank Snow shows. She represented Australia performing in NZ, the USA, England and Europe. In 1983 Heather and Joy were elevated to the Roll of Renown, Tamworth and performed together again as the McKean Sisters for the first time in 30 years. Over the next decade she received many awards including the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to CM and the entertainment industry. Heather McKean died in 2024.
SINGLES
''Hearts And Flowers / From Forty To Sixty Five'' [with Reg Lindsay'] 1957 Rodeo ''No Letter Today / Did You Tell Her About Me'' 1957 Rodeo ''The Man I Used To Know / My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You'' 1960 Columbia
''Suvla Bay'' [with Reg Lindsay] 1965 Columbia ''He's Still Number One / It's Another World'' 1967 Festival ''Rosebuds And You / I'll Love You Forever 1967 Festival ''I Fall To Pieces / Back In Baby's Arms'' 1969 Festival ''Gymkhana Yodel'' / There Never Was A Time'' 1972 Festival ''I Can Feel Love / I'll Always Be Your Woman (If You'll Always Be My Man)'' 1975 Festival
EPs
'Sings Country & Western Hits' 1967 Festival
'Country Music Favourites' 1968 Festival
ALBUMS 'Country Duets From Reg And Heather' [with Reg Lindsay] 1967 Festival 'Reg Lindsay Favourites' 1969 Columbia
'Heather McKean Sings Patsy Cline' 1969 Festival 'Heather McKean Sings Great Country Songs' 1974 Universal Summit 'Songs For Livin' and Lovin' 1975 Festival 'Little But I'm Loud' 1977 Calendar Records
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
