REDGUM

Redgum was formed in 1975 when three students at Flinders University, John Schumann, Michael Atkinson and Verity Truman collaborated for a musical assessment piece for their Politics and Art course. The trio quickly gained fame around the university community for their forthright songs, and by 1976 had been joined by violinist Chris Timms (ex-Quasar) who had previously attended Flinders University. The group were soon in demand for parties, pubs and rallies throughout South Australia and Victoria. Released in 1978 their first album, 'If You Don't Fight You Lose' Redgum showed it was one of the few Australian bands prepared to tackle domestic politics and culture. "One More Boring Night in Adelaide" for some will remain, despite some of its dated references, a classic analysis of Australian provincial parochialism. Initially a part-time band, performing weekends and school holidays (two members were teachers), it was only after they released their second album, 'Virgin Ground' (late 1980), to strong sales and critical acclaim, that the group became full-time and started touring nationally.

The group's success continued to grow with the release of their next three albums, 'Virgin Ground', 'Brown Rice and Kerosine' adding ex Captain Matchbox bassist Dave Flett. Chris Timms left the band and was replaced by Hugh McDonald before they released the mini album 'Cut to the Quick'. They released a songbook The Redgum Songbook: Stubborn Words, Flagrant Vices (1981). Collaboration with influential Australian folk producer Trevor Lucas (from UK folk group Fairport Convention) brought the high-point of their career – the live LP 'Caught in the Act' was released in May 1983 and "I Was Only 19" aka "A Walk in the Light Green" (March 1983) hit #1 on the Australian singles chart. The song precipitated a Royal Commission into the use and effects of chemical agents in the Vietnam War by the Australian military. The album included "The Diamantina Drover" and "The Last Frontier" which are indicative of their folk music style.

The band released their next LP, 'Frontline' (June 1984) with its single "I've Been to Bali Too" and started touring folk venues in the UK and Europe with some success. Late in 1985, Schumann announced that he had signed a solo deal with CBS Records and would be quitting. Michael Spicer on vocals, keyboards and flute replaced Schumann. Redgum released one more album of new material, 'Midnight Sun' (1986), and a last single "Roll it on Robbie" after which Atkinson left. There were plans to release another album but this did not occur. The album was recorded at Warrenwood in Melbourne but never released due to the studio going into liquidation. Redgum with the lineup of Hugh McDonald, Verity Truman, Michael Spicer, James Spicer and Tim Hannaford performed until 1990, when the band's considerable debts were cleared. After this was achieved Redgum disbanded. 

Members

John Schumann (vocals, guitar), Michael Atkinson (bass, mandolin, piano, vocals)

Verity Truman (vocals, flute, tin whistle), Chris Timms (violin), Bruce Barry (bass, guitar), 
Chris Boath (bass), Gordon McLean (drums), Tom Stehlik (drums), David Flett (bass), 
Geoff Gifford (drums), Russel Coleman (drums), Hugh McDonald (guitar, violin),
Michael Spicer (keyboards, flute), Brian Czempinski (drums), 

Stephen Cooney (bass, didgeridoo, guitar, mandolin, banjo), Andy Baylor (guitar, fiddle), 
Peter Beulke (bass), Ray Rafael (drums), Darren Deland Darren (bass), Louis McManus (guitar), 

Malcolm Wakeford (drums), Bob Sender Bob (guitar), James Spicer (drums), Tim Hannaford (bass) 

SINGLES

I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green)

18 APR '83

#1

I've Been to Bali Too

16 APR '84

#16

Friday Night

30 JUL '84

#82

The Drover's Dog

3 JUN '85

#20

Roll it on Robbie

18 MAY '87

#34

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redgum

http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/