The Allusions was a quintet based in Sydney that formed in 1965. Its members were drawn from several other accomplished Sydney groups and boasted four singers. Their leader, Mike Morris, had previously played with Dennis & The Dellawares as did drummer Kevin Hughes; Terry Hearne had been in the Midnighters and was currently Lonnie Lee's guitarist. Terry Chapman had been in the Dave Bridge Quintet and John Shaw was added as a vocalist/keyboardist. They signed to the EMI label after putting on a demo for producer Robert Iredale who was impressed with their talent. The group's unity was shattered when Terry Chapman left. This happened after the release of "Gypsy Woman" but before it reached the national charts. The single charted well and made it to the Top 40. Chapman's replacement was Bruce Davis, who had worked with Morris in The Dellawares.
The second single ''The Dancer'' written by Mike Morris did well too. Garry Aurisch's booklet partly describes it thus..."when Kevin Hughes tumbles into the first downbeat of 'The Dancer' the effect is like jumping onto a moving train. In other words the listener is yanked into a performance which seems to be already happening. Terry Chapman's bass parts never stand still for a moment and delightfully challenge the melody line every step of the way. The song is so riveting that ordinary folk may well mistake it for the Beatles."
The band released its self-titled album in 1967 in both mono and stereo. Mike Morris left the band in late 1967, and he was replaced by John Spence. The Allusions continued as a four-piece until October 1968, when Terry Hearne quit to join Digger Revell's backing band. Mike Morris then rejoined, to raise money for an overseas trip, but by this time the momentum of their early success had dissipated, and in the face of changing trends they split for good in early 1969.
The band released its self-titled album in 1967 in both mono and stereo. Mike Morris left the band in late 1967, and he was replaced by John Spence. The Allusions continued as a four-piece until October 1968, when Terry Hearne quit to join Digger Revell's backing band. Mike Morris then rejoined, to raise money for an overseas trip, but by this time the momentum of their early success had dissipated, and in the face of changing trends they split for good in early 1969.
Members
Terry Chapman (bass, vocals), Bruce Davis (bass), Terry Hearne (guitar, vocals), Kevin Hughes (drums), Michael Morris (guitar, vocals), John Shaw (piano, organ, vocals), John Spence (guitar)
SINGLES
''Gypsy Woman (#27) / Fever (Burns In My Brain'' 1966 Parlophone
''The Dancer (#25) / Roller-Coaster Man'' 1966 Parlophone
''Looks Like Trouble / 97 Cigarettes'' 1966 Parlophone
''Roundabout (#45) / I'll Be Home'' 1966 Parlophone
''Seven Days Of Rain (#67) / Two Of A Kind'' 1967 Parlophone
''Mr. Love / And She's Mine'' 1968 Parlophone
''The Dancer (#25) / Roller-Coaster Man'' 1966 Parlophone
''Looks Like Trouble / 97 Cigarettes'' 1966 Parlophone
''Roundabout (#45) / I'll Be Home'' 1966 Parlophone
''Seven Days Of Rain (#67) / Two Of A Kind'' 1967 Parlophone
''Mr. Love / And She's Mine'' 1968 Parlophone
EPs
'The Dancer' 1967 Parlophone
'The Allusions' 1967 Parlophone
References
http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/
I remember the great Saturday nights at the Hurstville Rivoli. We danced our legs off to the Allusions, especially Belinda, who I'm sure she was the idea for 'The Dancer'. They were the best and we loved them all. John's lovely deep voice and all their harmonies. Good lookers, great talent and treated us crazy girls respectfully. Wonderful memories, good times. I'm now 71, but still remember them and their songs like it was yesterday. I guess that's the magic of music. I wonder what they are up to today. ?
ReplyDeleteThankyou for sharing
ReplyDeleteHi It isn't mentioned- my Dad Alistair McEwan did manage this band. I remember going to their rehearsals.
ReplyDeleteAre you able to find out what happened to Mike Morris... I used to watch the band in Parramatta and Hurstville ... and, as new English migrant, I formed a bit of a friendship with Mike (whose family were also ten pound poms) Never any romance (largely because he was a bit older than I and he was very respectful) Because I worked with P&O at the time when he sailed back to the UK, I organised extra ships visitor passes for him. We had a few letters from him but sadly lost touch before I went back to live there myself for a bit... I would love to know if he stayed in the UK or eventually returned to Sydney. Such a lovely man I would love to know if he's still with us... hope so.
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