AVION

Lead guitarist and singer, Randall Waller had previously released two albums as a solo artist, 'Oasis' (1978) and 'Midnight Fire' (1980). In 1981 Waller formed pop rock group Lionheart in Sydney with Evan Murray on keyboards, Martyn Toole on guitar, and his two brothers: John Waller on drums and Kendall Waller on bass guitar – the group was soon renamed as Avion. Avion signed with RCA Records and, in September 1983, released their debut self-titled album. Despite being mixed by Bob Clearmountain at the Power Station (now called Avatar Studios) in NYC, the album was not a success. The album spawned three singles, "I Need You" (March 1983) which charted at #61 and was released in Canada, NZ and the USA, "Diamond Eyes" (September) and "Never Let Me Go" (October) which were not successful.

Allmusic described the album, "its overwrought AOR sound and simplistic lyrics failing to secure significant sales". In August 1984 the group issued a non-album single, "Still the Night". Paul Gannell replaced Toole on guitar and, in September 1985, released "We've Got Secrets" on RCA. In 1986, the band signed a deal with EMI Records and "Celebration" appeared in September. In 1987 the band's second album, 'White Noise', followed "but the more considered songwriting failed to produce an upturn in Avion's career".

It also lacked airplay and was not a success – the group was dropped by EMI. In April 1987 they released the third single from the album, "Berlin Wall". In September 1987 Evan Murray died in a car accident while the group were on tour and the band essentially disbanded. According to Australian rock music historian, Ian McFarlane, the group had "a strong cult following with their brand of melodic, American-influenced Adult Oriented Rock but met with virtual indifference at home".

Members

Randall Waller (vocals, guitar), Kendall Waller (bass), John Waller (drums),
Evan Murray (keyboards), Martyn Toole (guitar), Paul Gannell (guitar,)

SINGLES

I Need You

18 APR '83

#61

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avion_%28band%29

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