DROP BEARS

The band started life as The Socket Set in 1980, with Johnny Batchelor on vocals and guitar, Phil Hall on bass and a string of drummers. They played shows that included the sell-out opening night of The Saints' comeback Australian tour in 1980 (the Paralytic Tonight, Dublin Tomorrow tour).

The Dropbears formed in Darlinghurst Sydney 1981 with Johnny Batchelor, Simon Rudlin on drums and Chris Cross [Chris Toms] on bass. Chris coined the name Dropbears. Prior to this Johnny and Simon had been jamming with bass player Rod Brunel (from Sydney band "The Singles"), but it wasn't working well. Chris Cross from Sydney punk band The Bedhogs lived downstairs, and Johnny asked him to join the, as then, unnamed band. In 1982, The Dropbears released two singles: ''Fun Loving'', and ''Lay Him Down''. Both went to #1 on the Sydney Indie charts, and ''Lay Him Down'' reached the Sydney top 20. The following year, the band signed to WEA records and went on to release a series of successful singles with a few lineup changes along the way with Johnny Batchelor being the only constant. Unfortunately, no album was ever released, and this was a cause of frustration to the band which ultimately led to its break-up in 1987. In 2011, 'The Essential Dropbears' was released through Warner Music Australia. It features 10 tracks including the 1985 chart hits "Shall We Go" and "In Your Eyes". Chris Cross died in 2010.

Members

Johnny Batchelor (vocals, guitar), Phil Hall (bass), Chris Cross [Chris Toms] (bass), Simon Rudlin (drums), James Elliot (drums), Mike Knapp (drums), Bob Cooper (sax), Robert Hearn (guitar,synth)

SINGLES

Shall We Go

15 JUL '85

#61

In Your Eyes

25 NOV '85

#90

References

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

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