THE SWINGERS

The Swingers was a New Zealand rock band. Formed out of the remnants of The Suburban Reptiles, the founding members were Phil Judd on guitar and vocals, (ex-Split Enz), Wayne Stevens [Bones Hillman] (bass), and Mark Hough [Buster Stiggs] (drums). Formed in 1979, the band released the single "One Good Reason" which was a top 20 hit in New Zealand. They also appeared on the Ripper Records sampler 'AK79' and established a large live following after a residency at Auckland's Liberty Stage club.

In 1980 the band moved to Australia and signed with Mushroom Records although their New Zealand releases remained on Ripper. After some band dissension, Ian Gilroy of The Crocodiles replaced Hough on drums. The band released the single "Counting the Beat" which became a #1 hit in Australia and New Zealand. A second single released in 1981, "It Ain't What You Dance, It's the Way That You Dance It" was also a Top 5 hit in New Zealand but only a minor hit in Australia reaching #43. An album, 'Practical Jokers', produced by David Tickle, was released and reached #70. The band also performed songs in the film Starstruck. The band underwent a couple more line-up changes, including the addition of Pop Mechanix and Coconut Rough vocalist Andrew Snoid, before it split up in March 1982. Bones Hillman went on to join Midnight Oil. He died in 2020.

Members

Phil Judd (vocals/guitar), Wayne Stevens [Bones Hillman] (bass), Mark Hough [Buster Stiggs] (drums), Ian Gillroy (drums), Andrew Snoid (vocals)

SINGLES

Counting the Beat

2 FEB '81

#1

It Ain't What You Dance, It's the Way You Dance It

8 JUN '81

#43

References

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

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