Formed in Perth, Western Australia in the early 60s with Jimmy Lee on bass, Lloyd Abeysekera on piano, Peter Bull on rhythm guitar, John Lemin on lead guitar and Peter Hannan on drums. The band went through many lineup changes during its tenure and had many excellent musicians pass through its ranks. The band had it all: presentation, sound, harmony and were regulars on the night club scene most notably West End, Top Hat, Chequers, Two Eyes, Pinocchios and the Waldorf. They supported The Rolling Stones in Perth in 1965. In 1969 they travelled to Singapore with singer Lynne Mather. Advertisements in the Straits Times from May 1969 show that they appeared at a number of different clubs, including The Kelong at The Cathay Hotel (‘Singapore’s finest entertainment rendezvous’), and The Moonshine Nite Club at Ocean Beach Hotel (said to be an exclusive new dine and dance spot that had just opened that month). Whilst there they cut a three track single on local Singapore label Life.
They recorded on the Clarion label in the 60s and on the M7 label in the 70s. The band played the first live TV show from the Sydney Opera House in 1973, alongside Barry Crocker and Normie Rowe. The 1970s saw the group relocate to the Gold Coast where they were hugely popular and successful especially at The Playroom and the Surfers Paradise Beer Garden. By the end of the decade some members chose to return to WA. The band reunited in 1999 with their main line-up of 1974 era. Rex Bullen died in 1983. John Hossen died from heart failure in 2007. Doug Wilkinson died in 2010. Peter Bull died in 2014. Lloyd Abeysekara died in 2017. Bill Blissett died in 2022.
Members
Jimmy Lee (vocals/bass) John Parker (drums) Rick Selby (guitar), Lloyd Abeysekara (vocals/keyboard), Peter Nell (vocals/guitar), Peter Bull (drums), Rick Vandam (bass), John Gotch (drums), John Lemin (guitar), Doug Wilkinson (bass), Peter Hannan (drums) Graham Flintoff (guitar), Rex Bullen (keyboard), Peter Anderson (vocals/sax/guitar), Peter Slatter (bass), Gary Howard (drums), Bill Blissett (keyboard), Al McOwart (guitar), John Hossen (sax), Kenny Walther (vocals/keyboards), Bev Harrell (vocals), Bruce Coleman (vocals/keyboards)
SINGLES
''Near To Me / Big Boat (#76)'' 1967 Clarion''Come Home, Baby/ Little Boat'' 1968 Clarion
''Sing A Song / Roberta'' 1973 M7
''By The Devil (I Was Tempted) (#49) / The Collector'' 1973 M7
ALBUMS
'Playroom' 1975 Wheel
References
http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/
I am trying to locate John Hossen, old Norwood Boys Technical High School days
ReplyDeleteand last seen when Troupadores played in Adelaide in the late 80's or early 90's
I went to school with John.
Fred Hiscock
John Hossen died from heart failure in 2007.
Deleteunfortunately and sadly John,a good friend, passed away a few years ago. I Have
ReplyDeletebeen a friend of all Troupadores members for many years. John was one of the best. Especially on sax and his theme song, I'm Just A Gigalo!
What is the name of the Troubadore second form the righat end. Sue
ReplyDeleteRick Selby
DeleteThe name of the Troubadore second from right in the black and white photo above.
ReplyDeletei think who ever wrote this should get the fact's right. i was the drummer from 1962 to 68. john gotch
ReplyDeleteFrom my notes you replaced John Parker in 1966.
Delete