BIP ADDISON

Bip’s real name was Phillip - his baby brother couldn’t quite pronounce it. As early as 1962, Bip had performed as a solo singer on the Sydney dance circuit. He then formed his backing band, The Thunders; however, by late 1965, Bip had joined another Sydney band, The Fugitives. Come January 1966 and The Fugitives issued a single on Leedon, “All Your Lies / Baby Come Back”. Daily Mail reviewer Wal Wallis thought The Fugitives had “obviously quite a lot to learn about presentation and selection of material.” While still in The Fugitives, Bip had also performed as a solo artist. He’d been advertised as “Dip Addison (pop vocalist)” when he’d sung at the Thirroul Leagues Club in October 1965.

Bip's first single ''Young Man's Fancy / Hey'', released in August 1966, had no commercial success but its main claim to fame today is that both sides were co-written by Maurice Gibb and Nat Kipner and featured The Bee Gees as backing musicians. Both tracks were recorded at Ossie Byrne's short lived St Clair Studio in Hurstville, probably during June or July 1966. Bip suffered the indignity of having twenty screaming girls drag him off-stage when he performed his first single ''Young Man’s Fancy'' on the TV show Saturday Date. “I don’t mind,” was Bip’s comment on the bruising, “but it’s a bit awkward trying to look supple on stage when your back is ramrod stiff.” He was forced to wear a back-brace for several weeks. In 1971 Bip released another single: "Hey Girl / Hard To Handle". Addison died unexpectedly in July 1999. He had been working as a DJ in Sydney. His widow is well known Sydney actress Joanna Lockwood who had a starring role in Cop Shop.

SINGLES

''Young Man's Fancy / Hey'' 1966 Downunder
''Hey Girl / Hard To Handle'' 1971 Festival