The Scavengers were one of the first New Zealand punk bands in the late Seventies, most well known locally for their songs ''Mysterex'' and ''True Love''. The band moved to Melbourne in 1978, renamed themselves Marching Girls in 1980 and quickly became part of the inner-city punk/new wave band scene. The lineup was Brendan Perry (vocals/bass), Johnny Cooke (guitar) and Des Hefner (drums). The band issued a single through Au Go Go records in 1980 which featured a re-recorded version of The Scavengers’ ‘'True Love'' on one side and ''First in Line'' on the other. They also appeared on the punk anthology 'AK79' 1980 (which was expanded and reissued by Flying Nun records in the early 90s). Perry left the band in 1980 relocating to the UK and forming Dead Can Dance. The Marching Girls relocated to Sydney in the early 80s, but only managed an EP release before it was all over.
The second lineup of band came about when Management asked Des Hefner and Johnny Cooke to reform the band for a tour of NZ. Much auditioning later Bryan Colechin and Debbie Schultze joined. Bryan was from Christchurch bands Bon Marche and The Newz. Debbie, also a New Zealander had been in Sydney band Blue Electric. This version recorded a 12" EP for Virgin NZ. The songs were ''Plain Jane / My Friends / The Introduction / Flesh Lies''. In 1984 ''Plain Jane'' was re-recorded for EMI and released as a single with ''The Man Who Knew Too Much'' on the B side. Debbie had given birth to a son by the time it was released and quit the band.
The final line up was Des, Johnny, Paula Sheldrake, Matthew Heydon and Paul Erikson. Paul Erikson had played with Dead Can Dance. Paula had no previous musical history. A millionaire with a recording studio in the south of France wanted to record the band after hearing a demo of new songs that Johnny, Des, Matt and Paula had made in a bedroom and so off they went. It didn't turn out the way it was hoped but two songs, ''Safe as Houses / Paradise'' were partially re-recorded and remixed for release by Polygram in 1987. The band dissolved shortly after.
Members
Brendan Perry (bass vocals), Johnny Cooke (guitar), Simon Monroe [Des Hefner] (drums), Debra Shulze (vocals keyboards percussion), Paula Sheldrake (vocals), Paul Erikson (bass), Mathew Heydon (keyboards), Brian Colechin (bass)
''True Love / First In Line'' 1980 Au-go-go
''Plain Jane / The Man Who Knew Too Much'' 1985 EMI
''Safe As Houses / Paradise'' 1987 Polydor
Put this lot in the IGA and they return with one of the best pop punk love songs ever....everything is indeed cool listening to Marching Girls.
ReplyDelete