Surprise Surprise formed in 1983, with the lineup of Alexander MacDonald on vocals, guitar, spoons, David Welch on keyboards, Lance Muir on drums and Glen Blackley on bass. The band played 1960's British Invasion pop covers, as well as quirky originals in a Christian vein. Surprise Surprise released three singles between 1983 to 1986. Surprise Surprise appeared on and won an episode of TEN’s TV show; Star Search in 1984 performing ''Walking With A Zombie''. They also released a cassette-only album 'Welcome to the Snake Village' in 1985. In 1987 Muir and Blackley left the band and they were replaced by drummer Allan Dowthwaite and Charlie Lee on bass who would in turn be replaced by Mark Kiely. Now known as The Surprise they added Lisa Parsons and Catherine Ryan on vocals. Their first album 'Fish' mixed the influences of new wave, heavy metal, country and folk. The last album called 'Reformation' was released in 1990.
Members
Alexander MacDonald (vocals, guitar, spoons), David Welch (keyboards), Allan Dowthwaite (drums), Mal Kiely (bass), Lisa Parsons (vocals),Catherine Ryan (vocals), Lance Muir (drums), Glen Blackley (bass), Charlie Lee (bass)
''Sounds Of Now / Classification Needed / Runaway'' 1983 Secret Chihuahua
''Anguished Heart / Walking With A Zombie'' 1984 Method
''Cried All My Tears / Telefone'' 1986 Method
'Fish!!!' 1989 Refuge Records
'Reformation' 1990 Refuge Records
References
http://rockonvinyl.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/various-artists-sound-of-sydney-vol-3.html
My friend Jeremy introduced me to Surprise Surprise in about 1983. We went to gigs every week with him, Kerrie, Tamsin, Ruslana and others. I remember Ultimo. Very fond memories.
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