THE BAMBOOS

The Bamboos were a swamp and alternative rock band formed in 1984 in Collie, a rural town in Western Australia located 213 kilometers (132 miles) south of Perth. The original lineup included Tony Giallella on drums, Mark Gelmi on bass guitar, Craig Hallsworth on guitar and vocals, and Roger Russell on guitar. In 1984 they recorded a number of tracks at No Sweat Studios that ended up on the album ''Rarer Than Rocking Horse Shit,' released by Cleopatra in 1987. In 1985, they moved to Perth, where Greg Hitchcock (ex-The Go-Starts and Graverobbers) replaced Roger Russell on guitar. This lineup recorded three tracks for a six-box set, 'Cooking with George – Mark Too,' produced by Ian Davis at ABC Studio 621 in Perth.

In 1986, Shakir Pichler, (ex-The Kryptonics), replaced Giallella on drums. Australian musicologist Ian McFarlane described their style as "raw guitar trash and country-swamp rock," which caught the eye of Citadel Records boss John Needham, leading to their signing. That September, they dropped the single "Virginia / Snuff," followed by a six-track mini-album, 'Born Killer,' in 1987.

After two national tours, Pichler left to form his own rockabilly band, The Howlin Moondoggies, and Russell Hopkinson (ex-Vicious Circle) joined as drummer. In October 1987, they released their final single, "With Which to Love You / Winded," before disbanding. During their career, The Bamboos supported acts like Lime Spiders, Johnny Thunders, The Damned, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Johnnys, Hoodoo Gurus, Violent Femmes, and The Cramps.

Members

Tony Giallella (drums), Mark Gelmi (vocals/bass), Craig Hallsworth (vocals/guitar), Roger Russell (guitar), Greg Hitchcock (guitar), Shakir Pichler (drums), Russell Hopkinson (drums)

SINGLES
''Virginia / Snuff'' 1986 Citadel 
''With Which To Love You / Winded'' 1987 Citadel 

ALBUMS
'Born Killer' (#94) 1987 Citadel
'Rarer Than Rocking Horse Shit 1987 Cleopatra

References

The Bamboos (rock band) - Wikipedia