About
Sydney-based country/bluegrass/rock band featuring some of Australia’s finest musicians.
“A bit of boogie, some rockabilly, country and western, funk, west-coast with grit.
Comprising individuals who are masters of their instrument. Goldrush is often considered a country band, since many members have performed with country artists as backing members.”
from Who’s who of Australian Rock.
History
Formed in 1978. Disbanded in 1984
“In 1983 “Goldrush-Live at last” was released on an unsuspecting public. It was different from everything else that was out there at the time. It was predominantly Country rock/Bluegrass in it’s feel, but the band featured some of Australia’s most outstanding musical talent. Phil Emmanuel: Electric guitars Tommy Emmanuel: Drums Mark Collins: Banjo, Mandolin and guitars Dave Mare: Lead vocals/Accoustic and Electric guitars Chris Haigh: Bass guitar An original track penned by Dave Mare and Dennis James titled, “Keep in touch”, received some limited airplay. But it was live where Goldrush really made it’s mark, with the audience being totally spellbound by the guitar wizardry of Phil Emmanuel, the finger gymnastics of Mark collins, and the novelty of Tommy Emmanuel, now a world class guitarist, playing drums.” from the Goldrush MySpace page.
Members
- Doug Bligh – Drums
- Mark Collins – Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar and Vocals
- Guy Dickerson – Guitar and Vocals
- Tommy Emmanuel – Drums and Guitar
- Phil Emmanuel – Guitar
- Chris Haigh – Bass and Vocals
- David Mare – Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica
- Tony Slavich – Keyboards
- John Spence – Drums
- Bruce Worrell – Bass
Recordings
- Single – I Hit The Jackpot – 1978
- Single – What Ya Gonna Do When The Money Runs Out- 1979
- Single – Keep In Touch – 1983
- Album – Live At Last – 1983
Known Gigs
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 10/11/80 | Goldrush in Bexley North | Bexley North Hotel |
| + Rupert B Funkified Filth | ||
| 29/01/83 | Goldrush in Somersby | Narara Music Festival 1983 |
| 21/06/83 | Goldrush in Rydalmere | Family Inn |
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
hi, i’m wondering if there is any way to obtain a recording of goldrush-live at last, if not why not, and can anything be done (legally of course)to obtain one.
thank you. andrew
Goldrush also had some of Australia’s finest roadies – Bruce (the Professor), Derek(Dexter) and Gerry…..aka Big, Bold and Butch.
like Andrew, I have been after a cd of Goldrush – Live At Last for a long time, had it on cassette, but lost it when my car got stolen. I do know that Phil ownes the masters, and promised me yrs ago to get it digitally remasterd to cd. Not seen it anywhere. any intel would be greatly apprieciated
I have a copy of the vynil recording Live at Last. If any one is interested
When did the gold rush finish??
Like earle I had Live at Last on cassete & gave it to a friend to download onto cd for me & he vanished without giving me the cassete back. Saw the band many times at sydney pub gigs & would do anything to get any form of Live at Last, one of the best albulms ever!! If anyone can help I would be eternally grateful
I bought the Live at Last album on vinyl at a garage sale this weekend. I don’t know how I would copy it for you…any tips?
Ric,
Have you obtained a copy of Live at Last on CD yet. I have the original vinyl and have saved it into windows media. Can easily download to a CD and send to you if interested.
Regards
I would love a CD copy please if possible! I saw them in Melbourne years ago, bought the record & it went missing years ago. Played the tape in my car to death! Pleaselet me know.
Cheers
Very simple to do as it is saved in windows media. I can burn to a CD and send to you in padded post bag. Just send me an address to post it to.
Regards
Tony
Tony,
Just stubbled across your post. Like many others I have been trying to track digital format of this great album for ages. Would it be possible to jump on the band wagon and try and get a copy burn ??
Cheers
Stuart
No problem to burn you a copy. Just advise me of an address to send the completed disc to.
Regards
Tony
yeah,,, i bought the goldrush live at last album when first released early 80′s, drove everyone in the house mad with dueling banjos ,,,,,, what a sound, still have the album but is a bit shabby now, wld just luv the music on a cd if any one has a spare copy????
Can anyone tell me what type of Banjo Mark Collins played in Goldrush? I have a photo of my friend Jenny Adams playing a 5 string Gibson at a friends place a while back that was allegedly once owned by him. It’s a beautiful instrument.
I went to see Tommy & Phil play at Jupiter’s Gold coast in Jan this year,for there 50th,they had “live at last” selling in the foyer.
I also have a CD that’s been converted from Vinyl, sounds great!
I remember going to see Goldrush at the Newport Arms Hotel on summer nights in the late 70′s. MArk Collins always a joy to watch and hear. As I recall, they played predominantly Neil Young stuff at the time and a bit of America. The natural progression was always going to be the Fargs tho lolol.
http://www.certifiedguitarplayer.com/goldrush-liveatlast.aspx
There you all go!
I have lost touch with Mark Collins and hoped you could pass this along- I just finished a tour of Australia in Dolly Parton’s band and spoke with David Briggs- He helped me remember Goldrush- Just watched Tommy E. on a PBS fund raising video- it was very good. Mark please write! Jimbob
WE used have thyem as regulars at the Governors Plaesure at The Rocks
Heya papa Guy,
Love your work! Cant believe i can google your name in columbia and you come up straight away! As i said love your work…unforntunately no one has yet to experience falling asleep to your magical tunes as a young lass!!!OR i think not anyway. You never know these musos…they get around! haha…kidding.
Love you always and to me you are a genius in life xxxxxxxxxxxx
Hello Tony,Ric
I would love to get a Copy of GoldRush live at last on CD,i like a lot of people once had it on tape,but that was long ago.
I am happy to pay you to make me a copy.
Po Box 578
Whyalla 5600,SA
cheers
Paul Smith
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