About Heaven
HEAVEN was a boogie -based heavy rock band with similarities to the likes of The Angels and AC/DC, the link to AC/DC continued with Michael Browning, previous manager of AC/DC who helped HEAVEN to make an impact internationally courtesy of a worldwide deal with RCA Records . The band concentrated on Hard Driving yet melodic Heavy Metal and garnered strong sales in Europe and North America. HEAVEN’s original featured ex-FAT LIP and HEROES vocalist and mainstay Scottish born Allan Fryer alongside guitarist Kelly of SWANEE, former HEROES, Haese from FAT LIP and ALMOST HUMAN bassist Laurie Marlow and another FAT LIP refugee drummer Joe Turtur.
from the Heaven website.
History
**Note** I have had several readers confirm that Mark Evans did NOT play bass in Heaven despite what the following quote from their site says. Because it’s a quote though, I can’t really edit it so please bear this note in mind. Sorry Laurie & Mark!!
HEAVEN basically evolved from the split of Adelaide outfit FAT LIP, which comprised of Fryer, former CHEEK bassist Felix Maslin, former SCANDAL drummer Aldo Civitcio and guitarist Steve Francis. Both Maslin and Francis left to create FAST FOOD as Fryer and Civitcio regrouped FAT LIP with Haese and Marlow. Before long Turtur had taken over on drums. Fryer then left to travel to Sydney to audition for AC/DC following the death of Bon Scott. As AC/DC announced Brian Johnson as their new vocalist Haese, Marlow and Turtur arrived in Sydney to reforge the band under the new title of HEAVEN.
The band issued the single “Fantasy” and a debut album ‘Twilight Of Mischief’ before Haese was replaced in early 1982 by former ROSE TATTOO guitarist Mick Cocks as the band relocated to Los Angeles. The debut album ‘Twilight Of Mischief’ was later re-released by CBS Records with a new cover, revised track listing (Tuesday Morning was replaced with In the beginning) and a new album title of ‘Bent’, as a New York band already had the rights to the HEAVEN tag over there so the album was released as Heaven Bent . In America the band opened up shows for JUDAS PRIEST, BLACK SABBATH and KISS.
During the bands existence, HEAVEN underwent several line-up changes. Cocks and Turtur were ousted in favour AC/DC, FINCH and BEAST bassist Mark Evans on guitar and former SWANEE, BEAST and DALLIMORE drummer John Lalor. This line-up was not to last long. The second album found only Fryer remaining from the original line up now sharing the spotlight with guitarists MITCH PERRY (previously with STEELER), bassists Dennis Feldman of MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ex-DUKES man Bruno Renzella and another erstwhile DUKES member drummer Tommy Dimitroff. HEAVEN later added ex-RICK DERRINGER guitarist Mark Cunningham.
1983′s ‘Where Angels Fear To Tread’ boasted some impressive guests in former RUNAWAYS star LITA FORD and former DEEP PURPLE man GLENN HUGHES. BLACK SABBATH’s Ronnie James Dio also adds backing vocals under the pseudonym ‘Evil Eyes’. A single version of ‘Bob Dylan’s ‘Knockin’ On Heavens Door’ gained valuable radio play for the band in 1985. The band also drafted guitarist Bobby Enloe. However, HEAVEN folded shortly after.
In 1985 Marlow joined BOSS but was usurped the following year by the very same man that took his position in HEAVEN – Mark Evans. Perry was to turn up as a member of MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP. Ex-HEAVEN personnel Haese, Evans, Marlow and Turtur together with ex-BLACK ALICE singer Rob Hartley created HELLCATS. Enloe joined SIC VIKKI.
By 1989 Evans and Haese had formed another new act MAMA’S DARLINGS with former ROSE TATTOO members guitarist Robin Riley and drummer Scott Johnson with ex-TOUGH LUXURY singer Stuart Cave.
From 1989-1993 the HEAVEN line up consisted of frontman Alan Fryer, ex-Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson and ex-Dio bassist Jimmy Bain and on lead was Greg Belt from FORCED ENTRY.HEAVEN would reunite to guest for JUDAS PRIEST’s November 2001 Australian tour. The line-up for this tour was Alan Fryer, Laurie Marlow, Theo Kats (drums), Kevin Pratt (guitar) and Ross Flynn (guitar). A re-issue of HEAVEN’s ‘Where Angels Fear To Tread’ and Knockin’ on Heavens door added six bonus tracks (one unreleased track and 5 live tracks from BBC rock hour CD)
from the Heaven website.
Members
- Allen Fryer – Vocals
- John Haese
- Kelly (Bradford) – Guitar
- Joe Turtur – Drums
- Mark Cunningham
- Tommy Dimitroff – Drums
- Mark Evans – Guitar
- Dennis Feldman
- John Lalor – Drums
- Laurie Marlowe – Bass
- Mitch Perry
- Bruno Rezella – Guitar
- Mick Cocks – Guitar
- John Layland
- Theo Kats (Antoni) – Drums
- Brian Robertson
- Jimmy Bain
- Greg Belt
- Kevin Pratt – Guitar
- Ross Flynn – Guitar
- Bobby Enloe
- Chris Caffery
- Tony Taylor
- Brad Dunn
- Brian Christian
- John Richards
- Don (Gordon) Klaproth – Guitar
- Rob Hanna – Drums
Known gigs for Heaven
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 19/06/81 | Heaven in Blacktown | Comb And Cutter Hotel |
| + The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 26/06/81 | Heaven in The Rocks, Sydney | Governor’s Pleasure |
| + The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 07/07/81 | Heaven in Rydalmere | Family Inn |
| + The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 10/07/81 | Heaven in Sylvania | Sylvania Hotel |
| + The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 11/07/81 | Heaven in Sefton | Sefton Hotel |
| + The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 12/07/81 | Heaven in Bondi | Astra Hotel |
| + The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 28/01/82 | Heaven in Parramatta | War and Peace |
| + Peculiar Clerk, The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 29/01/82 | Heaven in Coogee | Selinas – Coogee Bay Hotel |
| + Vixen, The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 20/02/82 | Heaven in Caringbah | Caringbah Inn |
| + QV’s, The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 10/04/82 | Heaven in Circular Quay | Sydney Cove Tavern |
| + Portable Beach, Silent Jets, The Lonely Hearts | ||
Recordings
- Twilight Of Mischief – 1982
- Where Angels Fear To Tread – 1983
- BBC Rock Hour Live – 1984
- Knockin On Heavens Door – 1985
Images of Heaven
{ 41 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi,
It states that Laurie Marlow was replaced in Mamma’s Darlings by Mark Evans, who also replaced him on bass in Heaven? Mark Evans never played bass in Heaven, he replaced Mick Cox playing rhythm guitar only. I am sure of this as I was there. I married John Lalor in 1985 and met him in Los Angeles when he was touring. John Lalor, Laurie Marlow, Peter Kekel (keyboardist for Jimmy Barnes) and Robin Riley (Ex Tatts) also had an awesome band in 1985 called The Beast, just in case you weren’t aware of this. Anyway love your site and all the best
Gillian
I meant to say “Boss” not Mamma’s Darling….sorry been a hell of a weekend!!
Hi Gillian, thanks for your comments. The quote about Mark Evans is from the Heaven website so I’ll get on to them for clarification. I see Laurie occasionally so I’ll check with him too.
I had the pleasure of meeting John Lalor myself around about 1985 at a New Years Eve gig (I think) at the Rebels clubhouse in Western Sydney. He was an amazing drummer. I think at the time he may have been playing with Swanee?
John Lalor currently plays in Perth cover band Easy Company. Saw him playing at the Paddington Alehouse recently, looks a bit older and heavier, but still an excellent drummer and still really drives the band along.
John Lalor is currently playing with Perth cover band Easy Company. Saw them at the Paddington recently and J.L. is playing great drums. I think he had a long break after Swanee and doesn’t appear to have lost any of his energy.
Hey Gillian, I was a BIG fan of The Beast! Rob Riley rules! I remember they used to also play with Kev Barker as ‘Kevin Barker And The Beagle Boys’. I used to play guest spots with them down at the old Seabreeze Tavern, and also at Chester Hill Hotel (I was an old Cheso boy). I also used to frequent The Beast gigs of course, and knew JL from those days. Peter Kekel also plyed with The Zarsoff Bros at one point. I can’t remember the name of the other bassist in The Beast besides Laurie Marlowe though. Was it Craig or something? It escapes me now. I also got to know Laurie a lot better later on when he was playing in the Led Zeppelin show and I was in Stoker (who’s vocalist, Steve Mulry, now playes with Laurie in Black Label). We used to support them quite a bit, and he wasn’t impressed when I told him I used to sneak into pubs underaged to watch him play in Heaven. His exact quote was “Do you know how old that makes me feel?”lmao
PS: As for the other bassist in The Beast, I keep thinking his name was Craig Forster. I’m probably wrong, but that name keeps sticking in my head.
Beast were an awesome pub band, raw no bull rockin’ 3 piece. Rob’s sound used shake everything. I was gigging the traps in Sydney at the time, and met and gigged with a lot of players including some of those mentioned above. The two bass players I remember from Beast were Mark Evans and later Craig Foster. Craig ended up in Melbourne not long after that. I played in a band down there for about a year and caught up with him a couple of times.
Have seen John Lalor quite a few times lately in Perth with local band Easy Company. They call him “Buz” for some reason. He plays quite often at The Mighty Quinn in Tuart Hill and he is playing exceptionally well and has a bit of a following. Spoke to him at another venue South of the river and he is really enjoying the band and the relaxed nature of the guys he is playing with. Doesn’t miss the big stage at all but said the time with Heaven was the biggest time of his life.
Hi,
I’m a guitarist/vocalist with “Easy Company”. Just to clarify why we call John Lalor “Buzz” – Shortly after joining us, he skipped a rehearsal due to a bee sting which he said he was allergic to. I jokingly suggested the nickname “Buzz” as a result of this incident. As we already had another band member named John, it kinda made sense and caught on from there…..
Hi Mark
1. Gillian is right Mark Evans played guitar not bass in Heaven just look at the Rock school video clip
2. is that JR from happy little vegemites ?
3. Mark Gibson did you use to be a drummer and PA guy?
Hi Glenn, I’ve made a note of that, thanks.
Yes I am THAT Mark Gibson. Still occasionally drumming and mixing!
Last time I saw you was at a Black Label gig maybe? Before that was a long time ago. Hope to catch you around here a bit.
Cheers, Gibbo
Craig T Forster did play bass in The Beast. CT also played in The Mega Boys with Rockin’ Rob and in Judge Mercy. He has also played on the most recent Dave Evans album. When JL was not available for The Beast Steve ‘Mac’ MacLennan would deputise. Mac too was in The Mega Boys, Swanee and can also be heard on the new Dave Evans album. I only saw Heaven once but was mightily impressed by the rhythm section of JL and Loz. Huge!
Hello Dr Watt
)
Yes, I was a Happy Little Vegemite aka “Bankstown’s Most Dangerous Band!”
(Well, we crapped all over that Wyldfire mob!
*runs away laffing*
Hi,
What ever happened to Mick Cocks
Wow! This is a trip! I was a die hard lovestruck fan of Heaven after they opened for Judas Priest in Milwaukee. I was so in love with Fryer!!! I wrote him and he actually called me from North Hollywood where they were recording. They finally came to Milwaukee, opening for Kiss. I couldn’t wait to meet Allan in person. Well… As the night went on, he turned out to be like the guys in the band everyone warns you about!! I Was so young and dumb then. Laurie was the kindest, sweetest man I had ever met and kept me company while the shock of what goes on backstage wore off. I lost all desire to meet amine in a band from that day on! I will never forget Laurie and wish I could say hi to him some day. If anyone knows him, pass along my email:
annette1@wi.rr.com
I was the 19 yr old with long hair and a nice little ass and saw them in both Milwaukee and Chicago backstage opening for Kiss and Vandenberg (where the heck did THEY go?)
Thanks,
Annette (Ann back then)
I am glad this is all cleared up with Mark playing guitar, Craig’s last name (Bass player), though I always thought it was Foster? And wrote this on his wedding invite (26 years ago) LOL. I laughed about the story of Buzz, I too am alergic to Bees and could understand whilst one would be late for rehearsal after being stung. Singing in my own band now, I wouldn’t even be able to show, as my throat would swell (LOL). Debbie Sue, Mick Cocks is now sadly very ill. There was a big benefit concert held for him not long at the Ensmore Theatre and we can only all wish him the best. He is being very well taken care of by his long time partner Mary. Dave or Scott perhaps you can clarify something for me please? It was writen today on my F.B page that John (JL) is now deceased. This is a rumour that has now reached an ex member Heaven & a current member of the Tatts. Could you please let me know for fact, so that I can pass the correct info on as no one hears from JL anymore. Thank you and best wishes to all here on the forum.
Hi Annette,
I’ll pass your info onto Laurie Marlow for you.
In answer to Gillians question about John Lalor, I can assure you he is still alive and playing in Perth band Easy Company, played with him last night and he was alive then. He also read an article where it was rumoured he had passed away and had a bit of a laugh.
Thanks John for answering that question. I attended Mick Cock’s funeral today (died 23/12/09) and it was a very sad day indeed. I caught up with Laurie, Joe Turter and many of J.L’s and my friends within the music industry. This rumour was mentioned this afternoon also by numerous people, so being that we all keep in touch on a regular basis I will put the story straight once and for all! When you next play with J.L (Buzz), please let him know that some of his mates from the past, both who have played with him (Heaven, Swanee, Boss, The Beast, etc) and worked with him at Drum City and Billy Hydes would enjoy hearing from him one day.
Best wishes,
Gillian
PS I laughed at Annette’s comments about Allan. (LOL).
Whatever happened to Kelly? I heard he passed away some years ago. He was a quiet, gentle, friendly guy – always willing to stop and say hello. Sad if he is no longer with us.
Jenni
Kelly is in Perth. I spoke to him yesterday! I used to play with Rob Riley and Craig in Rockin rob Riley and his gems. A few years ago now on the guitar power tour. There was us and Kevin Borich and Jeff Lang and Chris finnen. Anyone remember me LOL. I had the Brady kit.
Hi Steve,this is Laurie Marlow.Are you certain that it is the same Kelly that played guitar for Heaven, because Mark Evans apparently bumped into Kell,s brother who told him he had died a couple of years previous. If it is Kelly , I would very much like to speak with him. I am on facebook so he could contact me there. Alternatively, my email address is thundergod@virginbroadband.com.au
Regards , Laurie Marlow
Hi Steve,
tell me more about Kelly being alive and well, you are talking about Bradford Kelly aren’t you?
Hi guys,
Well this is interesting, this guy swears he is Kelly! And looking at the pics he looks VERY similar. He has mentioned all the bands and people on the website, he also told me a lot of people think he’s dead! He had a bad bike accident in 2004 and has some brain damage/. I can’t be sure as i don’t really know, but he has told me so much about Heaven and Fat lip and the old days etc. I will call him this week and see if he wants to make contact, he even told me he use to live with Iva Davies at one point! I can’t see why this bloke would lie about such things and seems to have intimate knowledge on you all. It would be good if i could see some more pics of him as he’s about 58 or so now. I’ll see what i can find out. Cheers, Steve
Hi Steve
it would be great if it was him, drop me a line at heavenaustralia@yahoo.com
Hi Steve, Its Laurie Marlow (Heavens bass player).Mate,we really need to confirm that it is Kelly.The age is about right, if you have a look at the pic that mark has put at the header page,Kelly is second from the right. To confirm that it is Kelly, ask him the name of his girlfriend with whom he lived at Potts Point. If it is him,and he doesnt want to be contacted,I will respect his wishes, I would just like to know he is okay.Thanks
Hey guys. Typing this on my phone and it’s a pain in the ass!
John Lalor and Laurie Marlowe were my rhythm section when I lived in Sydney in the 80s. As soon as they got back from LA Heaven had kinda broken up and we got together to do a bunch of gigs. Laurie replaced Felix Maslin in my band. JL and I played with Swanee in 1985 and Stevie Wright in 1986.
Just thought I’d let ya know this. It was a pretty cool time in my life. I’m now in England and have recorded some albums with MSG rhythm section Chris Glen and Ted McKenna also from The Sensational Alex Harvey Band and Ian Gillan. Don Airey also played on that album. He’s also about to play only new album, along with ex Robert Plant guitarist Robbie Blunt and Mark Stanway, from Magnum.
I really wanna catch up with JL again.
Hi Gwyn, great to hear from you.
I had the pleasure of doing sound for you at the Rebels Clubhouse on New years eve 1985. I distinctly remember how good your band was and how much of a party animal John Lalor was! We both saw the sun come up that night.
Thanks for calling in.
heaven
saw em with priest back in 2001 thebby theatre in adelaide
met allan after the gig
does anyone know if any recordings exist from their usa tours
any radio shows anybody remember seeing them support motley crue
can someone post some info on the gigs heaven did in the states with sabbath and motley crue
and any info on the maiden tour they did in australia
Am I the only one who remembers when Heaven released the video for “Knocking on Heavens’ Door? I would hope not. It got a lot of airplay on a now-defunct video music station in my hometown of Boston (MA) I’ll never forget the incredible footage shot by the production crew. Even with the helicopter in several frames, it was still pretty frickin sweet! I was in high school at the time and always wanted a chance to see them, but never got the chance. Anyone know where the video was produced or any other info about it? Thanks!!
I know it’s been put to rest above, but as a matter of interest here’s an interview with Alan stating that Mark was the replacement for Mick Cox here:
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~cruekiss/fryer.htm
An extract follows (CC is the acryonymn for Chronological Crue, Paul Miles):
AF: ’83 – ’84. Yeh Angels. Actually Mick had come back to Australia and we ended up getting Mark Evans.
CC: From AC/DC?
AF: Yeh from AC/DC. He was playing rhythm guitar for us.
I noticed I havent been mentioned in members of Heaven. I was the original rythmn guitarist for Heaven in the early 80`s.Does anybody remember me?
Or have I faded into the mist. I was there for the original signing with Deluxe records when the band first was named. We had a residency at the bondi astra hotel almost everyweek when we werent touring.
John Haese replaced me when I left.
Laury would remember me as does Allan Fryer, Kelly if still alive, am interested to read the above theories. Would be just like him tho, wanting to quietly leave the scene. Nice bloke who like myself used a different name to remain a little out of the spotlight. Good on ya Kel if your still out there living a different life!!!!!!!! Rob Hannah certainly remembers our days in Heaven cos I caught up with him only last week. Rob was the drummer of Heaven before Joe Turtur. I notice he also does not get a mention as a member.
If you look on the acknowledments on the first album Twilight of Mischief you will see Don and Rob thanks to. That was myself and Rob Hanna
Myself I left Heaven in the early 80`s and came back to Adelaide to sort out some financial stuff and originally intended to return to Heavens folds but destiny gave me a son in Adelaide so I have had a great life here just playing in quite a few bands and working a day gig buying up houses.
The line Allan sings in the song “In the Beginning” I always thought was directed at me cos I was always talking about wanting to get some land in the early days of Heaven. “every body wishing for some land, they could play in a rock and roll band,” I think is how it goes…..
The boys used to always look at me strange as we were touring and I would look around and say “wouldnt mind buying a house here one day”….
Had a great time in those early days of Heaven and maybe I am left out of the history because most knew I wanted to remain anonymous, who knows? Anyway great site and cheers to all who were there and can still remember being there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don
(Gordon Klaproth)
Thanks Don,
I’ve added you & Rob to the members list.
Cheers, Mark
Help me someone who can gt in touch with Allan I am an old friend who lost touch with Alan. Tell him its Steve from the Hard Rock Cafe in San Antonio have him call me asap at 210-887-1385 please anyone who talks with Alan! Thank you
Hey Steven,
He is on facebook, not that I know how to use it, but someone you know or your self can contact him there. Allan Fryer is his name.
Cheers Don Klaproth
I was just a young lad living in West Ryde(Sydney Suburb) and remember very well following Heaven around the pub/Night Club circuit, especially at their favourite gig in Parramatta(can’t remember the place’s name now, but they were there quite often), Rydalmere pub, and Ermington. There was a group of 4 of us from work(the old Bank of New South Wales…Now Westpac…Sydney office branch, 341 George St.) that always tried to get in to where Heaven was playing. We got tickets to Iron Maiden’s first gig at the Capitol in Sydney…..and to our great surprise, Heaven was their opening band. The 4 of us hammered our way down to the front of the audience, center stage, and when Heaven came out on stage they remembered us from following them around, unfortunately we were usually so smashed, we only knew the band’s name, we met the guys several times during and after gig’s but due to a cocktail of chemicals, mainly fuelled by booze we never remembered the guys names, but the guys recognised us and during a couple of their famous guitar solo’s they fingered the fret boards while holding the guitar down to us to pluck away at the Maiden concert. We were so exhillerated by that experience while they were on stage that night and letting the four of us participate like they did, just made the night that much more memorable and exciting for us. I’ll never forget that night. We, unfortunately, never saw the guys again after that. I just hope that they see this post, possibly remember that first Maiden gig night and how they lit up 4 teenegers lives that night, and embedded a memory that’ll live with all 4 of us for the rest of our lives. If you guys ever read this, I really want to say a big THANK YOU!
Hi Damian,
Not sure if its you, but are you one of what we used to call our headbangers? cos you`s were always down the front banging your heads.
I was with Heaven in the earlly days, rythmn guitarist mainly standing to your right side of stage. Don was my name (Gordon really). Quite often you guys would take us home to Bondi Rd after a gig and get us food sometimes.
I think you also came there to the Bondi Flat cos I was to give one of you guitar lessons. I left the band not too long after but hey if it is you I always remembered you lot cos I can tell you it was always great to see familiar faces in the crowd. Ok Damian wont rack on too long cos it may not even be you but if it is I would like to say THANK YOU TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wasnt with them at the Iron Maiden concert, had long left but I do remember that you guys were right into them but often used to say it was easier and cheaper to go to a Heaven gig to get your rocks off..
where can I find music by Heaven. I used to have a vinyl copy of Knocking on Heavens door by them and would like to find it again.
http://www.facebook.com/heavenozrock