Comments on: Judge Mercy http://australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/ Recording the Golden Age of Australian Live Music Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:01:35 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Rona http://australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-1826 Rona Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:23:38 +0000 http://www.australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-1826 Hey, I would love to get in contact with a very dear and old friend Craig Foster. Craig if you read this I would love to see you again after all these years and introduce you to my family. Rona Hey, I would love to get in contact with a very dear and old friend Craig Foster. Craig if you read this I would love to see you again after all these years and introduce you to my family.
Rona

]]> By: Jamie Fisher http://australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-650 Jamie Fisher Fri, 02 Sep 2011 22:45:55 +0000 http://www.australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-650 If you get to read this Andy, you'll be pleased to know that the Judge Mercy boys still rocked it last night at the Enmore. While Dave from Wrecking Crew did well, it wasn't quite the same without you. Every band on the bill was awesome right from the Tatts down to the boys ex-Candy Harlots. It was fantastic to see all that awesome Aussie talent again. Jamie If you get to read this Andy, you’ll be pleased to know that the Judge Mercy boys still rocked it last night at the Enmore. While Dave from Wrecking Crew did well, it wasn’t quite the same without you. Every band on the bill was awesome right from the Tatts down to the boys ex-Candy Harlots. It was fantastic to see all that awesome Aussie talent again.

Jamie

]]> By: Rado Clara http://australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-649 Rado Clara Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:26:14 +0000 http://www.australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-649 Venice, 2 September 2011 Andy, I’m very sorry that you suffer for the loss of your dear friend Greg. I’m very close to you in this difficult time, you are always in my thoughts. It’s very nice that you express and share your feelings with us, your fan. Your behaviour shows your value, the wonderful Person that you are. I realize among your lines that, you are a good-hearted person and your feelings are sincere and deep. You were lucky to have a loyal and generous friend like Greg. He gave you so much and with care. He did this not for “god money” but for his deep friendship he felt for you Andy. This make him honour. A friend is very important, he is like a lighthouse in the storm. He helps you to overcome life’s troubles and together is easier. So, you feel stronger, understood and protected by him. I’m sure that you have a lot of friends and familiars who help you to go over this hard time and they soothe your pain. I would like to do for real something for you. I offer you a little bit of serenity. I give hospitality to you at my place. My town is rather little, I mean 1200 inhabitants in all. It’s situated in the neighbourhood of the Venice’s lagoon. Here there’s a lot of stillness and peace. Here the life is simple and people are common. We work for a living. I live with my family in an old house, unluckily I haven’t got a guest-room. Don’t worry, I’ll find accommodation for your nights in a hotel. You’ll be able to stay with me during the day. I’m sorry, I do what little I can. I’m sure, here in the countryside you could move away your sad thoughts and get peace of your mind. It could be a delightful experience for you. I would like to have the chance to give you one reason more to smile. I’m holding out a hand to you. You are loved, I love you! A big bear hug, you are welcome Andy! Clara PS - Please, forgive me because I couldn’t find better words, English isn’t my language. - Please, don’t wait too much, I’m getting older…? Ciao Andy! Venice, 2 September 2011

Andy, I’m very sorry that you suffer for the loss of your dear friend Greg.
I’m very close to you in this difficult time, you are always in my thoughts.

It’s very nice that you express and share your feelings with us, your fan.
Your behaviour shows your value, the wonderful Person that you are.
I realize among your lines that, you are a good-hearted person and your feelings are sincere and deep.

You were lucky to have a loyal and generous friend like Greg.
He gave you so much and with care. He did this not for “god money” but for his deep friendship he felt for you Andy. This make him honour.

A friend is very important, he is like a lighthouse in the storm. He helps you to overcome life’s troubles and together is easier. So, you feel stronger, understood and protected by him. I’m sure that you have a lot of friends and familiars who help you to go over this hard time and they soothe your pain.

I would like to do for real something for you. I offer you a little bit of serenity. I give hospitality to you at my place.
My town is rather little, I mean 1200 inhabitants in all. It’s situated in the
neighbourhood of the Venice’s lagoon. Here there’s a lot of stillness and peace.
Here the life is simple and people are common. We work for a living.

I live with my family in an old house, unluckily I haven’t got a guest-room.
Don’t worry, I’ll find accommodation for your nights in a hotel. You’ll be able to stay with me during the day. I’m sorry, I do what little I can.
I’m sure, here in the countryside you could move away your sad thoughts and get peace of your mind. It could be a delightful experience for you.

I would like to have the chance to give you one reason more to smile.
I’m holding out a hand to you. You are loved, I love you!
A big bear hug, you are welcome Andy!
Clara

PS – Please, forgive me because I couldn’t find better words, English
isn’t my language.
– Please, don’t wait too much, I’m getting older…? Ciao Andy!

]]> By: Branko http://australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-648 Branko Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:21:07 +0000 http://www.australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-648 Good brothers and sisters of rock, I had the pleasure of witnessing the might and power that was a Judge Mercy gig numerous times at my local pub, "The Northgong". These four guys never failed to entertain and amaze everytime they graced the stage. I distinctly remember one occasion when I was standing next to the drummer of a well known thrash metal band from "The 'Gong", who was called on stage to play an "AC/DC" cover with the lads. I'll never forget that night "Red". Around this time (early '92), Judge Mercy were supporting the Baby Animals on an Australian tour. They were due to play at Waves Nightclub in Towradgi, but Suze DeMarchi (lead singer "Baby Animals") had a sore throat. So the "Judge" were asked to headline the gig. This is where my own story comes in. I was a member of a local Wollongong band called "Razorback". We had been called by the gents from Judge Mercy to support them and MATE, what a gig. HUGE P.A., HUGE stage, and HUGE crowd (thank you? "Frankentein's Monsters"). Good brothers and sisters of rock,
I had the pleasure of witnessing the might and power that was a Judge Mercy gig numerous times at my local pub, “The Northgong”. These four guys never failed to entertain and amaze everytime they graced the stage. I distinctly remember one occasion when I was standing next to the drummer of a well known thrash metal band from “The ‘Gong”, who was called on stage to play an “AC/DC” cover with the lads. I’ll never forget that night “Red”.
Around this time (early ’92), Judge Mercy were supporting the Baby Animals on an Australian tour. They were due to play at Waves Nightclub in Towradgi, but Suze DeMarchi (lead singer “Baby Animals”) had a sore throat. So the “Judge” were asked to headline the gig. This is where my own story comes in. I was a member of a local Wollongong band called “Razorback”. We had been called by the gents from Judge Mercy to support them and MATE, what a gig. HUGE P.A., HUGE stage, and HUGE crowd (thank you? “Frankentein’s Monsters”).

]]> By: Jamie Fisher http://australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-647 Jamie Fisher Wed, 08 Jun 2011 03:29:56 +0000 http://www.australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-647 One thing that always stuck with me is how awesome Judge Mercy sounded. I don't remember ever hearing a bad sound mix . It's amazing how much drive comes from the people that truly believe in us. Whether it's performing music, driving trains, coaching a sports team, etc., it's good to have the reassurance that what you are doing has a purpose. Sorry for your loss. It sounds like Judge Mercy has lost the glue that kept it all together. RIP. One thing that always stuck with me is how awesome Judge Mercy sounded. I don’t remember ever hearing a bad sound mix . It’s amazing how much drive comes from the people that truly believe in us. Whether it’s performing music, driving trains, coaching a sports team, etc., it’s good to have the reassurance that what you are doing has a purpose.

Sorry for your loss. It sounds like Judge Mercy has lost the glue that kept it all together. RIP.

]]> By: ANDY CICHON http://australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-646 ANDY CICHON Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:52:13 +0000 http://www.australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-646 I don't usually post on any of these things but this is for a lost comrade. It is with a heavy heart that I write these lines. My friend Greg Clarke is no longer with us and there is one less reason to smile. Clarkie was a mate, a friend firstly and by chance, a colleague. Back in 1990 when I put together the band Judge Mercy, Greg joined us as our sound engineer and quickly became our road manager, production manager, security co ordinator and I always considered him our fifth member. Together with Brownie, The Booger Brothers gave us their lives for three long hard years as we toured the country trying to make this thing work. Six of us and all our backline gear in a toyota commuter bus, sitting on roadcases from Brisbane to Adelaide and back again, over and over. And for what? Surely not for the money, but because Clarkie believed in us, probably more than we believed in ourselves. There was nothing he wouldn't do for us, he just gave and gave and gave most P.A.s a hiding in the process. I seem to remember having to smuggle him into some venues because he was banned for blowing up the house system on too many occasions. Greg was great company. A man with diverse interests, we could chat for hours about anything and it was good to stop talking music for a while and rap with Clarkie about Austin Healeys or weather patterns or whatever. We stayed in touch and I spent the last few days going over old emails from Clackers and reliving great days with him. We worked together again in mid 90s with Billy Thorpe and it was great that Mick O'Shea was on board for one of those tours so that 3 old Mercy Brothers were reunited. I saw him again when I was in Sydney with Billy Joel in 2008, so great to see that big smile and grab a big bear hug. I'll miss you my brother. You were loved. Rest in peace Greg Clarke. Andy Cichon I don’t usually post on any of these things but this is for a lost comrade.

It is with a heavy heart that I write these lines. My friend Greg Clarke is no longer with us and there is one less reason to smile.
Clarkie was a mate, a friend firstly and by chance, a colleague. Back in 1990 when I put together the band Judge Mercy, Greg joined us as our sound engineer and quickly became our road manager, production manager, security co ordinator and I always considered him our fifth member.
Together with Brownie, The Booger Brothers gave us their lives for three long hard years as we toured the country trying to make this thing work.
Six of us and all our backline gear in a toyota commuter bus, sitting on roadcases from Brisbane to Adelaide and back again, over and over.
And for what? Surely not for the money, but because Clarkie believed in us, probably more than we believed in ourselves.
There was nothing he wouldn’t do for us, he just gave and gave and gave most P.A.s a hiding in the process. I seem to remember having to smuggle him into some venues because he was banned for blowing up the house system on too many occasions. Greg was great company. A man with diverse interests, we could chat for hours about anything and it was good to stop talking music for a while and rap with Clarkie about Austin Healeys or weather patterns or whatever.
We stayed in touch and I spent the last few days going over old emails from Clackers and reliving great days with him. We worked together again in mid 90s with Billy Thorpe and it was great that Mick O’Shea was on board for one of those tours so that 3 old Mercy Brothers were reunited.
I saw him again when I was in Sydney with Billy Joel in 2008, so great to see that big smile and grab a big bear hug.
I’ll miss you my brother. You were loved.
Rest in peace Greg Clarke.
Andy Cichon

]]> By: Greg Clarke has passed away — Australian Music History http://australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-645 Greg Clarke has passed away — Australian Music History Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:12:38 +0000 http://www.australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-645 [...] at Towradgi Beach, Wollongong & he was the sound man for an up & coming band called Judge Mercy. They were supporting a Cold Chisel cover band I was mixing & I still remember at how much sound [...] [...] at Towradgi Beach, Wollongong & he was the sound man for an up & coming band called Judge Mercy. They were supporting a Cold Chisel cover band I was mixing & I still remember at how much sound [...]

]]> By: Jamie Fisher http://australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-644 Jamie Fisher Mon, 30 May 2011 00:37:33 +0000 http://www.australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-644 Just been checking through my diaries from the time. Some memorable Judge Mercy Gigs I went to. Sat 16 January 1993 at the Tom Tom Club in Kings Cross supported by Vaseline Machine Gun. Sat 26 September 1992 Garter's Nightclub at Pendle Inn, Pendle Hill supported by Sabra Cadabra. Fri 7 August 1992 at The Venue at Dee Why supported by Surrender & Baby Sugar Loud. I think this was the Live With It! EP launch. Sun 5 July 1992 at Mt. Druitt Town Centre. The Screaming Jets, The Almighty, Judge Mercy & Koma Red. The ticket cost $5! The audition I mentioned where I met Andy was for a band called Opium in March 1994. Some great memories there. Just been checking through my diaries from the time. Some memorable Judge Mercy Gigs I went to.

Sat 16 January 1993 at the Tom Tom Club in Kings Cross supported by Vaseline Machine Gun.

Sat 26 September 1992 Garter’s Nightclub at Pendle Inn, Pendle Hill supported by Sabra Cadabra.

Fri 7 August 1992 at The Venue at Dee Why supported by Surrender & Baby Sugar Loud. I think this was the Live With It! EP launch.

Sun 5 July 1992 at Mt. Druitt Town Centre. The Screaming Jets, The Almighty, Judge Mercy & Koma Red. The ticket cost $5!

The audition I mentioned where I met Andy was for a band called Opium in March 1994.

Some great memories there.

]]> By: Jamie Fisher http://australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-643 Jamie Fisher Sun, 29 May 2011 04:26:26 +0000 http://www.australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-643 I remember seeing Judge Mercy playing outdoors at Mt. Druitt supporting the Screaming Jets in the early 1990s. I still rate the band as one of my all-time favourites. The songs, the arrangements, the rhythm section, all had a profound effect on my own playing and style. I knew Andy's name from many of the CDs of artists he had recorded with. Judge Mercy had the catchy type of hard rock music that hooked you at first listen. I was lucky enough to meet Andy around 1994 when I auditioned for a band that he was producing an EP for. Playing his 5 string Warwick during the audition and meeting him is a memory that will stay with me for a long, long time. If ever there was proof of fate, it was this. I had advertised in Sydney's Drum Media looking for a band and had listed one of my influences as Judge Mercy and the band had kept my ad and called me some 12 months later. My own music career has never amounted to a great deal but it's great to see Andy go so well on the world stage. I'd love to see a Judge Mercy reunion tour! I remember seeing Judge Mercy playing outdoors at Mt. Druitt supporting the Screaming Jets in the early 1990s. I still rate the band as one of my all-time favourites. The songs, the arrangements, the rhythm section, all had a profound effect on my own playing and style. I knew Andy’s name from many of the CDs of artists he had recorded with. Judge Mercy had the catchy type of hard rock music that hooked you at first listen.

I was lucky enough to meet Andy around 1994 when I auditioned for a band that he was producing an EP for. Playing his 5 string Warwick during the audition and meeting him is a memory that will stay with me for a long, long time. If ever there was proof of fate, it was this. I had advertised in Sydney’s Drum Media looking for a band and had listed one of my influences as Judge Mercy and the band had kept my ad and called me some 12 months later.

My own music career has never amounted to a great deal but it’s great to see Andy go so well on the world stage. I’d love to see a Judge Mercy reunion tour!

]]> By: L from Newie http://australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-642 L from Newie Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:55:48 +0000 http://www.australianmusichistory.com/judge-mercy/#comment-642 Judge Mercy lead guitarist Ismet went on to play with The Screaming Jets and is currently touring with Kevin Borich's Party Boyz. Craig Forster (Judge Mercy Bassist) and Ismet are both much-loved Newcastle lads. Judge Mercy lead guitarist Ismet went on to play with The Screaming Jets and is currently touring with Kevin Borich’s Party Boyz.
Craig Forster (Judge Mercy Bassist) and Ismet are both much-loved Newcastle lads.

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