About
Sydney based band influenced by Jazz, Punk and Rock.
History
- Started – 1979
- Disbanded – 1982
Members
- Mark Azzopardi – Drums
- Jeff Barrett – Bass
- Doug Coster – Keys
- Vince Crea – Drums
- Danny Damjanovic – Sax
- Scott Johnson -Guitar
- Harry Ladamatos – Bass
- Alex Lakejev – Keys, Vocals
- Mike Mead – Trombone, Vocals
- Dale Pandit – Drums
- Phil Rigger – Trumpet, Vocals
- Dale Ryan – Drums
- John Sammers – Guitar, Vocals
- Michael Gray – Keys
- Chris Ford – Bass
Recordings
Singles
- Cities – 1980
- Cicada (that ate Fivedock) – 1981
- How Can I Get Out Of Here – 1981
- Maybe It’s A Game – 1982
- Stay With Me – 1982
Albums
- Maybe It’s A Game – 1982
Technical Crew
- Steve Zagami
- Sam Zagami
Management
- Gary Grant
{ 103 comments… read them below or add one }
I think Mark Madden was also a drummer.
Steve and Sam Zagami where the crew and Gary Grant was the manager who went on to manage INXS.
Thanks Champo, I used to do a bit of work with Steve Zagami myself. I’ll update this listing shortly.
Saw these guys several times. One of the tightest bands I’d seen. And a lot of fun too. I think the real meaning behind many of the lyrics were beyond most people however. Many other bands have reformed perhaps Outline could do a one off gig for those loyal fans from the early ’80s that used to catch them around the pubs that don’t eist any more either like the San Miguel, Chatswood Charles, etc.
Yeah, I saw them a few times at the Sefton Hotel and I think once at the Stardust in Cabramatta. They always put on a great show.
Yeah, they were a great little band. I think maybe they formed pre-1979 because I saw them support the Police on their first tour of Oz in 1978, I think. Their songwriting was sensational, I’m sorry they never reached super-stardom!
Mark Madden played percussion in the band called Casablanca which became Outline. I can’t remember exactly what happened but I think at this point we had all quit our day jobs. We had just won a band competition, Northside Band competition or something like that so we embarked on being fulltime musos! I left Christmas 1979 after about a year.
The spelling is Doug COSTER, not COASTER
Thanks Doug, fixed.
I played bass in Casablanca, which became Outline.
Phil Rigger and Mick Meade were in the horn section; they thought and played as one. I believe we had the largest Steely Dan repertoire in Australia. Whenever we played “Don’t Take Me Alive” and John Sammers did that guitar intro, there would be a fight in the audience.
John Marks, the drummer, was a monster. He had the whole double kick thing well sorted way back then. Mark Madden was the percussionist. Jenny Watson was the original singer with Outline.
We were all mad Frank Zappa fans. Phil and John wanted to up the satire factor and run with the punk thing, along with some Gentle Giant. I guess that’s where Outline started. However oxymoronic it sounds, it has to be said that Outline were the best musicians playing punk at that time.
danny damjanovic [saxophone] went on to play with a band called ‘jimmy and the boys’.one of their albums was called ‘not like everybody else’. last i heard of mick mead was in 1981 – he was working as a opotometry sales rep – i cooked him some really bad lobster in innisfail [charlie's place]. you might remember this mick ? whatever happened to you and danny ? sadly, charlie passed away in 2006. joanne
Hey Joanne,
Danny is alive and well but alas not playing live these days. We often see him at Atlantic Studios for late night jams with mates.
Yeah………..Bay st and the lllinois hotel.
I roadied for outline early 1980; remember crashing out a few times at the old place in five dock….which the Cicada really should have ate! Used to gig at the Pickled Parrot (Gladesville Inn) a fair bit. Phil was amazing on trumpet and vocals and the guitar guy (forgot his name) was pretty nifty with the trem; the whole outfit reminded me of Bill Bruford’s lot. Ah well, talent never did count for anything in the music business….I learned a few things and now teach music!
We used to see Outline upstairs regularly (in 1980?) at the Civic on Goulburn St, in the days when you had to eat a meal (usually curry) to be able to stay for the band. It was dakr and dingy… loads of atmosphere, probably a fire trap! The carpet was so bad it stuck to your shoes…
Dale Ryan and ‘Dale Pandit’ may be the same person.
Here’s his myspace page with some interesting pics, some may be from Outline days:
http://www.myspace.com/dalegryan
Mark Madden and Alex Lakajev also played, way back, in an amateur band called ‘Ash’ whose leader/guitarist was later manager Gary Grant (of INXS?).
And before Casablanca, me and 2 other oddballs had a ‘Jazz-Rock Fusion’ band in Burwood which we managed to persuade Mark Madden to join as drummer for a couple of years. John Sammers was a casual member (I left early), and there was a keyboardist called Krishna who had been ‘Indonesia’s Jimi Hendrix’ – He was very talented and I always wondered what happened to him.
Also, I reckon ‘ick ick ick ick, Cicada Drummoyne!’ was the war cry of the Drummoyne Cicadas football team, a war cry which John Sammers may have made up way before he wrote the song – anyone else remember anything about that?
Mick Mead went on to form the band “Sick As A Pig” (heavily influenced frank zapa)
Mick played bass and was a reluctantly the lead singer with Steve Ball on guitar and Steve Byrne on drums. And I recall they played at lest one gig with Tony Cadden as the second guitar.
They had some great songs such as “Daddy shot mummy” and “lets go to the beach”.
In the early 90’s the band took a bit of change in direction by joining Charlie O’Neil, Ian Brown and myself under the banner of “Bus Crash”. With the addition of Steve Black on the trumpet.
Well Well Well….. If you look hard enough, you find amzing stuff…. I didn’t even know this page existed until today when a friend pointed me to it…. I should sort out a few things so the mediator can correct a few feaux pars…. Dale Ryan and Dale Pandit are the same person… The band started as Casabalanca in at least 1978 but I really think it was early 1977. Danny Damjanovic, Mick Mead and I grew up together and played in a number of bands together along with Steve Black who was mentioned as playing with Mick at a certain point. Danny never played in Outline or Casablanca except for a couple of times as a guest player, but was never a full member. He did play in Jimmy and the Boys. Gary Grant is a great guy who managed Outline and as far as I can determine never had a band with anyone. Of course he went on to help manage INXS for at least 10 years. In the old days we were all friends…. INXS, Matt Finish, Jimmy and the Boys etc etc Mark Madden played percussion with Casablanca and Outline until we split in half. We spent sometime playing in a number of Jazz Fusion style bands with him… a great guy Mark. Dave Tucker played bass in Casablanca…. what a bass player, and what a great guy. Dave made me (6ft 5inches) look short (6ft 6 1/2 inches)… the only guy I ever played with who broke a fairly new bottom E string playing a bass solo…!! Dave was so big he used to have a weekend removalist company called Bull Goose Removals and he used to move upright pianos by himself…. or so the legend says…. John Marks played in Casablanca and originally in Outline. Dave Tucker was right when he said that ‘Harpo’ as we called him was a Monster drummer…. great player indeed. Jenny Watson was our lead vocalist originally and she is a great singer. She eventually married Harpo… great people. I hope they’ve been well. Jeff Barrett played bass, Scot Johnston played drums…. not guitar as listed… a great drummer Scotty. The other listing were pretty right. Harry Ladomatos was our early bass player in Outline, a great guy. I recently had the pleasure of recording Harry’s Jazz Fusion band at my studio which was a real pleasure. He’s playing really well. As I just mentioned, I have a studio in Rozelle – monstereomusic and still write and record music…. it’s in my blood I suppose. My partner and I have a band called The Cube which is spoken word over and electronica style backdrop… with guitars etc etc. I appreciate the great comments made by all of you guys. We had a lot of fun in Outline and if it wasn’t for a few things that happened mostly outside of our control we might have gone on to bigger and better things. Anyway, stay in touch guys. Check out the myspace.com/thecubeonline page and drop me a line and tell me what you think. Once again thanks for your memories…. Cheers, Phil Rigger
Just one short note…. I’m sorry to hear that Charlie passed away. When Mick Mead, Steve Black and I lived above and behind the OPSM shop in Auburn, we became good mates with Charlie. He was a real character A few good stories that I couldn’t really re-tell here. I’m sorry to hear he passed away in 2006…. Cheers Charlie
Thanks heaps Phil, it’s great to hear from you on my humble site. I enjoyed seeing your band many times, mainly at Sefton & The Stardust and you were always great.
Thorough comments like yours fill in a huge amount of gaps in a site like this and is exactly the sort of thing I hoped for when I first started it. Thanks again.
I was going through my record collection last night and played the single Cities and the album Maybe Its A Game and it brought back a lot of good memories, hence why I googled the band today. Awesome live band, with Phil one of the most captavating front man I have ever witnessed. I remember seeing them a couple of times in Canberra, once supporting Flowers at the Uni Bar. I though they had the billing wrong, Outline blew them away. Glad to hear Phil is alive and well and still making music.
I sold a guitar to John Sammers once way back in 1978 I think. It was a pommy John Birch Flying Vee. I went to see the boys play one night in Sydney cant remember where and that guitar cranked!!! However I do remember them insisting that the name Outline was a dead issue and that that they were now using the name Teleside?? Does anyone remember that. I remember the other band was The Reels on that night. It was most unusual to see trupets etc in rockbands back in those days
Pete – I just thought I’d add this. I left that John Birch V at my mums and have just brought it back to the UK to get it going again, although I have to confess to stupidly scalloping the beautiful jackaranda fretboard and allowing my guitar techs to refinish it in polyurethane. John Birch is still around so will get in touch with him about the guitar. J
My old man played keys for these guys, havn a beer with him now. He reckons there was a period where ‘Outline’ were chopping and changing with names/ideas to freshen things up. Nothing stuck though, ‘Outline’ was ‘Oultine’ and it had to stay that way.
Hey Nathan, your old man (Sasha) and I were good mates back then, when he was playing with Ash. I remember driving him to a gig at the Forest Lodge Hotel ’cause he didn’t have a licence yet. He just played a shitload of tunes on the pub piano, including a couple of ordinary tunes that I wrote. Say hello to him for me as well as your aunt Vera and uncle Steve Crowhurst.
Wal…..I have a vinyl copy of Maybe It’s A Game in my garage.
Yeah Lou, I know you have ‘Maybe it’s a Game’ and you said you were going to transfer it to CD for me. Don’t worry, Phil Rigger is going to do it for me.
hi we loved these guys back at the old VICA OF WAKEFIELD HOTEL DURAL LATE 1970s early 80s. these guys rocked always put on a great show me and my brother got on well with the guys.I remember the songs ghost train / cicada what a great song nice sound effects & cities which i still have the single. THE OLD BAMBOO ROOM WHAT MEMORIES.
Hey Nathan does your Dad remember supporting The Angels at the Hordern Pavillion either late 70s or early 80s. I remember the Cicada song eee, eee, eee.
Yes..one of my fave bands too… We used to go to the Vicar of Wakefield every weekend for a dose of AUSSIE ROCK.. Outline.. The Eyes.. Damaged Goods.. Radiators… The Numbers.. D. Minor & The Discords… + yer Mentals & INXS’s …and others whose names will prob come back as soon as I hit Enter… The Outliners were a friendly bunch and I always got in the ear of Phil or John about bands etc (our band at the time; New Line Road played its first gig at the Vic).. I remember an epic tune which they used to do in the earlier days……… a history of music in 10 minutes… very funny.. I have some excellent pix of the band at The Vicar ..I shall find them!! ..and yes I still have every record they released…including the 12″ EP.. and yes I do play them from time to time..Thank you Outline for some great musical moments!!…PS I have just been reminded that after an Outline gig @ The Bayview Tavern we found a little kitten which we took home and named….Outline…
Jon – I am going to put together an Outline website so would love scans of any photos you have. Best, John
I used to watch Outline nearly every Sat night at the pickled parrot….such good times… and great songs….cities….cicada…sex aids…are you a consumer, Wish I had a way to listen to them again…. I heard when they first started that the line up was bigger with people actually acting out the songs on stage but I can’t confirm that…maybe just an urban myth… I also heard they had trouble with record companies cause they sounded too much like Misex.(surely not…surely)
anyway they were great times and if they ever reformed i’d be there in a heartbeat…Why not…The Radiators are performing 30 year anniversary shows I read…. and imo Outline towers above them
Hi all
Its great to relive the good old days of Aus music.
I have in my album collection, The Outline Album -Maybe its a game, (the board game inside)its in great condition, I want to record it onto my computer one day so I can hear it again. Great songs great words, cheers Peter
Great songs!
Where can I purchase the Outline Album -Maybe its a Game?
Great website this – I play in a touch football team called Cicadas on Grass. We began in about 1984 as the Cicadas, and played basketball, before moving to touch footy (hence the “on grass”). We are unashamedly proud followers on the Outline song and every game we play we eee eee eee eee eee as much of possible.
We are having a 25 year reunion this year, inviting as many former Cicadas as possible (in the hundreds). Anyone know where we can get a copy of the song (I’d prefer a record if possible – not really an iTunes man). Full thanks to Outline for providing 25 years if sore throats
I work in the ABC archives and came across this tape (1/4″ 71/2 ips.
Outline (demo)
Master: Date of broadcast unknown. Circa mid 1970′s. Outline is: John Sammers – guitar, vocals. Phil Rigger – trumpet, effects, vocals. Alex Lacesev – keyboards, vocals. Bob Oliver – drums. Jeff Barrett – bass. 1. The Cicada That 8 Five Dock 2. Security Set 3. I’m In Love 4. Lost For Words; Recorded at Honeyfarm.
Does anyone know when this was done? The box says Circa mid 1970′s. But I assume it’s later. And I notice the drummer isn’t in the list above.
Hi Nic – I would love to hold of a copy of that tape (I was so crap at keeping stuff – being very much an ‘in the now’ type) for the new website we are planning. Is that possible? Best, John
Hi Nic,
I was the bass player with Outline in their first year and I remember being on this recording session. The demo you refer to was probably recorded around September 1979. Can’t remember who was drumming, maybe Mark Azzopardi. John played bass on Security Set because I couldn’t get the feel he wanted. I don’t think John (Harpo) Marks played drums on this because he had left the band along with Jenny Watson (our vocalist) some time before this. I remember the producer got John and Alex to play solos over the whole recording and then used parts of these on the final mix. I thought that was really cool.
We also shot a video for Cicada at some old construction site with the guy who produced this recording. I can’t recall the producers name but he had a place in Surry Hills with an attic that had a telescope in it for looking at the stars. He was taken by Outlines quirky sound and attitude to music. He was a cool quirky guy himself with that sort of new age outlook of that time.
These recording were pressed as a 4 track 33rpm LP which I had a copy of but have since lost. Steve Zagami our sound guy had given it to me when I saw him the following year after I had left.
I’m sure Phil Rigger would be very interested in hearing these tapes if that was possible Nic. Phil runs a very nice studio down at Rozelle called Monstereo. Phil would also be able to shed more light on the details of this demo recording.
Nic, Outline did a live to air recording on Double Jay (or was that Triple?) as part of the prize for winning a band competition either just before or just after Christmas 1978. If you found that it would be really cool. It was done at the studio up in Darlinghurst. We also did a recording session there. I remember the engineer/producer guy thought that our songs were too complex. We were right into Gentle Giant at this time so there were these quirky odd meter hard to play things that John Sammers liked writing.
regards
Harry Ladomatos
Hi Guys,
Once again, it’s so nice to hear that Outline created so many great memories for so many people. It makes me very proud to think that we were able to make a difference with people…..to entertain and to say something real, with a liberal dose of humour is what we always tried to do. To Nic, regarding the recording you found….I’d be really interested in getting a transfer of that to CD if possible. I have a cassette of that session I think, but to have it transferred from 1/4′ would be great. The lineup as stated is as it was at the time of the session. John on guitar and vocals, myself on vocals and trumpet, Jeff Barrett on bass, Alex on Keys and Bob Oliver on drums. I think Harry mentioned in an earlier post that we had Mark Azzopardi, but Mark left the band and we had to get another drummer pretty quickly as we had quite a few gigs booked. I had met Bob when I was playing in an earlier band I was in called Skintight. We were a 9 piece funk band during the 70′s. Another band we did a number of gigs with was Dalvanius and the Fascinations. They were essentially a vocal group (Dalvanius and 2 pr 3 harmony singers- the Fascinations) The had a very funky, hot band and Bob Oliver, an American was the drummer. When Outline needed a drummer I had his number and lo and behold he was free at the time. Bob came over to rehearse with us. He picked the songs up really quickly and away we went….it was fantastic. Of course, we had a discussion with him and we weren’t the style of band he wanted to play with permanently, as we were rocking a bit more and funkin’ a little less, but he agreed to stay until we found and rehearsed a new drummer, so Bob stayed with us for about 3 months. He was fantastic and did that recording. I heard years later he ended up as the drummer in the house band at the Wrest Point Casino in Hobart….. If you ever see this Bob, or anyone knows Bob, please pass on my kindest regards and ask him to drop me a line. The guy Harry mentions as having made an original video for Cicada was Groove Myers. Groove was an artist and raconteur who had a great place called The Milk Bar in Surry Hills…..it was an old coner store milk bar. The roof opened up and he had a wonderful large telescope with which to stargaze…..a great guy. That version of Cicada was produced by Phil Punch (his brother is Mark Punch, noted guitarist). To this day Phil was one of the nicest, talented people I’ve ever worked with. Funny thing, after having made that recording all those years ago, our paths never crossed again, so if you ever read this Phil, a belated thanks for being a hugely talented, great guy. Anyway, once again I’m o glad people enjoyed Outline. Anymore stories similar to the Cicadas footy team wouldn’t go astray either…….well done The Cicadas…..I hope you won a few Grand Finals……Cheers, everyone….PS my email is phil.rigger@gmail.com
Gday,
Just reading through these posts and came across the name of an American drummer Bob “BO” Oliver.
He is currently living in Brisbane and is my son’s drum teacher.
Teaching out of the Guitar Exchange in Morayfield.
Bob has his own website too,. http://www.boboliver.net
Hope this helps anyone who may have known him from all those years ago.
Regards,
Gaz
Hi Guys,
Myself and a mate were only talking about “Cicada” a few weeks ago, this was one of our favourtie songs growing up as young grommetts and I’d love to get a copy of the track.
Ive searched iTunes but have’nt had any luck.
Any idea’s?
Cheers
Craig…
There’s a clip of cicada on Youtube.
Hey – big love and thanks to everyone out there for your kind words. Phil has got a better memory than me and has tidied up most things. Great to hear from Dave Tucker, Bruce et al as well. The band that Alex and Mark were in prior to Casablanca was indeed called Ash, but the lead guitarist was Garry ‘Tiger’ Smith, who is still playing. I’m heading down to Adelaide next week to catch up with Mark and will tell him about this site.
)
The story about the ‘Cicada Drummoyne Eee Eee’ war cry is true (far more scary a war chant than the Haka because it makes absolutely no sense at all). We used to start each rugby match chanting Cicada Drummoyne EE EE at our opponents and then launch into them with only paying scant attention to the ball. We even had a player called Jack Mooney (not his real name, his nickname) whose sole role was to take out their best player and get himself sent off. Thus, they lost their best player and we lost our worst. None of this was my idea – I was a hippy at the time who loved sport (still am
I have been living in London these past 30 years recording and performing and have threatened Phil that I may come back and do what every ageing musician does when they want to relive their glory years and need a few bucks – GET THE BAND BACK TOGETHER! Usually, its a bit of a geriatric disaster but I think we could pull it off because Phil and I are still playing a lot and haven’t completely gone to seed yet. And with the small army of interested fans like you guys, we could easily fill a large front room and have a great reunion. I’ve even been working on an unplugged version of Cicada (I’m kidding).
I have a copy of the recording we did as the winners of that competition. Its pretty good but the mediarama is a bit tarnished by my woeful flat harmony vocals. To this day I can’t believe, no-one said ‘John you’re flat!!!!’ There is good stuff on it though. Jenny is in fine voice and Harpo’s drumming, as ever, was just spectacular.
Well, its been great to read the posts and have my memories shined up by you all. I’m leaving for Sydney tonight. Anyone who wants abeer and a chat get in touch. john@johnsammers.com
Thanks again and watch this space ——- you just never know…..
J
Wow it is amazing what you can find on the net!! A trip down memory lane!!
Even though John & I aren’t prominent in the postings I noticed that we are featured on the website. Money…what a great song & the rockaramas, what a hoot! The Vicar, The Gladsville (Pickled Parrot) Bondi Lifesaver, Selinas…..
I couldn’t help but be drawn into the second last paragraph…”I have a copy of the recording from that band comp”. Thanks Harry for asking! We’d love a copy John.
John (Harpo) & I are still making great music together in between everything else. We moved to the country for the quiet life, thinking that music would be left behind in the city, but found this to be wrong. It’s in our blood.
At the moment we have a jazz band “TakeFive” with some amazing players doing standards & a new venture, a funk band “FunkyAs” which is a lot of fun! Once again great players, Allan Morgan on guitar & Chris Haigh on Bass, John on drums & me. I guess music will always be apart of our life in one way or another.
It was great to read all the posts from familiar band members & to hear that you’re all doing well.
Hey Phil how long ago was it that we ran into you at Paddy’s Market?
I thought you might like to see that the musical genes are being carried on. Here’s our son’s youtube address. He’s a chip off the old block. http://www.youtube.com/user/samjmarks
Here’s one of him with Joe Robinson & Chris Haigh on the “Electric Tour”
http://youtu.be/rW_ftud2s-8
Enjoy!
Looking forward to hearing that recording John.
Cheers
Hi Ya Jen, How are you gorgeous? And how is Harpo? Great to hear from you. Before I forget, my email address is phil.rigger@gmail.com I’ll check out the links you gave me too. re: Paddy’s Market,…gee that was a few years ago…. I haven’t been to Paddy’s in at least 3 years so…. So many good gigs we did…so much fun. I have a bunch of cassettes – desk tapes. I’ve put some of them on computer. I started because I wanted to get them all up, but I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t had a chance to do anymore as yet, but I will eventually….maybe over Christmas or something….busy busy until the end of the year. My partner, Jan and I had a little boy a couple of years ago…..better late than never. His name is Levi Jack. He’s tall, got blonde hair and blue eyes and he’s awesome. He’s 26 months old and using the computer already. Unbelievable really. He uses iTunes all the time,…has a bunch of favourite songs, including Highway to Hell (AC/DC), the Beatles and a bunch more. He sings along. We bought him an iPad. I know this probably sounds a bit over the top, but he loves it…uses it a lot. Watches Shaun The Sheep, plays songs etc etc. He also dials me up, on his own, from the computer at home to my studio via Skype. He knows how to boot it up -knows my icon etc Talks to Dad and Mum doesn’t even realise he’s on the computer….really funny. Hey next time you guys are coming down to Sydney, give me some notice so we can catch up….have a coffee, lunch or something. My studio is in Rozelle. Please say hi to John for me. Take care and speak soon, Cheers, Phil
Jenny and Harpo – what a great thing to hear from you. I’m glad to hear you are both well and life has been good to you and you are in a good band. I haven’t been in a band for about a year now but have a reunion gig soon with a band I was in in 1988, which should be a lot of fun. Getting original bands together when you’re in your 50s isn’t as straightforward as it used to be
I’ll attempt to get these tracks sorted for you guys – but you’ll have to stay on my case. As Phil has said, he has the bulk of the material but I know amidst the random cassettes, I have most of the triple J recordings. The only issue is my cassette player – the varispeed has gone so it takes a bit of time to get the thing near to concert (and hold it there…..).
Keep well you two – I’ve got to add, when the the band was smoking with you guys and Mark and Harry in it – it was reeeeeaaaalllllyyyy smoking. The end of the Rock-a-rama with Harpo doing those kik drum accents still does the hairs on my neck….
Here Here…Rock-a-rama was terrific….those thundering drums Harpo….lovely mate….I will get around to getting those cassette recording together…..Cheers
hi all
im sitting here ripping my copy of maybe its a game to my pc and listening to this album some 30 years down the track it still sounds great ,i believe was well ahead of its time as its still sounds as fresh and vibrant as it did all those years ago ,what a fantastic and timeless album.i think i must of seen outline some 20 or 30 times we were huge fans i used to go to gigs with 2 girls called megan and jean i can still remember those great gigs at the family inn….any hope all have a great new year and look forward to further comments cheers pete
What a blast from the past. Loved Outline, my sister Lea and I used to see the band nearly every weekend back in the early 80s – Metropole, Family, War & Peace, Comb & Cutter to name a few venues. I remember being at the house in Croydon the day Cicada film clip was shot (Lea and I are in the background somewhere, hehe). Great memories and fun times … funny I ended up living in Five Dock for the last 16 years lol (next to Steve & Vera). But not many cicada’s around anymore … Kim
Hey Kim, didn’t Steve and Vera move to Hunters Hill?
Yes Wally, they moved to Hunters Hill a few years ago.
Hi Ya Kim, you never know your luck……not as many Cicadas anymore, although there might be a resurgence sometime in the future….you never know your luck…..glad you enjoyed the music
Hey Kim, please give my best to Lea when you see her. I googled her but couldn’t find her when I was in Fivedock recently.
Currently in the departure lounge at Hong Kong waiting to go back to the UK and buzzing after a great 7 weeks in Oz.
I had some great chats with Phil about recording some of the songs we hadn’t done, particularly things like Lucy the Bored Housewife and our other mini rock operas. So, I’ve decided to start a website and make some of our demos and live recordings available to fans along with other stuff we can dig up.
If any body has any photos or clippings, or any outline stuff. Please scan it and send to me on my email address.
Hi John,
Sorry I missed you but have just sold at Five Dock and moved to Ermington (not a retirement village)! Sorry I didn’t catch up with you but hopefully within this year? Heard a rumour that you guys may play with Dee Minor and The Dischords! That would be a dream come true, my 2 fav Bands in one night!
Think you should record ” Sex Aids”, “Im In Love”, “Luna Park” and lots more.
I actually have a live recording of Outline, which is a full set on cassette (somewhere – I just moved so have to find it) used to play it all the time at Five Dock with Kim. Interested?
Speak soon, Take care!
Lea
Maybe
Ignore the maybe Typo!
Hey Kim and Lea…..correct me if I’m wrong….you are the gorgeous sisters who used to come and see us a lot. Kim and I went out for a while back then…. If I’m wrong please don’t be offended…. I hope to catch up with you guys soon, Cheers, Phil
That would be us Phil!
Well, well, well…. How the hell are you? It’s been a long time. I had replied to Kim’s message a little while ago, not knowing it was her, so until she reads this message, could you please apologise for my ignorance. I’m in Rozelle. If you are about one day soon, send me your email addresses and I’ll send you my number so that we can catch up for lunch or something…..Great stuff…I hope all has been well with the both of you. Speak soon, Phil
Hope all is well in your world! We are great, so much news to catch up on! (and years) Kim thought that you didn’t know who she was, she thought it was funny!
Would love to catch up, lunch sounds great. Funny, we have both been living in Five Dock for the last 22 years, and we have both just sold our homes – Kim is at Colleroy, I am in Ermington now, but we are constantly being drawn back to the old stomping ground, eeeee eeeee eeee eeee!
We would LOVE to see you guys play with Dee Minor, how cool would that be?
Have a live recording of you guys, if you are interested let me know will make some copies.
Email is:
leasimpson86@yahoo.com.au
kvkovaks@optusnet.com.au
Speak soon
Lea x
Hi Phil
That is the address
kvkovaks@optusnet.com.au
Maybe try again?
Lea
Oooops, typo!!
kvkovacs@optusnet.com.au
Hey you – an online reunion is better than none!
I don’t know about a gig with Dee Minor. Phil & I have chatted about re-arranging some of our longer pieces and recording them. I’m keen to get a website going as well where we can compile all our stuff and make some of our solo work available.
We’ll see how it goes.
Best, John
Hi JS!
Good to hear from you, I am disappointed I missed you while you were in Oz.
Hope you decide to do a gig, that would be unbelievable, but would be so rapt just to hear some of your music also.
Maybe we will catch up next time, keep in touch!
Love Lea
What a great read this has been and has bought back sooooo many memories. I used to go to the Bayview Hotel every Saturday night that Outline were playing – such fantastic times. I was good friends with a girl called Wendy from Dural, Greg Wood from Five Dock who sadly passed away in 1996 and Narelle who was the female DJ at the Pickled Parrot. I also went out with Sam for a little while too – when some of the band members were living in the big old house in Wolsely Street, Drummoyne. Even after 32 years (OMG) I still find myself singing Outline songs!!!
Hi Keryn – welcome aboard. It’s John from the band here.
Yeh, well done Mark for creating this opportunity. It’s a bit of fun linking up with people who used to like our stuff. Phil and I have dug out some old live recordings and early demos which we’re going to put up on the net soon and I’ve also (finally) recorded some songs I wrote when the band was going – so watch this space. There will be a website soon.
I must remember you ‘cos Sam only went out with a few women (he was very particular). Wendy and Narelle ring bells, but to be honest I don’t remember a lot about those days – it was just too much fun!! J
Hi John – nice to hear from you. At that time you were going out with a girl called Haydee (spelling probably incorrect and I only remember because it was such an unusual name!!). It certainly was such a fun time and a very meaningful time in my life – we were so fortunate to see such great music in our local pubs. Would love to hear some of the old stuff and the newly recorded old songs. Anyway take care. K
Hey Keryn,
You got the spelling right. Haydee was a darling (what a fool I’ve been…..:-)
I’ve just recorded an old song of mine from the Outline days. If you want a copy send me an email to john@johnsammers.com and I’ll forward it on.
Jx
Hey John…. I just have to as I always had a crush on you….. Did the dear Mr Rooney ever get married or do I still get to daydream!!
Hey Katelyn – nice to hear from you.
I’m not married, but who’s Mr Rooney…..???!!
John x
You dont remember!!! Can I really be so much older!! Well, I am happy I can dream still. Thank you John!! xx
Your gonna have fill in some gaps on this Katelyn because I’m at a bit of a loss.
Where do we know each other from?
Jx
Hey Jack….Skype?
This has been a great read! My wife just bought me a USB turntable so I can transfer all of my old black plastic to digital. I was going through the old collection (I use to own a record shop so have heaps of the bloody things!) and one of the first I pulled out and dusted off was Maybe It’s A Game. Great record and also great memories of seeing Outline play many times. In my humble opinion Outline was one of the most under rated bands of the time and more deserving of bigger things. It has been great to read the banter between the band members themselves and their fans of over 30 years ago! Looking forward to seeing the web site in due time with some downloads of unheard of Outline gems! Keep the music alive guys!
Hey Mike – welcome aboard and thanks for your generous comments.
Phil and I have been working away (Phil more than me to be fair) on material all these years so, not only will we get some previously unrecorded outline up on the net but will indulge ourselves by putting our solo stuff up.
Hope you enjoy them!
J
Hey all, so amazing to read about the great music of Oz history.
Mate and I are still chasing a disc copy if anyone has converted the L.P version across. Beers as trade ! Any assistance would be awesome as our cassette copy is no longer working.
Cheers
Hey Wal, my website is nearly finished and will have some Outline on it. Will sort out copies soon for ya. I don’t know if I can sling the album up on the web cos of copyrite but will check it all out once the site is live.
John
Thanks JOhn
That would be awesome and fill a void for us!
Happy to cover costs for a disc copy
Cheers
Wal
Found this site quite by accident – but WOW, has bought back so many memories, my brother went to school with John Sammers (in fact we used to live in the same street as the Sammers Family – Corden Avenue), Gary Grant, Steve and Sam Zagami and he used to play bass with all the guys. His name was Brian Boulter…he was my older brother. I remember Outline so well, we used to go and see them all the time at the Civic Hotel, Bayview Tavern (I used to sneak in as I was underage!). I loved them…I remember the house in Croydon…anyway, with all that music around me growing up, I went on to work in the industry – at a booking agency in Melbourne and am still involved behind the scenes…I still see Steve Zamagi all the time (he is a tour mananger now). Anyway, loved reading all about all the stories…keep them coming! Cheers xx
Hey Debbie – it’s John!
How crazy is this all these years later??
I didn’t know you used to sneak in to the gigs…….
Anyway, good to hear from you. I have finally got a music site up and running that has some Outline on it and I promise to put more songs up as soon as I get around to it. Please spread the word and register if you want to download!!!
It’s still being built but http://www.johnsammers.com is my new home
J
Hi John, Fantastic to hear from you! This is so amazing…I will get onto your site and have a look. Drop me an email with all your news (dmb277@ozemail.com.au) and I can fill you in on our news. Yes Joanne and I both came to see the Outline shows, we loved you guys! I met a few music industry people at the shows and in a round about way, that is how I came to end up working for Premier Artists for 10 odd years! Also, I noted you had a conversation with Pete Bennett in an earlier thread…would that be the Peter Bennett that was friends with both Brian and yourself? Am living in Melbourne now but still remember Five Dock very fondly!
I think it was that Peter Bennett but I don’t remember buying the Flying V guitar from him. Could have been another Pete Bennett. My memory isn’t the best from those days (I wonder why)
It’s great to hear you have had a career in the music industry. You’ll probably have better stories to tell than me….
I will give you potted update email when I get through the next couple of days (and its my birthday today, so could get messy later……). I am living in London now and am keen to get back home but want to spend some time in Melbourne, so we might be able to have a chat over a glass in a few months…..
Jx
Debbie, I’ve been in contact with Brian and he says that Peter Bennet is living in monasteries around the Mediterranean. He went there late 1970′s and we haven’t seen him since.
Sounds great..can’t wait to hear all your news. Have a great Birthday today and we shall chat soon Dx
Hey all you Outline fans!
http://www.johnsammers.com is LIVE!
I’ve got some live Outline recordings up, which you can download as soon as you register. You won’t see the Demo & Live page unless you do…
I’ve also got latest songs as well as a couple I wrote when I was still in the band.
Please pass the message to anyone you think might enjoy it!
Best regards,
John
The first time I saw Outline was at The Ambassador in Newcastle. I remember walking into the venue + seeing these two wonderful looking men on stage, one playing a green guitar + the other a trumpet. Together with the rest of the band, they put on a great show.
The music was in a way different, but that’s what made them so good! My favourite song is hard to pick, but Sexaides’ is way up there. I’m sure it’s the sound effects! Yeh yeh, the song was good too! Hahaha
I often think of nights watching the guys at so many venues, along with the one with teddy bears in trees in Kogarah (what was that called?).
Lots of fun, seems like it was just yesterday. Are we really that much older?
Ahhh…the memories! (All good) Luv from your old house mate, Janette x
Hi There Janette, aaah, Sex Aids eh? That song always got a good reaction….nothing like a good moan….in public….on stage…Ha Ha… We always had a lot of fun. The teddy bears in trees was, not surprisingly, the Teddy Bear’s Picnic at the Bexley North Hotel. It was always a good gig there. It really does just seem like yesterday. The band broke up in 1982/83…getting on for 30 years…incredible really. It’s always a good feeling to know that there are a bunch of people out there who we were able to entertain and enjoy a good time with. It was a great part of my life and I always think about that period with great affection….Forgive my ignorance, but are you the same Janette that shared the house with John, Cath, Mike and I? (no faces with the written word…) I trust you’ve been very welll…Cheers, Phil
Hi back Phil!
Yep….nothing like a good moan…Hahaha! Your ignorance is forgiven. Yes, I’m the same Janette who shared with all mentioned at the legendary Croyden address. I think that house should have a page of it’s own. I’m sure it has some v..e..r..y interesting stories to tell!
John tells me you’re still working with music. Hope life has been good to you Phil. Janette x
Listen to you two chirping away……just like old times
x
Well done Janette…Hey I hope you are well. Yes that house did have a great time with us as it’s tenants…indeed…in fact it is the house we shot part of the Cicada film clip in too….the costume party….what a night!….ah YouTube…you’ve got to love it…Cicada lives on! Hey John told me you are living up near Newcastle. If you are coming down to Sydney sometime, drop me a line and let me know…catch up for a cuppa… Great to see jack is sitting on the window sill chirping…and he reckons we’re the ones chirping away…Ha Ha…take care
Hey Guys
All this love and memories great to see but where’s the love for those back of house boys that made it all sound & visually stimulating.
Lots of love to you all
Ce La Ve —– Sam Zagami you can catch me on facebook
Sam! And I know I speak for everyone in the band, we could never have done it without you and Steve. Not only for all your hard work, but you were an artist on the lights and Steve was super professional and gave us a big sound always. It allowed us do what we did best (drink and womanize…… joking
).
Yep, you are as much a part of this thing that was Outline as any of us……
J
Aah Sammy,…..of course of course. You and Steve helped make Outline the band we were. Great sound and lights….Great Stuff mate. The rotating lights, the specials, the smoke machines….the stunt work…you know, when the truck crashed and you sailed through the windscreen, after the glass of course. Only got a scratch and an arm full of leaves….Ha Ha….all good me old….you guys were the other 2 members of the band. It’s the way we always looked at it….Cheers
Hey Phil
I just commented on JS’ post 29/11/10 I won’t repeat myself, have a read. I did address you in the post though.
Hope all is well with you.
Cheers
I bought the cassette tape of Outline’s album, Maybe Its A Game, in the early eighties and played it to death. Was living in the NT at the time and really wanted to see these guys live but never managed it. Does anyone know where I can get a copy of their magical music?? Would love to hear them again
Did Outline win that Battle of the Bands Jan 78 at Ku ring gai College,Lindfeild?
Hey Kenny,
We did win a Battle of the Bands in ’78 and Kuringai College sounds familiar……..it was all a long time ago.
John
Hi Kenny,
Outline did win this comp. We did Rockarama all dressed up and won.
We won some audio gear ($2000?), recording time at the ABC studios in Darlinghurst as well as getting to play live to air on Double J.
regards
Harry Ladomatos
Did they reform as TISM ?
TISM?…….well, while I personally very much liked TISM’s take on the World, Outline didn’t reform as TISM……
Something interesting,…..Rage last night (Saturday 14th) played both Cicada and Maybe It’s a Game at about 11:30pm……I got a number of calls from friends telling me this morning…..
Hi John – I’ve been reading all the comments, and I tried to go to your website but it seems to be down…(?)
(talking about this… http://www.johnsammers.com/)
Anyway, I’ve been trying to find a copy of “Maybe Its a Game” for years. It was an integral part of my teenage years in Northern Tasmania. If you’re (or anyone else) is able to provide a copy in any format, I’ll gladly hand over hard currency in return.
mail -at- manningbartlett -dot- net
A Ebay sale of interest: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/160720673874#ht_3220wt_905
This is for a vinyl single of ‘How Can I Get Out’ backed with ‘Sleep’. I’ve already bought it (sorry) but the seller uploaded some MP3 samples of the two songs which are great to hear. (Neither of these songs are on the album – I’d never heard them before.)
Lea you haven’t changed. Still looking good.
Pity you aren’t in the zone anymore.
Hi Richard – sorry about the late reply. Forward me your email address mate and I’ll get an digital copy to you. Thanks for getting in touch.
John