The Bleach Boys
About
When Tony Dean hitched up the wagons and moved his Beatles show, The Beatnix, east, he kicked of a phenomenon that has gripped the Australian music scene ever since. The concept band.
The second band to join this craze was The Bleach Boys who performed all the hits of The Beach Boys right up and down the East coast of Australia for almost 5 years.
History
Formed in 1982, the band went through numerous line up changes as the rigors of hard touring took it’s toll. Wherever “The Bleachies” went, it was a sellout. Corporate sponsorship was another first that the band achieved with Lindeman’s Wines.
Mark Johnson was the only member to survive the full term with the band. He was musical director and lead guitarist, then took over the front man position when the first line up change took place.
The end of the band was not a spectacular event. Each successive line up change took something away from the band, and with the hectic touring schedule, time was never on the band’s side to work replacement members in thoroughly. After four major line up changes, Mark decided that he didn’t want to rebuild for the fifth time and moved on to form Zenyatta
Members
- Mark Johnson – Lead guitar/Harmony vocals/Lead vocals
- Richard McDonald – Rhythm guitar/Harmony vocals
- Mike Hammond – Bass/Harmony vocals
- Bill Motzing Jr – Drums
- Gavin Kennedy – Lead vocals
- David Manuel – Percussion
- Mark Wells – Bass/ Harmony vocals
- Carlton Spencer – Keyboards
- Bronte Wake – Guitar/ Harmony vocals
- Glen Pattison – Drums
- Robyn Lamott – Keyboards/Harmony vocals
- Rod Crundwell – Keyboards/Harmony Vocals
- Rex Mansfield – Drums/ Harmony Vocals
- Mark Stinson – Drums
- Ian Chisolm – Bass
Images
Hey man, what a blast to find this link!
I played guitar (electric and acoustic) with the Bleachies from 1984 – 1987 as part of the second line-up with Rex (drums) and Rod (keyboard) as well as Louie (bass) and Terry (lead guitar/vocals) and if I remember right Mike Hammond was managing the band at the time. Lotsa memories!
I left the band in ’87 and I heard they split not long after. Terry went on to form a Wings band I think. Lost track of everyone else. I moved to Adelaide and did a Certificate in Music Performance at the School of Music (classical guitar, Honours pass). Also joined a band called ‘Katz Kurio’ for a couple of years (original and party type music) then a corporate gig band called ‘The Shades’ working 2-3 shows a week for 3 or so years before hanging up the axes. Would be great to hear from ANYONE who was involved with the Bleach Boys from my time with them. Cheers. 🙂
Mick
Hi Mick,
We have Rex Mansfield staying with us at the moment in the Barossa Valley, SA
Either respond here or email Rex directly via rex.mansfield0009@gmail.com
Hi interesting to read this – I also have memories of the Bleachies – but unfortunately mine are a little different to Marks – you see I owned the concept and formed the band.
And when I disbanded it there was no Bleach Boys – Mark tried something of his own and tried to use my registered business name – I was also the one who secured the first corporate sponshorship for a tribute band – If we are going to tell the story lets tell it correctly. Cheers to all those involved
Mike Hammond
Hi old mate Mike if you still frequent this site please get in touch as it been a very long time and would love to catch up 🙂
Mark Wing
Hi Mark contact me through mikehammond33@gmail.com
mike
Mike, I definitely remember you as agent and owner of the whole Bleach Boys concept thing. That was some fun times, I have one of our old gig posters up on my music room wall and still have and use my Bleach Boys ‘esky’ gig box!
Please help me find my old mate Carlton spencer, I havent seen him since 1990 at falls creek when we both were gigging with stevie wright. Hey it would be great to catch up, after all this time.
Hi All –
I crewed with The Bleachies (Castaway Cooler, grrrrr!!!!) , (lighting – Rob Horner on Audio) – can’t remember the years, twice – 80’s sometime LOL – then went on to bigger & better things, also done my time with Tony’s Beatnix –
Maggie McArdle, get in touch with me & I’ll put you onto Carlton Spencer (C3Pianos) – he’s retired to where all old Muso’s retire – Far Northern NSW –
Hi Mike, Jase, Maggie…………………….
Many good memories of these days! Hope you’re all well! Jase……..(E.T….Phone home)
Well,I still have great memories from my time with band.I came in on bass to replace Mike,who took on the job of management.I stayed until the corporate deal came about,so then moved on to a few other bands,including working with Glenn Cardier in a Rockabilly band called ” All Shook Up” for 5 years..Currently am working in 3 different musical projects,so generally pretty busy..just a small request..would love to have my name added to the roll…Cheers.
Thanks Ian, fixed.
Trying to contact Ian Chisholm… edrabwell@gmail.com
I just spoke to John and he said you had problems contacting me so just call me on 0406720794 cheers Richard
Attention: Mark Stinson
Hi Mark,
I’ve often wondered what you’ve been up to over the past years since you moved to Tassie and I lost contact with you. If by chance you discover this message it would be great to hear from you mate. ( I still play bass and guitar. LOL )
Cheers,
Rick
Hi Michael Hammond,
We are trying to contact your parents, we are old friends of theirs and have been trying to track them down. By luck we have come across you and are hoping you can help us out.
Hi Yvonne & Albert
their current phone number is 0407242721 hope that helps
regards
mike
Hi Gavin,
How grateful I am to find this link to try and find you guys !
24 years ago I met you guys in Ingham, Q.L.D when I was a 14 y.o run away from Melbourne.
I have never forgotten the friendship and generosity of you and your bandmates.
I ended up finishing the tour with you then moved into Rob and Bev’s place in Erskinville. At this time you had Rob from Cronulla on bass, who I would dearly love to catch up with.
I just want to say thankyou to you all from the bottom of my heart & hope to hear from anyone who was in the band at that time.
xxxSuzie
Hello Suzie,
I had no idea that this site existed til somebody told me the other day, what’s the chances. I appreciate your kind words and i’m sure the rest of the guy’s would too.
Rob Kentwell (bass player) is a sculptor and model maker,and you can find him on Facebook.
I haven’t seen any of the guy’s for quite a few years.Heard Matthew is in Newcastle and Rob i”m not sure, so that is as much as i can tell you.
I do have a DVD of an outdoor gig at Sans Souci,you’re actually in the DVD,so happy to send you a copy sometime.
All the Best,
Gavin
Hey Gavin, hope you,ve been well all these years ! I rarely check my e-mails so I was quite elated to find your reply.
I,m living in Vic on a horse property located in the Otway Ranges. I would love to watch the San Souci gig so if you could send me your e-mail address I,ll fwd my address to you. You guys influenced my life so positively & gave me a great love of old music. So, so glad to hear from you. Are you still in N.S.W ? xx Suze suzannewolstencroft@hotmail.com
Was looking at stuff online and came across this . I hope you’re doing well these days Gavin & Wendy living life as we all should ]. anyway give Wendy a kissed hug from me take care and peace brother !
Im amazed at finding this site, I have fond memories touring through queensland What a great time. Thanks for your comments Suzie I remember your letter. and GavStar! long time do you have any contact with Rob I lost contact with him a few years back . I have a copy of that sansouci gig too!!
Robbie K
I can be reached at balroc44@yahoo.co.uk
Rob
Hey Rob,
Good to hear you’re still around.Hope all is well.
Gavin
Hi Gavin- been a long time and it would be nice to have a catch up. I’ve still got our old recordings and actually listen to them sometimes! If you want to get in touch my email address is mdstevens947@gmail.com
Cheers
Been looking 4 Bleach boys for last 25 years ! Met then travelled & lived with Rob & Bev when I was a 14 y/o run away in Ingham, Q.L.D. Never stopped thinking of you all. I gather this is n.s.w band (not the Melb one). Gavin was lead singer. Would love to hear from one of you.
Does anyone know how to contact Rob Kentwell?
Would really like to know what happened to him.
Thanks
I’m looking for Rob Kentwell. Any idea of his whereabouts?
Hi All members I am writing a book on the Bleach Boys and our 80s collective tours and gigs looking for pics from the days?? anyone can help would be appreciated – all credits will be given for photos
I have a few floating around already digitised, I also kept one of our gig posters and I have a couple of copies of the spread the Sydney Morning Herald did of ‘tribute bands’ with our pic & story front and centre ?
Hi Mike – hope you are well – If I could get copies that would be great – mike@emsnsw.com.au . thanks in advance
Mike
Hi all you old Bleach Boys , hope everyone’s going swimmingly. I just finished a collage of photos and memorabilia from the original bands .Looks pretty good too, considering we’re all in our twenties ,ha ha .
Anyway ,if any of you Terry Towelings , Gav Stars, Ob Long ,Stark ,Davey ,Ian Bev ,hope I haven’t forgotten anyone, want some stage and individual photos ,promo stuff ect … contact me via email r.macdonald7@me.com , and has anyone seen the video of the band ? I heard that someone had a copy and I think Stark had a live cassette that was pretty good ok ,so all photos are in original print form but I do have some negatives, OK catch you latter Richie