Posts by Mark Gibson
Vertical Hold
I have to extend a huge thank you to Noel Forth who supplied the following information on South Australian band Vertical Hold. This is a mammoth effort and it is very much appreciated. 1970’s Mick Michalopoulos & Jim Mountzouris were school friends who started their band in the early 1970’s. The band was originally known…
Read MoreFranky Valentyn – All In A Dream Review
This album was a genuine surprise to me when I first heard it, a wonderful surprise. You see, I was well aware of the quality of Frank’s musicianship as I’d had the pleasure of hearing him play numerous times over the years and anyone who has seen him work will understand just what a talented…
Read MoreSkeleton Crew – Propaganda
Way back in 1986 I was the sound engineer for Bandanna. Their manager was a guy called Steve Rondo who owned the “Rock Depot” rehearsal studio in Liverpool. Steve would keep an eye out for good up and coming bands to use as support acts for Bandanna and that’s how I first met the folks…
Read MoreThe Angels Revesby Workers Club 24th Feb 2012
The Angels have been one of my all-time favourite Australian bands for as long as I can remember. As I’ve mentioned previously I first saw them at all all-age gig at Cabramatta Town hall in 1978 when I was all of 15 or 16. Many years down the track I’ve had the honour of doing…
Read MoreAustralian Gig Guide and Chart Listings for August 1979
Welcome back to Australia in August 1979 where a carton of beer would set you back $9.79, a packet of Ardath Extra mild 25’s was 89 cents and you could get 11% for your cash investments at the bank. Malcolm Fraser was Prime Minister and Jimmy Hannon was the morning announcer on 2GB Sydney. Dennis…
Read MoreBondi Lifesaver
The Bondi Lifesaver was a staple of the Sydney music scene for almost 10 years from 1971 until it closed with a bang on the 31st of August 1980. The “lifesaver”, as it was widely known, started out as a wine bar in a couple of terrace houses but eventually, walls were knocked down to…
Read MoreAustralian Gig Guide and Chart Listings for July 1980
In July 1980 Malcolm Fraser was Prime Minister, Sale of the Century hit our TV screens for the first time, Olivia Newton John had a solo number one in the US with Magic at the same time as having a number one in the UK teaming up with ELO and their song Xanadu. July 1980…
Read MoreFrom Jeff St John to The Hawks via Bandanna and Grog ‘n Grumble
Amazed at the photos that my old mate from Grog ‘n Grumble days, Bob Montgomery was posting to Facebook, I asked him to put a few of them together with a (far too brief) summary of his career. I’m extremely grateful for what he sent me. Hi Mark.I have put together a brief (as poss…
Read MoreSelina’s – Coogee Bay Hotel
Selina’s in the Coogee Bay Hotel was one of Sydney’s best venues for a number of decades. It was a large, purpose-built venue with a big stage and a mezzanine level for the really big shows. This also served as the “V.I.P” area and was a fantastic place to watch a live band. I had…
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