Avion (formerly Lionheart)
About Avion
** Updated **
Sydney band Avion (not to be confused with the L.A. act current in the 00’s or the ‘Par’ variety) came into being during 1981. Randall Waller (vocals/guitar) had already released two solo albums (‘Oasis’ in 1978 and ‘Midnight Fire’ in 1980) before forming the band Lionheart which soon evolved into Avion. Completing the original line-up were Martin Toole (guitar), Evan Murray (keyboards), along with Waller’s brothers Kendall (bass) and John (drums). Avion’s musical style was unabashedly influenced by American Adult Oriented Rock (think Journey/Boston/Night Ranger etc).
From Paul Gannell’s MySpace page
History
A recording contract with RCA led to the release of their eponymous debut album in 1983 (OZ48). RCA obviously thought the group’s sound better suited the North American market because the album was release there before it was at home in Australia. The album didn’t receive much promotion and though the first single from it ‘I Need You’ was a minor hit (OZ61 – reaching as high as 40 in NSW), Avion didn’t break through in a major way. Two more ‘Diamond Eyes’ and ‘Never Let Me Go’ were lifted from the album but neither made the charts. A stand alone single ‘Still The Night’ was released in August 1984 but again didn’t sell well. Paul Gannell came in to replace Toole on guitar for the band’s second album, 1987’s ‘White Noise’. The album included the earlier single releases ‘We’ve Got Secrets’ and ‘Celebration’ but the celebrations were non existent as none made the charts. The band had remained a solid touring outfit throughout this period though, and it was on a late 1987 tour that keyboardist Evan Murray was killed in a car accident. The loss of Murray and the failure to break through commercially finally led Waller to call an end to Avion’s tenure.
From Paul Gannell’s MySpace page
Members
- Randall Waller – Vocals & Guitar.
- Martyn Toole – Guitar
- Kendall Waller – Bass
- Evan Murray – Keyboards
- John Waller – Drums
- Paul Gannell – Guitar
Video
Recordings
- Avion – 1983
- White Noise – 1986
- Live – 1987
Technical Crew
- John McConnell – FOH Engineer
Known Gigs
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 11/08/82 | Mosman, NSW | Mosman Hotel |
| as Lionheart | ||
| 13/08/82 | Mona Vale | Mona Vale Hotel |
| as Lionheart | ||
| 26/02/83 | Manly Vale | Manly Vale Hotel |
| supporting Radiators (as Lionheart) | ||
| 28/09/83 | Greenfield Park | Greenfield Tavern |
| + Peculiar Clerk | ||
| 15/11/85 | Revesby | Revesby Workers Club |
| supported by Bandanna | ||
| 10/06/87 | Padstow | Padstow RSL |
Lots more Avion gigs at their Aus. Music Database page.
Since this is all likely to end up showing a big family tree, I probably should throw in here that Randall was my first guitar teacher back in ’75, and that I went to school with John and Kendall.
I’ve been trying to find Avion on CD for about 20 years. Anybody know if it’s available anywhere in the world, or if it might ever become available?
i have 3 albums of avion..
hi i am formerly sydnpro drummer w stockade 78 86 sydney based band als moving pictures richard clapton rick price however enough of blowing my own trumpet i was fortunate enough to get play w randall at a place in kingsdawn most w end sats x that i was fortunate enogh to be the in house drummer at called the all nations club in one of the quieter side streets down bayswater road and we played there until dawn most sat nights in 80s every muso and his dog would come in around 2 3 4 am so got play w alot really great poeple but it was around the time randall wrote always waiting i love copy of all 3 if u can ch r
Hi Neil,
Do you have the live album?
Steven
Hi Cory
Get onto http://www.midoztouch.com It is a brilliant site archiving so much of Australia’s music history.
I was searching everywhere for Avion’s first album. I had the cassette, but like so many of them, they stretched etc etc etc.
You can download it in MP3 format from there.
Cheers
Graham \m/
No CD Cory, I copied my vinyl onto my computer
Cory,
So have I! If you find it please post it here.
I owned AVION on CASSETTE back in 1983 when it was released. Stupidly sold it somewhere! I NEED IT TOO!!!
K.
I used to go and watch these guys in the 80’s every chance i got. Unfortunately i have lost the old vinyls i had and was hoping they might be available on CD….If anyone knows where we can get hold of them please let me know.
I played in a covers/original band that supported Avion at two gigs in 1983. One at the Jet Club, Gold Coast & then the next day in Hervey Bay (near Maryborough) Qld.
They were very decent fellows and Randall even showed us the chords to “I need you” which we subsequently added to our covers set.
My band did a lot of support spots for touring bands and these blokes were the most approachable of all of them.
They deserved a much better deal from the so-called radio airplay ‘gurus’.
Sad to read about Evan’s passing.
Follow this link to downloadable mp3s of their albums>>>
http://mp3.one-way.org/Avion%20-%20Randall%20Waller/
Enjoy it.
The link above requires a login. Is there a guest access or can you share the login?
Hi,
I’d really like to get a copy of the Live album – I have tried this link but it requires login and password – vcan anyone assist?
many thanks.
Steven
Steven,if you want to make contact I can arrange to get my tape transferred onto disc for you but the guy I use charges $35.00 so you may prefer a cheaper option.
Hi John,
I have just seen this post – I would very much appreciate getting the album on disc as you offer – please email me at steven@eao.com.au.
Many thanks!!
Hi John,
I would very much appreciate getting the album on disc as you offer – please email me at steven@eao.com.au.
Many thanks!!
Hi John,
Sorry for the delayed reply – is the offer still open?
Many thanks!!
Hello John,
Sorry for the delayed reply – is the offer still open?
Thanks
Hi Paul Gannell here I just happen to come across this forum and it’s nice to see people do still remember us as for me I now live in NZ and after a 10 year total break from music have started to write again for those who might be interested heres my myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/blumaxnz
drop by….
Paul Here Again I’ve have just started an Avion myspace page I’m looking for live photos live recordings even anyone with any of the Avion video singles drop by leave a comment would love to hear for anyone cheers Paul Gannell….
http://www.myspace.com/avionau
Hi Paul
Is there any way to get an mp3/digital version of Southern Cross (single release) or the live album that is mentioned often????
Maybe get Randall to link on his page.
Guitarist question here . ..you guys recorded in a dropped e to e flat . .. 1. was that the ame way yu tuned live, 2. Why did you drop the tuning?? 3. Wish you hadn’t . . .have to retune everytime I play along hehehehehe
great to see you here and promoting a great Aussie band!
Saw you guys many many times in Sydney
Hi Bruce, the dropped tuning had nothing to do with Randall’s voice. He had a big vocal range and could pretty much nail anything. Hendrix used a half step down tuning and so did a lot of other artists. It gave the power chords a bit more weight and sounded fuller.
Cheers
Martyn Toole
Hi Bruce hey I don’t even have a copy of Southern Cross or the live album that John had made up so can’t help you there, as for the half step down tuning it was purely for Randall as some of those top notes he hit were up there, just made it a little easier for him.
So hopefully with this new Avion MySpace page I may get some long lost tunes and videos out there stay tuned like the live version of White Sister there was from a punter that managed to get a live desk tape recording of it …
cheers Paul
Hey paul
I’m sure I’ve got a copy of southern Cross on 7 in somewhere . . will have to dig it out and get it to you!
Cheers
Hi Guys
Read the thread, I have a copy of ‘Avion’ – Avion on Cd, I can burn and send if anyone wants a copy.
Will
Hi, has your cd got a song called “i need u” on it? if so i’d love a copy of your cd if possible..Thanks Grant
Hey Will,
If ya still there I’d love a copy
Mick
hey, i would love to get a copy of Avion’s first album on CD if thats still possible. Cheers, Nigel
Yup and another one here
Let me know
Cheers
im in need of one song of this album
it called
never let me go
last one needed to finish a compilation ive had but the tape broke in the middle of this song
any help would be great
That song can be found on the Avion myspace page. I dunno what technology you’ll need to transfer it from there to you but the song is there.
Hi guys thanks for the offers I’m after the more rare ones Spoke to Randall the other day he is going to beam over some of the b side singles like bigger you are etc and the Live album put together by John. Southern Cross would be a nice one as I don’t have a copy of that.
cheers Paul
hi paul this is joe canni from tailor made been looking for you please contact
me love to talk to you. cheers jc
Oh man, the only two recordings I have from Avion are a dodgy tape and a warped record! I’m working on flatenning the vinyl, and hopes are high!
As a student in 1986 I discovered Avion while working as an announcer on Massey University student station Radio Massey 99.4 based in Palmerson North, New Zealand.
I simply love ‘Celebration’ as tune it’s so uplifting and I went out and bought the album straight away.
Paul, you guys were/still are the best at what you do – thanks for some fantastic tunes delivered in style.
I had a listen to the music selection on the MySpace page and all the memories come flooding back – brillant.
Regards,
Paul
Avion came along right about the time that I started learning to play guitar so I was very sensitive to anything featuring great licks. I still have excellent copies of “Avion” and “White Noise” on vinyl that I bought back in the day. I’d love to see them released on CD.
Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to see Avion play live, being stuck over here in Perth. These guys were right up there with the best Aussie bands and very underrated IMO.
Thanx for the tunes!
Wow, this brings back memories.
I saw Avion at the Campbelltown Leagues Club in 1983 and they were brilliant !
I still have Avion, White Noise & Randall’s 1st album (Oasis) on LP and play them quite often.
Just a couple of days ago the windows in my loungeroom were vibrating to the sounds of I Need You.
Paul, you are so lucky to have been a part of one of the best Australian groups ever.
For those of you looking for Avion on CD, there is currently a copy available on eBay.
Known as ‘AVION 2 on 1’, it contains both AVION & WHITE NOISE albums.
Bidding starts at US$16.95 Ex-stock Spain.
http://cgi.ebay.com/AVION-*2-ON-1*-CD-Randall-Waller%2FLionheart%2FAussie-Rock_W0QQitemZ170305954901QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090225?IMSfp=TL090225122006r32611
Cheers, Don.
From a former Sydney Drummer now living in Melbourne, who supported Avion at a few gigs in the early 80’s and a student who was forever influenced by John Waller. Thanks for the memories.
Mark Hudson
(hudo)
Hmm..
Randall was actually best man, and sang at my wedding. I didnt know him, but my husband to be did. Have not heard what happened to Avion, have been divorced since….1990.
Great to hear these tunes again tho..
Like many saw Avion whenever they played in The Shire mainly at The Carringbah Inn. I moved to Perth and lost track of them then . I have the albums Midnight Fire. Avion and White Noise but would love th opportunity to get the Live album and Still the Night (on CD).
I still play Avion in the car when I’m alone in the car LOUD. Its the only way.
Cannot believe that so many people remember this great band.I knew Evan through mutual friends and watched hundreds of people leave Camberwell Civic Centre Victoria 1981? who were blown away by how good they were and wondered where the group based themselves and where they had been hiding?
Have recordings of Self titled Album on tape and burned cd,Live album on tape and White noise on a burned cd.
Would be rapt to get a copy of Midnight Fire
Hi all very cool that this is still getting updates from people who had seen us live,
and I must say the Carringbah Inn was one of my favorite gigs not that it was fancy or a big venue but it just oozed Rock and have fond memories of people lunging forward towards the stage as we were about to go on, it just insited the rock beast in me ha ha. Remember I have started a Avion myspace page http://www.myspace.com/avionau drop in I have added some live tunes as well as getting my hands on a copy of Southern Cross,
also my own myspace site with my latest demos I pump out in the comfort of my own very modest studio here at home: http://www.myspace.com/zeddastratoblaster
cheers Paul G.
I didn’t realise John McConnell was their FOH engineer. I worked with him recently as I supplied PA for Melinda Schneider and he was her FOH guy. He spoke about Paul Kelly a bit on the night but not Avion. I must ask him next time I see him and get some stories. I too have a cassette somehwere of the first album but would like a fresher copy if possible? I saw them at a concert in about 1885 (someone correct me if I am wrong) at Lidcombe Oval. It was a benefit for Western Suburbs footy team. I remember Avion, Rose Tattoo, Allniters and a few others playing. Anyone else there??
1885?…jesus Jeff how old are you?
I’m getting on I tell ya!! us crusty old sound guys eh?? hahahahaha
Hey Paul
Great to see you got a copy of Southern Cross. Mine is with a stack of records I left with a friend 8 years ago, and about 1500km from me now . . .
Great song
Any chance of you sharing the entire Avion Live CD? The tracks from myspace really capture the gigs imo.
Of course, I understand if it isn’t available to the general public.
While listening, I suddenly felt 25 years younger, wth pictures of Penrith Leagues (or RSL), Pennant Hills Inn, Seven Hills Inn, Capitol Theatre (the 1st album launch – they thanked the Comm bank for financing the triangular light rack???) as well as other venues. Quite a number of kms for someone living at Mt Druitt at the time lol!
Noticed on you myspace page that you still use a Boss ME-5. So do I!! Can’t beat a classic (plus the new ones are way too complicated!).
Keep up he good work!
Cheers
Bruce
PS time for an Avion reunion gig or 3 in Sydney???
I’ll be front and centre!
Cheers again!
Added to above – the bands you played with in the eighties (apart from Gary Glitter) make up lots of my playlists for the iPod.
Cheers
Avion did actually chart in the UK at No 2 on the Heavy Metal charts for a couple weeks in 1982. I tried to talk them into going over, but they were managed by Dave Smallbone and management and the band could not afford to take the chance remaining in Oz and trying to make it here. After Evan’s death, John stopped drumming and went into the family business of floor coverings. Kendall played bass with an american gospel band for a while and Randall worked writing and recording jingles, touring with bands and producing other people’s albums before he eventually ended up as Shania Twain’s guitarist. He does have a hopelessly out of date website which details his own personal journey.
Have been playing ever since Pete….. don’t retire me prematurely! I play around sydney a couple of nights a week in the shy guys and other assorted acts. Randall is still playing and I do the odd gig with him. Kendall no longer plays. Regards.
Hi John. Do you remember a gig in Newcastle in maybe, 1981, at the Art School? It was the Randall Waller Band. I played the support (solo acoustic gtr/vocal). You found a chicken suit backstage and wore it during the gig – classic! Michael
Went to school with Kendall and remember seeing them when I was mixing for Mandrake,what is he doing now any one now?
Kenny is working with his old mans company importing and selling wooden floors which takes him overseas quite a bit Johnny seems to be giging a lot with a band whose name escapes me at the moment and as for me after a 10 year break from playing singing and recording have finally started to write again although a little rusty I can still belt out a tune or two as for a Avion reunion the thought kinda scares me now that I’m 47 the words Spinal Tap comes to mind anyway never say never I guess.
http://www.myspace.com/zeddastratoblaster
Hi Paul ..good to hear your still playing…i first came across Avion when they played Countdown in early 83 performing ”I need you” thought the band was great ..got the single…i lived in central NT at the time..so the only way i got to see aussie bands was Countdown
In 84 i travelled to NSW for the first time to visit family in the Campbelltown area…i looked in the paper and saw an ad for Avion supporting Kevin Borich Express at the Ingelburn RSL ..great i thought ill be able to go to see em’..looked at the bottom of the ad and saw the notice” for the information of members of ingleburn rsl and their guest” …bugger i thought ..i wont be able to see em’ ..im not a member ..being from the NT i didnt know anything about RSL clubs and membership ..i could have gone but signed in as out of the area ..so that was that
i got the first lp ..waited for seemed ages for the White Noise lp to come out …then read in in Juke mag that Evan Murray had been killed in a car accident on the freeway to Wollongong after a gig and the band had disbanded in 87…very sad
then in 97 i moved to sydney and in 99 saw that Avion was going to do the ”Boys are back in town” and got to see the band play on the final gig of the tour at the Bondi pavillion..only got to do five songs but it was a great set …kicking off with ”I need you” it was all there ..classic hard rock…big drums …chorused guitars …pity there wasnt many ppl there …
one thing i admired bout the band was Kendalls bass playing ..deep with a clear top ..i bought my first bass in 79 and the Avion albums were yardstick for me what i regard as a great bass sound..i couldnt believe him playing harmonics in the break on Ransom..it was a case of ”what the’?? ” lol
my question is ..what bass did Kendall paly on the Avion lps? ive got a pic of the band rehearsing i think ..hes playing an Ibanez Musician bass…i used to have one too during the 80,s ..when they played on countdwon i think hes playing a Maton MB4 bass….when he played at the bondi pavillion he was palying a Music man bass…and what amps and cabs he used ..
all the best ..
Leslie
kendall played the maton on all recordings Leslie, J
Hi John..thanks for the reply..i found that you were playing with the Shy Guys a while ago so went along and saw the band play at South Juniors..had a great night
all the best
Leslie
yes, interesting crowd there Leslie…
Avion rocks. That single performance on Countdown (in the clip provided) made me a fan. Bot the studio albums get plenty of airplay on my all-Aussie web radio station.
I have a new Self produced and recorded album out under my alter ego name of Phoenix Ash get it while it’s still free.
cheers Paul.
Album Link:
http://amiestreet.com/music/phoenix-ash/from-the-ashes/
I was lucky enough to know the Waller brothers and sister through a youth group in Killarney Heights NSW called Young Life. Also had Evan as a music Teacher in ’86 whilst in Year 12 at The Forest High School. Even got taken to the studio’s whilst they were recording their LP!
I’ve just started working in a guitar shop in Brisbane.
On my first day i heard the opening chords of “I need you” roaring out of the amp room. I ran in and had a chat with the player about Avion.
He didn’t know much about them but remembered the riff from long ago.
I told him my Avion story (see post way above).
He then broke into “Never let me go”.
Cool!
Avion played at my 21st in feb 1982 in a hall in adamstown (newcastle) they had just changed their name from lionheart. It was a great night the police came and stopped the noise “great memories”.if I remember rightly it cost me about $300 for the night bargain!!!! It was great to hear “I need you ” and my favourite “southern cross”
oh man! what a thread! I’ve never ever ben on myspace before and dont even know if I’m leaving the comment in the right edit box! (blind guy you see, page lay-outs not always intuitive to us guys with text-to-speech screenReaders.) I stumbled across this whilst writing a text to randall, having missed his gig at the Palm Beach Golf club last night, and wanting to tell him incredibly coincidentally looking for something else, that I’d located a live avion album cassette! I didn’t even remember they’d released a live album, that’s how long ago, – and wanted to check the names of a couple of the songs, (not being able to read the liner notes obviously.) and … found all this stuff here on Paul’s page! Wow! great to see I’m not the only old Avion Fan around! Man if ai started on my great memories of this band I’d write a novellette! and probly bore you all to death. I saw them (metaphorically speaking of course,) just … o I dunno, – stacks and stacks of time in the 80’s. who needs sight when john’s mixing and Randall’s onstage anyway! man the arrangements of their tunes!!! the just great guitar and drum sounds John McConnell used to pull, (and that of course the Waller’s used to produce,) and the range!!…and incredible perseverance of ran’s up there vox! incredible band! what can I say. I loved them. The energy was all there for me in the sound, and let me tell you, the guitar sounds on the studio release of I Need You, are… just like toy stuff compared to what they pulled live. maybe my most favest memory was at an Australian Christian Music festival called Black Stump one year, where somehow, no idea why or how, I got to get up on stage and play a tune with Avion, outdoors! man! I’d always played 10-46’s tuned up, (i.e. normal tuning,) and wore my guitar reeeeally high. to then be given a guitar to play thatfelt to me like it was round my knees, with 9-42’s Tuned down, …man! felt sooooo floppy to me and crazy! But I’ll never forget the extasy of that moment. how loud the guitar amps were behind me, and just how amazing it felt! but, here’s the best bit. After whatever traversty I rendered to the audience (I can’t even remember, thankfully,) took off the guitar, handed it back to Randall, and… forget being blind, I was just soooo high on addrenolin I just plum walked off the front of the stage!!! anyone there see that in 1986 or so? thankfully people caught me coming down and I was fine! man avion! you guys toootally rocked! Thanks for all the great stuff! again, far far far better live somehow than in studio. They even let me once come into the studio whilst mixing down a single which I think was celebration. … Thank you soooo much for that experience as well, even though I was such a painful little so-called insecure wanna-be trumped up “know-it-all”, that I’m sure they wished they had never allowed me to be there! I’m sooo sorry for that! thanks for all the musical opportunities and guitar sound education I got from you guys. May God bless and keep all of you safe. G.
Hey Geoff,
You were (are) a great guy to have around the Sydney music scene too. Loved your memories of Avion, and also loved hearing you play recently at Linda’s party. I wish I’d seen that classic moment at Black Stump! We must talk more next time we run into each other.
Dave Dennis
blessings to you Geoff from Johnnie W.
Hey Geoff mate,
I remember that night at Black Stump. They had Chris Churchward play just before you he was absolutely killing it awesome stuff and then you get up and cut him to shreds you were on fire. (sorry Chris budy)
It was a great night of music and AVION R O C K E D.
I remember you at a later blackstump festival with chubs and the weight watchers doing all 3 parts of Stevie Wright’s EVIE you rocked that night as well.
Mmmmm! So, Geoff Chapman really rocked at Blackstump with Avion and with the weightwatchers!
Due to the bourbanic plague that swept my music industry for 3 decades I can’t remember if the weightwatchers “also rocked” with geoff or if we actually played Evie.
I suspect though, by the end of the set most people were referring to us as the Geoff Chapman Band.
Anyway, you can’t hate blind people.
Chubbs
Ha ha,
Dave Chubbs had plenty of followers.
I saw you guys at a few shows I think you did a show with what was left of Surprise up at Katoomba in the late 80’s maybe 88. That was a good night too.
Dear Trevor
Thanks for starting your comment with Ha ha! you certainly know how to get off on the right foot!
At the time some of us did take ourselves seriously but you’re right, most of us were a joke!
Surprise and Weightwatchers on the same bill was never a good idea, even in Katoomba.
thanks for sharing your memories of the band that I don’t have.
Chubbs
Hi Chubbs. Haha to your “even in Katoomba” response to Trevor’s comment!
Just wanted to ask if you had the songs of those 2 early cassette albums of yours available in any form or fashion? One I recall was called Play it Safe.
Btw, I’m still in contact with Geoff Chappo.
Hi Cameron
Always great to see mention of Avion.
I can put the MP3’s up on a google drive if you want?
Cheers
Graham
Hi Cameron
Try your local op shop. I bought one of my albums from my local op shop and got another one from the church fete.
There are some things that people do in life only to regret their actions later on. Those albums are 2 of “those” things.
Send me your postal address and I’ll see what I can do – after I double my medication.
Chubbs
ps maybe you have another option of some ‘bootleg’ copies?????
Hey Chubbs, you played Evie and Black stump.. When you played riding for the man ( or was it Empty grave) you had John Smith ride his Harley onto the Stage.
Hope your keeping well
G’day Geoff, I remember you playing at Blackstump. You were in one of the Tents doing a solo set. One guy helping you set up ( I think his name was Geoff Henderson, after a couple of songs moved your amp slightly out of reach so when you turned to make and adjustment it wasn’t there.. luckily you saw ( no pun intended ) the funny side of it.
At the time I used to play soccer with Wayne knight and David ( Chubbs) Lawerence from Chubbs and the weight watchers.
They were great times.
[…] Avion […]
Saw these guys perform at Kempsey RSL one night in ’83. I remember they opened the show with ‘Never Let Me Go’ and I was an instant fan. Could never understand why their first album never got much airplay.
Hi Paul,
My brother-in-law introduced me to you guys and I think we saw you at Moomba in Melb one year, would this be right? memory’s not so good these days. His name is Peter Moores and was on lead guitar for a band called Off The Cuff around 1984. His old bass player was Bruce Johnson, who went on to mix for Bryan Adams I believe. Any of these names ring a bell?
Mick
This is a great website, and a great thread! I was only thinking of Aviom the other day – worked with them in the ’80’s. Remember how awesome they were.
Thanks Julius for your kind words. Nice to see long-time industry folk such as yourself lurking about here.
I too remember how good an Avion show was. Saw them many times & was always blown away.
Cheers, Mark
I actually went and saw Randall Waller at Normanhurst Boys High in 79 or 80 and my mate Steven Coote and I missed the last train to central station for our train home at Mt Druitt. Randall’s Dad picked us up and gave us a lift to one of the stations on the city circle, we chatted about the gig and how awesome it was. I remember it well as it was my first time in a BMW. Had the vinyl Midnight fire album but lost it somewhere when moving house. Would love to get it on CD or mp3
Ian
I am Steve’s older brother.
I’ll have to catch him up on this hahaha/ First I;v heard of it and I went/drove to a few Normanhurst gigs
Cheers
Must admit my fav was Midnight Fire, I need you, Mum and the kids….top songs from a top band. Wish I had their music now…..
Hey nice to see people are still leaving comments and memories here yes I did enjoy playing live shows which IMO was never really caught on the recordings. If you have not done so already head over to the myspace page I have created: http://www.myspace.com/avionau
I’m always on the look out for videos and old photos so if anyone has any drop me a line on the myspace page
cheers Paul
Had the good fortune to get to know the band just a little while working community radio in Ryde back in ’83, ’84. Went to a number of their gigs at the Local Inn West Ryde as well as the North Ryde RSL.
Somewhere in a rather large box of cassettes I reckon I could still have a copy of an interview I did with the band in the car park of the RSL, and a very very remote chance I might even have a cassette of one of those live gigs…possibly.
In another old box of music I’ve got an autographed copy of the Avion album still in pristine condition as well as an autographed copy of the “I Need You” 7 inch single.
Like many others, I have their music on record but would love to get either a cd copy or at least some mp3’s of their stuff.
Great band, great memories:- thanks guys……
For those still with us . . . ..
here is a hotfile link to the live album.
http://www.hotfilesearch.com/download/58300654-Avion-Live.part1.rar.html
Only get part 1. I is all you need.
Paul, feel free t delete this post if it violates in any way. Just trying to share the band
Cheers
Bruce
Thanks for the Live cassette upload Bruce..what a great song ”Money or love” is..why on earth didnt this get included with ”White noise” ?? i think its one of the best songs Randall wrote for the band..great lyrics..”ive seen the souls that have been sold..for a piece of the so called action” etc
Maybe if this song could have been released as a single at the time this live version was recorded ..1986…maybe things would have been different for the band
Leslie
Bit of breaking news..lo..l theres a new clip just posted on youtube in the last month or so of the band performing on Countdown performing “Still the night”..Randall gets to introduce the next video clip
any idea who the other guitarist is?? Wayne Gardiner maybe?? from what i can gather there was some line up changes in guitarists round bout that time..84-85
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfOJyfq8lv4&feature=related
Leslie
Cool Leslie so glad you posted this and the gat player was me.
I remember this very well Thanks for finding it…
Nice lions mane there mate! Respect buddy!
I remember Wayne Gardner playing with Lionheart he was a friend of a friend & from the Gong. If I remember Wayne left band just before they became Avion ! Saw then heaps in the Gong & also went to shows in Sydney too.
Thanks for all the Avion info,I’d luv it if someone could post ‘I Need You’ on youtube,one of the great riffs of all time. I had the ‘live’ cassette & played it heaps,it became a victim of the Charlton flood in January so thanks for the link. I’ve also heard Randall sing his cotton socks off to some gospel songs which we’ve used in our church.
Thats good to hear Paul..hopefully the promo clips for ”Celebration” and ”Berlin Wall” will turn up on Youtube in time
Leslie
avion! realy lovely rock band!i love the song never to late
HI! WHAT A FANTASTIC SITE TO FIND!!! I am (trying to) write a book and have started teeing up some details. Evan was both my music teacher at Forest High School and a good confidante. It is so odd I remember clearly mum and dad coming into the youth hall at St David’s Church in Forestville the night he died to take me home and tell me, yet I can’t remember what night it was (as in Fri/Sat)!!! I also remember thinking “what on earth are they doing here? I’m a big girl now (think I was about 15). I don’t need to be walked the whole 350m home”.
Ironically I met the most wonderful man when I was 27 at the State of Origin and our first “date” (romantic! long story) was at The Antler (which replaced the Pizza Hut, I think now The Parkway), and lost him soon after too. Maybe Billy Joel really was right “only the good die young”. Evan was truly a kindred spirit in the world and I feel blessed that even though I was just a kid and probably didn’t apprecitate his friendship to the full extent, at least he came into my life.
I had been begging for a piano since I was about 5. I got a guitar when I was 6 and had been playing that happily, but never gave up hope (or pestering). When we moved back to Australia, dad came home with a large “thing” covered and on a trailer and I thought all my dreams had come true. And then the cover came off and this hideous two-board organ was produced. I was sent to lessons and I hated it just as much as I had set my mind up to. Until I met Evan and he introduced me to the wonderful world of keyboards, and made me see I really had two instead of one.
5 months after he passed away I turned 16 and got my dream piano (a VERY old one, but it is STILL a very much loved – yet now a VERY, VERY much older one).
Again, it is so wonderful to find this site, and I’m off to visit Paul’s MySpace page. Never been to one of those yet – swore of never would, but this is a very special reason.
Thanks for this site. You really can’t know what this has meant to me right now.
Take care all.
Melissa
I too was at Forest High & remember the devastating night (during the school musical) when we all found out during interval. The show went on somehow through many tears. Evan was a huge inspiration to everyone. He was a gentle friend & lots of fun. A very special person. He’s one of those teachers who is still affecting us all these years later! They’re pretty rare. Funny I just heard a song that reminded me of that time so I googled him & somehow ended up here. What an unexpected trip down memory lane.
Alex
Hi Melissa, just came across your comments on Evan Murray. As a young girl of 17 in Ballarat I went out with Evan and still to this day he holds a very special place in my heart as he was my first boy friend. I still have the letters he wrote me. He was one of those very special people who had an amazing effect on all the people he met. It was and still is a tragedy that Evan died so young. Regards Debbie
Hi Debbie, I too knew Evan when I lived in Ballarat. Went to Ballarat East High School with him and we were close friends. I used to go home with him after school some days and listen to him play the piano. He was adorable and as you say he had an amazing effect on people. I have some old photos with him as I left Ballarat to move interstate with my family. We corresponded for a bit but lost touch. I’ve only recently discovered that he died. So long ago…it was a shock to hear. What a talent lost to the world. Now a beautiful soul in heaven. Kim
Hi everyone..i remember reading somewhere in the late 80s that a Perth band called ”Ice Tiger” had done version of ”Never let me go” i was thinking bout it the other day and thought id do a bit research on the net on it …i found they released the song on a cd they had done in the early 90s called ”Love n crime”..i found a free downlaod of the album which is long out of print on this site http://thehousethathardrockbuilt.blogspot.com/2011/02/ice-tiger-love-n-crime-1992.html
Their cover isnt too bad at all..although they play it pretty much the same as the original even down to the big sustained chord bit at the end..worth a listen i reckon..the rest is pretty much late 80s hair metal/Aor ..better than most tho’
Leslie
Hi Leslie
I remember seeing Ice Tiger perform “Never Let em Go” live and it took me months to source the CD at the time. I thought the cover was a fitting tribute to Avion. Interestingly, the lyrics aren’t included for that song in the CD sleeve.
cheers
Graham
I was doing some youtubing the other day and up came this title..”Tailor Made at the bombay rock 1983” so i thought id give it a look..thers wasnt any personnel info on the band..but i thought gee that guitarist looks familiar so did a bit of research and its Paul Gannel in his pre Aavion days..so heres the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di9ARY1gDz8&feature=related
Leslie
Further to my earlier comments about the ‘live’ cassette,my copy wasn’t lost in flood after all. I had sent a box of cassettes to my brother last year & the Avion tape was amongst them so he returned it to me last week & I’ve had it transferred on to disc. I’ve played it in the car & it sounds awesome. The tape I have is a ‘re-mastered’ one as the guy I bought it from had edited out some of the stage patter,which I thought was good fun,and replaced it with some applause from one of their stadium shows. So there is an ‘original’ edition out there
Hi all, I just stumbled across this forum whilst looking for Avion stuff. I would say I was undoubtedly the biggest Avion fan in the worl during the 80’s, and I still listen to the albums, which I have had transferred to my IPod, regularly . I first saw Randall playing and singing at a scripture class of all things, and I was so blown away, that I investigated him further. I went and saw Avion every weekend I possibly could, wrote letters to Randall, and basically pestered him beyond belief. He was the most approachable and nice guy. I’m sure I annoyed him, but he wrote me back, and always took the time to talk. I even got up and played guitar with the band a couple of times. Randall Waller was, and is the reason I play guitar and sing. He inspired me, and pathetically, still does. I know work for the worlds biggest guitar company, and on occasion, get to to talk to Randall, who still to this day, will take the time to chat or txt. Paul, if your still reading, I used to love that Fiesta red pre ” l” series Stratocaster you had, and I must say, that when you joined Avion, I was so jelous that you scored the gig that I always dreamed about. That’s it for now. I will keep looking now I know that itis here, and may chat with some of you from time to time.
Cheers, Clay
Hey Clay!!!
When you coming up to taree next with bass n Blues. How good were Avion/Wallers – heroes for me too!!
to paul gannell a john waller my nane is robbie sloman fomely w country rock outfit stockade ex m pictuers richard clapton 78 79 also b and contless residencies inkings xlackfeaher much earlier anbourbon bar d countless residencies in kings xincl bourbon bar all nationsclub was fortunate enough to get play randall in middle of writing ransom and satquite easily call it the force i think there fore i am anyhow guys i would really love to keep i touch and maybre get to hook up onre of these dayds i lost contact w r and was goingto call or vice versa but you know how things were in those days always and sang middle 8 of afew of your numbers incl my personal favorite always waiting i actally think i hlped conntribute to second verse anyway i think we ovr tired giged out but really had a great affinity w him and felt a great commaradery almost like a brother he is bit psychic like me and also an old soul so sees thru bullshit
Well at long last the video for ”I need you” has made it youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbN-suMTMCA
Any idea where the vid was filmed fellas??
Leslie
For those who would like to catch up with Randall he is playing in Paul Christie’s Rockhouse on New Year’s Eve at the Mona Vale Bowling Club along with Angry Anderson and Ciaran Gribbin (last singer in INXS) with a host of other great muso’s all for a small sum of $25. bookings for this great show can be made on 02 9999 3271. I would love to go but have a gig of my own.
Hi happy new year everyone..another video clip has come up on youtube..its the vid for ”Diamond eyes”..hopefully the ones for the ”White noise” will come up soon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_SlBFZkFvc
Leslie
Hi everyone
Avion were my favourite band when I was at high school. Sadly I was too young to go to the pub and club gigs. Kendall’s playing was a huge influence to me as an aspiring bass player. Geoff, mate, I remember the Black Stump gig – it was the only time I had ever seen them. Don’t remember you stage-diving though, I was too in awe. I remember Randall getting the lights dimmed and showing us the stars…what a great night. Lots of great songs that to my knowledge hadn’t been recorded. Wouldn’t it be great if Randall put some of those great songs out now???
I have some great photos from the soundcheck at Black Stump. Somewhere.
It was amusing to see Randall on Ready Steady Cook too. Love to see him play now. And yes. Wouldn’t it be great to see them altogether. I’ll play bass if Ken won’t.
Hi Vic..id have to agree about Kendall playing as well..his clean n clear sound using the Aussie Maton basses on both lps certainly caught my ear back in the early 80s when i was starting out..certainly a case of how a rock bass should sound..also about the later period songs that never got a official release..i got to hear a live version ”Money or love” in the last few nd in my opinion its the best thing song they did..but never saw the light of day lp wise
I only got to see the band play on the ”Boys are back in town” mini tour in late 99 and Kendall playeed bass for that..it would be great to see your live pics..ive done many inernet image searches and live Avion pics are as rare as rockin’ horse poo..ddint know about the ”Ready steady cook” thing unforunately
Hi there,
Spurred on by this lovely trip down memory lane, I am listening to Avion (digitised it myself long ago) and dug out the 5 photos…
I’ve uploaded them to flickr and made them public so enjoy! You should be able to download them too if you like, but if you are going to publish them, please ask.
I’ll facebook them to the fellers too.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13691250@N06/sets/72157632715139942/with/8454991508/
Hi Vic..thanks for the great pics..interesting to see Kendall playing a Music Man Stingray 5 string…they were introduced to the market in 1987 so his must have been one of the first ones..would have made playing in E flat that the band tuned to a lot easier…when i saw them play in 1999 he was playing a 4 string Stingray..by the way when was the festival that the pics taken held???
All the best
Leslie
Hi Leslie and anyone else reading this
I managed to find some more concert pictures so I added them to the same album. You can follow the link above.
It was the same day at Black Stump and from memory (which is rather dodgy) it would have been about 1990/1991. Perhaps Geoff Chapman’s memory of playing guitar with them at Blackstump in about ’86 was correct? I’m not sure now if it was the same gig…did they play there more than once? If I’d known about it, I would have gone.
If anyone has a myspace account and can let Paul Gannell know that there are some photos, can they please pass on the link? Thanks. The avion myspace page is here http://www.myspace.com/avionau
cheers
v
Maybe a MM Stingray 5 for my next bass?
I have both white noise and the first avion lp’s and I think they are in decent condition. I have a bunch of vinyl 45’s too. My band foreign objects did a whole bunch of supports in Sydney and newcastle during the first and second album era. Great blokes and seriously influential on me and the lads.
Happy new year to all and to celebrate the new year there is a new Youtube clip of Avion appearing on Hey hey its Saturday its ”Where do we go from here”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKS4wilaR3E
I’ve been a Randall Waller fan since I was 12 (46 now) and bought Midnight Fire. I picked up the first Avion in vinyl today at a thrift shop and noticed he re-recorded a few songs from that album. Well worth picking up ($2).
I saw Shania Twain in 1999 in Vancouver and was blown away when she introduced the band and on lead guitar was Randall Waller. Seeing him live was as cool as seeing Shania.
Randell Wray
Surrey, BC Canada
yeah Kenny great dancing
Only saw Avion once playing support for Dragon at the St Georges Rowing Club in Sydney 1987,totally blew me away was deeply saddened to hear of Evans tragic accident a few nights later unfortunately I moved back to NZ. Great to see some memories of an awesome Aussie band.
[…] Avion […]
I have the CD 2 on 1 great memories
to be blunt… my life sux without a copy of a cd or two at least which I used to have, along with many gig pics I took but anyways…. apart from from the vids on You Tube… I NEED BOTH CDS PLEASE…so If you know where one can get a hold of Both Cds…pleeease help! tried iTunes etc & nothing! cmon this is Aussie music at its finest…
Hi JoJo
I can help you out with MP3’s if you like!
cheers
Graham
so I guess if I’m a seemingly regular of this you wont post this either….