Bombay Rock Surfers Paradise
“Oh yes, I almost forgot the Bombay Rock. What great acts they had in there. I can remember seeing a very young Dragon and local bands like Metalworx and my own band, Streetlife, played there.
“All the big Aussie bands played the Bombay Rock, from INXS, the Choirboys, Mental As Anything and Mondo Rock to the Divinyls, the Radiators and Cold Chisel.”
from Michael Jacobsen
Known Gigs
| Date | Artist | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/12/85 | Radiators | Surfers Paradise | Bombay Rock |
| 19/10/83 | Allniters | Surfers Paradise | Bombay Rock |
| 07/10/83 | Cold Chisel | Surfers Paradise | Bombay Rock |
| 06/10/83 | Cold Chisel | Surfers Paradise | Bombay Rock |
| 07/09/83 | Allniters | Surfers Paradise | Bombay Rock |
Bombay Rock Surfers Paradise Radio Ad
(Thanks to Lex Strauss for finding this)
Images
Played this Venue three times i can remember. All with local gold coast band “China Zu”. There has not been a venue like it since.
Was there with Mad Gorilla in Oct ’81 for a 2 week residency, it was crazy ! Some absolutely hilarious stories from that trip. Don’t worry folks I won’t tell all the stories, i’ll only incriminate myself. Ned ( John Mc caughan ) & I took turns doing either lights or stage and of course Coby was on sound, wardrobe & sanity. Just getting there was hit and miss because there was a petrol strike in NSW at the time. I was travelling in Langs’ Sandman panelvan but I know Coby, Zac & Ned had a nightmare trip up there with a dirty drum of fuel in the truck. Then we get to the house we are supposed to stay in and it’s covered in fingerprint dust, a very ominous sign as this was Qld in the Joh Bjelke Peterson era. ( more on the pigs later) We loaded in the next day and as we got the last of the gear in these guys come in through the loading dock. We all said G’day and one of ’em asked “S’that your truck ?” ” Yeah mate”
” How the fuck did you get it up here???” “We drove it, wasn’t easy with the petrol strike, why?” They were cracking up and told us they were Billy Thorpe’s crew ( they were at the playroom ) & they’d seen the old beast around the traps but couldn’t believe it had made it to Qld. There’s plenty of stories about that truck as well, a genuine ” Hand painted original” Anyhow gotta go, will get some giggles together for later.
I remember drinking with you in the beer garden at the Surfers. I think we followed you for a residency in the Paradise Room…
Our family owned it. Any body interested in more details. I am from other people that remembered it. Peter George and his brothers ran it….
Hi Chris, I would love any more information or images that you might have. I’d be happy to publish it.
Cheers, Mark
Hey Chris, If you have any more info, pics or anything to share about the ROCK then please let me know….your brothers still around on the gold coast?
thanks Andrew
Contact me via email: chris@bizeasset.com.au
Chris George
my name was tracey kingsley it was in the really early 80’s you knew me i used to to nearly live at bombay rock the best venue ever never another one like it since the 80’s was the only year to live in it shaped our lives and our memories even now to remember and to bring a smile only if we could have a weekend to do it mental again. Thanks sooo much.
Bombay Rock Surfers Paradise – I worked as the DJ there for PG -If you have any photos I’d love to see them.
Lex, Peter is still around. I don’t come to this site often. I will look for you.
G,day Chris long time no see .Yep Pete still is around ,i ran into him about 6 weeks ago ,its funny how rumours travel he most certainly hail and hearty say G,day to your dad and uncles for me cheers Neil
I think i used score tickets from you at school in ’84 – great days great aussie bands, and the best live venue in the state. $10 dollar nights all you can drink brings back memories, still comes up in conversations with the boys. Would love to see more photos, or band footage
Hi Chris!
My mother worked at Bombay during the early 90’s. I’m looking for a man, Chris that worked there around the same time, originally from Melbourne. I was wondering if you had any way of getting in contact with the old employees from The Rock? I don’t have his surname, but can give you a time frame in which he was employed there. Any information that you have would be much appreciated, or anyone that you could pass me onto would also be great.
Thanks and I look forward to your reply!
Alexandra Stack
I’m from Melbourne and worked there around those years.
Hello Everyone,
Such interesting comments!
I’m looking to interview people about their rock music scene memories on the Gold Coast from the mid-60s to the mid-80s. I’d love to talk with club owners, musicians, and music fans who were there and can tell me what it was like. It’s for a project I’m conducting at Griffith University. You can email me at c.feldman@griffith.edu.au if you’re interested.
Best,
Christine
Gday Chris you may not remember me,I worked for Pete and Keith at bombay 83 to89 .I remember taking you and others to David bowie at lang park in Keiths Range Rover,Drop me a line I have quite a few stories you will like .Cheers Neil
Hi Neil, send me an email via chris@bizeasset.com.au
i remember a “neil” there when I was a young American kid who would annoy him for posters and quite often got to go in and listen to soundchecks and get autographs…. he was a good guy and his name always stuck with me… I woulda been 11 years old in 83…. my mum knew peter George and I last saw him at the fruit shop in Australia fair at least 20 yr ago
G’day Chad that was me, good onya mate, I used to see peter a bit up until last year but i live in Nth Qld these days on my boat so havent seen him in a while
Yeah Chris, great venue went there in the 80’s with mates from Melb.
Would do it again in a heartbeat.
Chris
I remember going there seeing all the great Australian bands with you and the TSS crew. Was showing my son, who may be coming over for a year abroad like I did, what Surfers was like, and came across this post.
Hope all is well.
Tom
For 4 years that place was home to me. Back When Dorrie was working in there. You guys had your 10 dollar nights and all you could drink. Ahh those were the days. Every great aussie band. Hunters and collectors. the oils. even got screamed at by Christine amphlett. god rest her very cool soul. some of the best nights of my life there.
Hi Chris. Do you have any photos of the Club from the out side? Would love to see them.
Trying to remember where The Generator was in Surfers and the years it was open.
Bombay was Called the Generator in it’s last years
Saw DoRe Mi and the Hoodoo gurus in the early 90’s
Hi Chris
Great memories I worked at
Tara across the road
And sometimes helped Peter out.
I was there when they had the refurb 1983 I think molly was there and Bernard king from memory
Hi Chris,
Would like to see if I can get some video/photos from Bombay Rock as I have a tv series and performed there bikini show and ass a dance duo have indoor footage of the shows but would like outside and inside views.
surfaroo@yahoo.com
Hey Chris,
You took me there a few times, I was the exchange student from the United States.
Great times and great memories.
Hope all is good for you and your family.
T
I knew Peter George from my many visits to the Bombay Rock. That’s our crew lined up at the door in the photo – Jeff Chistofis, Neal Rogers, myself, Wayne Fergus and Chris Scott. In 1988 Peter George began visiting the Christian Cafe with boxes of fruit and vegetables. (As a gift). He told me to bight into a sweet capsicum- ‘take a big bite to get the full taste’. A few seconds later he was laughing and I was running for water – it was a giant chilli. He had a funny sense of humour. He was amazed that I was at one stage one of his best (or worst) customers. Always drunk on Bundy rum and spaced out on whatever, to now being a Jesus preacher in the Cavill Mall and running the Christian Cafe at the corner of Cavill and Orchid from 1988 to 1992.
We were one of Hutchinsons touring cover acts. We never did a residency, but we were called in when the Prima Donna’s like “Le Rox” didn’t want to do the support for Majors they didn’t like.
I don’t remember the year, but we supported Do Re Mi one NYE.
Peter George was really pissed off cos their crew pulled a door off it’s hinges to use as a small percussion riser. No Drinks rider for them!!! Deb Conway was suffering a really bad cold that night, and her voice was suffering.
hi mate chasin stories news or video from that time bombay, the play room, the jet club, the patch , mostly underground bands 83+
Hey Joe! I was in the first punk band from the coast called Complete Chaos. Started around 80-81. Changed name to N-Zone. Used to play Bombay, Patch, Playroom.. all the spots.
[…] google_ad_height = 60; How to get rid of the Vice Squadby Recko on May 26, 2011in Roadie Stories Bombay Rock – October 81 During our residency we were having a ball. Spent the days hanging around […]
Hi…I have written a book about being an eighties groupie! Bombay features and if anyone has any info, funny stories or photos from that time please send to
nikki@nikkimcwatters.com
Cheers
Nik
“How can I love you, if you won’t lie down”
from the band notice (warning) plaque which was on the band room wall.
One of the better pieces of graffiti to have graced a wall
Love it! Thanks. Any more…..
I also nearly lived there. Anybody remember the little tin box Hot Dog stand out the front? Yep that was me until I could find people to work for me. Still had to be there EVERY night for “market research” though 🙂
Hey Steve/ Hot dog Steve,
Been trying to get hold of you. Email me at asmartypants@gmail.com
From
Marty
(playroom)
Steve we were flat mates for a while in Appel str, Surfers – must of been around ’83, yeah plenty ‘market research’ done at Bombay, great memories LOL.
I remember seeing you with your hot dogs @ the Playroom as well, take care !
Hey all,
I used to live in Palm ave which is a couple of streets away from Cavil ave , and was a habitual patron of Bombay. When my flatmates and i were short of dollars, good ol’ Peter George would let us in and drink for free, because he knew when we were cashed up , that is where we were going to spend our coin. Saw some amazing bands there including Radiators, Jimmy etc. I remember a lady worked the cloak room we all called MUM , and she would knit us all jumpers for the winter months. There was Dorry, Hollywood John, a hot babe who worked the front door bar who’s name alludes me at this time. The experiences my friends and i had at Bombay shaped us into the people we are today.There will never be a venue like Bombay again on the Goldie , and i am grateful to have been around to have experienced it . Met my wife there and she still has a Bombay Rock t-shirt with signatures on it.
Wow, blast from the past, I remember the lady in the cloakroom and also the young stunning women that worked there. The Georges were an imposing presence, they loved all there patrons but you wouldnt step out of line because it was a disaster if you were barred from Bombay. Old Mr George was a presence like a wise guy from good fellas, commanded respect without demanding it. I wonder if hes still around
Hi, Yes those were the days. Saw some hot bands and the place would be packed. Remember the upstairs balcony? ? What years are you talking about that you went there? Peter George a cool guy. He was also a great boss and a good business man. He was good with everyone. Now, I worked in the bar……? I was a good drink pourer but I don’t remember being hot. I was at summertime. But cooled down in one many pools or went for a surf. If I was hot I don’t remember it. I don’t think so…but the weather was very very hot tho. In those days we’d ‘cool’ down in the night, especially with ‘cool’ places like Bombas. After we’d go to the Penthouse. My longtime boyfriend, well, his father owned it. Yeahhh. We had it all in those days. Except me when the Penthouse pets were promoting umm, themselves there I’d suddenly be barred for the night for some reason. I remember my boyfriends smiling face when I walked up and met one of them. I was ‘cool’ then. He lost interest in those girls as he aged and got a bit uglier. lol Bless his heart he’s not with us anymore. Where did you go to school?
ps
I do remember your hotdog stand Steve and it was at your stand that i met my wife. One with cheese please mate.
wow !! crazy to find this 🙂 I had a cover band Kool Change that did Bombay quite a lot from early 80’s to mid 80’s or when they changed it to the Generator,when we weren’t touring on Hutcho’s Circuit..Crazy times there, and awesome crowds !! got to do a lot of amazing supports.. Peter George actually use to scare the crap out of me..LMAO!!!never be a venue like it again..in fact the music industry will never be the same again !! awesome times !! also loved doing the Jet Club..one of our very first gigs though was the Paradise Room.. 🙂
I went to school with Jeremy (can’t remember his last name) that played keys in Kool Change. Saw you at the Playroom.
Noel Jeremy was his name.
yes..Noel was our keys player..he’s in Goulburn now teaching at the Institute of Music I think..
Thanks Jen.
No worries ((*_*))
Agree Jen never be another venue like it.
Sad really.
What days those were, glory days
Where was the Jet Club? I remember seeing INXS there and at the Playroom but it is a bit of a blur. I also went to the opening of Bombay Rock Ian Molly Meldrum was there as was perennial invitee the hairdresser Stefan. Thinking the Jet Club might of been around Coolangatta?
Trev, the Jet Club was at Coolangatta ..in the main street 🙂 Most the major Aussie bands gigged..there 🙂 Great venue to gig at too 🙂
Yes I remember the Jet Club. Most of the venues I visited for bands were in Surfers such as the old beergarden, Bombay Rock, The Paradise Room and The Skyline Lounge. Also venues just for partying with locals like the Penthouse, Champaign Charlies, Tara Village, Twains and Bensons. We used to top off the evening with a good feed at Take 5 near the Hub Arcade. As kids our favourite hangouts were the bowling alley, Replay World and Space Palace for the trampolines
haha !! Glenn, I may have met you around the traps sometime back then…I also remember the Terrace club, where we use to go when everything else was shut..this was before I started gigging..late 70’s..was a tad dodgey that place..lol..good memories though ((*_*))
I did all my youthful highjinks between 1980 and 1987. I worked at Tara Village for a while with the Maxwell family, Pat, John and John Jr. In those days the major part of the management were all Irish including the duty manager Dennis. He kind of looked like Bon Scott but much shorter. They were wonderful days, everywhere my mates and I went we known because we were larakins who never started anything
and Grundys off course!!!!!!
This brings back so many memories. All the hangs. I was a true local, and I worked at Tara Village. Saw all the bands, met done amazing people. Stumbled across this from a link from the Tara Village FB page. Awesome!
Hey there…My name is Lynne and I was the American girl bartending at Benson’s and Twains in the mid 80’s!!! My girl friend Karen and I lived in Surfer’s Paradise for 2 years in 1985-1987, two of the greatest years of our lives. Everyone called us “The Yanks”, hahaha!
Yeah Trev, I remember seeing INXS quite a few times but the locations are a bit blurred now. I think I saw them at the Surfers Speedway and Playroom. That music is something I play now when I remember those days of cruising in my EH wagon loaded with boards and all the boys with there arms out the windows, We thought we were so cool (but we were)
Wow Glenn, I loved Tara ,I holidayed their twice in the mid seventies. Had some amazing times as a 16 and 17 year old. I remember the ‘greasy pole” in the swimming pool and the little dance floor. Pat Maxwell and his daughter Jacqui were our hosts. I think Jacqui was about 13 at the time. I also remember Pats offsider Alan a cheeky little guy that was going out with a girl called Judy. Alan didn’t miss many either lol.
Great education on how to party and picking up girls! All good fun. I used to love the beer garden too, years later I visited and it had all changed and I said I would never return… Never say never as I took my family to the Goldie for Summer holls and will be returning in a few weeks for 6 days of R&R. I just needed to embrace change and all is good. This time I am not chasing skirt so different perspective with a 5 year old lol.
Thought you might like to have a look through my memorial page for Tara
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Tara-Village/202162679076?fref=ts
i used to grease the pole and cook the pig on the party nights. I worked on the Tara party bus as well pouring out the bubbly stuff. Jacqui and I were about the same age back then and her brother Little John was my supervisor. I t was one of the best jobs I ever had. I did those things but also cleaned all the bars and public areas during the day and building maintenance. It was more like fun than work because it was like being part of a family
I used to work at the Jet Club on the front door. The place was a fantastic venue for live bands. Does anyone have any photos of it???
Saw Hoodoo Gurus there in August 1986. Was 16 years old but I got in with a fake baby blue coloured birth certificate!
saw 3 shows there in jan 1984. mental as anything,the party boys and the confuscists. party boys had shirley strachan on vocals,rob riley of rose tattoo on guitar,buzz bidstrup on drums, kevin borich and some other bloke i cant remember. “walking on the moon” a highlight. kevin borich singing “burning ring of fire” also memorable. the mentals sort of went through the motions that night with greedy smith the only one showing much enthusiasm. confuscists were from adelaide i think and did a good cover of “living on the ceiling”. a complete wanker of a bouncer worked there then and had a ridiculous 80’s curly blonde mullett. very good venue. pity its now a bloody carpark. when in surfers these days look at the site and have many good memories
I worked at the nearby Beachcomber hotel and a lot of the acts used to stay with us so we scored tickets to many of the concerts. Icehouse, The Angels, Madness, Katrina and the Waves they all came through.
OMG!
What a find…yeah, late. But holly crap, what a wealth of information here.
I remember going to ALL the GREAT venues in my youth…so long ago that was.
So pleased someone had the forethought to keep a record of our great history.
Thank you.
I worked at The Rock 83 -89 as stage manager /slave,. got no photos but plenty of stories,I believe Pete George passed away recently but cant confirm, cheers Neil
No, Peter is still around.
Wow, this is almost like having a flashback (albeit a good one), Bombay Rock, The Playroom, The Jet Club and The Patch were my home away from home in the early 80’s
I worked backstage at the Playroom with Mick James, won the battle of the bands at the Jet Club with Broken Toys, played at every one of these venues with a bunch of different bands, ranging from Dealer (we were playing at the Playroom on the night that Sam Panos and his fiancée were killed in an accident on the Pacific highway) to The Seven Ballerinas, V Spy V Spy, The Saints, The Church and The Go Betweens.
It really was “the best of times and the worst of times” ,we had some of the greatest bands come through those places, and some of those shows still remain the best I have ever been privileged to be part of, but I also experienced some of the worst moments of my life (see above).
And if you were around at the same time and the name I posted under doesn’t ring a bell (not that it should, I was just another roadie) try “Bat”.
Hey “Bat”,
i was in the band (Neon Park) that came a close second to Broken Toys at that Battle of the Bands final in 1984.
I also played in some of the venues mentioned above during the 80s.
My favourite would’ve been Bombay followed by the Jet Club. Also have a fond memory of the Grand Hotel, Labrador.
I think you (or another roadie called ‘Bat’) worked briefly for another band of mine in 1988 – Crashing By Design.
Hi Ralph,No I am not bat,but did Know him thru the Rock, I was Head slave at the Rock from day one opening.I remember Neon park ,A good band ,If iam correct.I still am in touch with people like Bear and Phil Stafford [ELS] and afew others ,Dont know if you remember Clapping hands with michelle Mccarthy,well she is now a motivational guru in the states ,really hit the big time you can check her out on Musivation .com,Iam am on facebook under Neil collier with a pic.so you can see my skull on there ..Cheers Neil.ps I used to see old Peter George up until about 6mths ago ,but sadly i think he may have dropped of the twig ,he was 85
Hey Ralph ,I should have read all the comments on this page ,I thought you meant I was BAT.sorry G,day Bat i remember you as well cheers Neil
I remember Bat from the playroom. My brother Lee used to hang out there with you. I played in a cover band here in Brissie with Marty Begent, who drummed for Broken Toys I think.
Neil, great to hear your still around mate, big love, Dog. [The Ballistics, we did too many nights there and the Playroom to even count, including the last night at Bombay and the Jetty]
The Ballistics, don’t know how many times I saw you guys! Good to see your still around Dog
Hi Derek,
Martin Begent played in a band with me in 1988. The band was called ‘Crashing By Design’. He had previously played with a band called “The Promise”. Peter Clark was the drummer in Broken Toys as far as i’m aware.
OH YES !! That’s right. You are correct. If I heard it once, I heard it a thousand times about how he left the Promise after a certain Producer wiped all his drum tracks and re-recorded them electronically. Do you by any chance know who the bassists for Broken Toys were ? I ask because the band I was bassist for, had the cadre of a Brissie cover band called “This Weeks Special” who had members from the Promise, Voodoo Lust and I believe Broken Toys in it. They were in a couple of the Hoadleys Battle of the Bands gigs at Cloudland to.
Dezzy – I think the only bassist for Broken Toys was Leroy Bath. He currently runs a live audio business called Superb Sound. He’s been doing my band’s live sound for many years and he’s an ACE! I wouldn’t book anybody else – he’s a pro and he has …passion. My band from 1983/84 was called “Neon Park”. We came second to Broken Toys in the Qld Battle Of The Bands.
That’s right, Leroy formed Bla Bla Bla a covers band that did a truckload of work. I’ve met Leroy. Good bloke. About the Grand Hotel, the best gig I saw there was an Angels New Years Eve gig they did. Where they caught Doc in the spots as he streaked across the stage completely starkers. He did it as a dare and Rick and John tipped of the light guys and caught him out big time.
Hey Dezzy, what happened to Red Square
Anyone heard where
Martin, Noel & Sue are
Hey Ralph, Memories…! Yeah, Martin was in Broken Toys Mark 1 from 9 December 1982 to 17 April 1983. We split up and then reformed with Peter Clarke on drums exactly a year later, our first gig being 17 April 1984 at Ceasars Underwood. Our first Bombay Rock gig was 1 May 1984. We played the circuit from then until we headed over to Perth for 8 weeks which turned into about a year, where we finally broke up late ’86 I think. Peter went on to join Rusty and the Ayers Rockettes who morphed into Keith Urban’s Ranch. I was blessed to have the opportunity to do 9 gigs in a row with the Ayers Rockettes (Saltbushsix) in Tamworth in January this year. Next month, Leroy, Broken Toys Bass Player is having a 60th birthday party and we are having a one-off reunion gig at Rock Arena. The Savage Echidnas might even make an appearance! : ) Bat is an absolute legend!
Hey guys, anyone know what happened to Martin after he went to NX
Bombay Rock (Allniters gigs)
7/9/1983 with Centur
19/10/1983
15/12/1983
5/2/1984
12/7/1984
10/10/1984
1/1/1985 with the Promise
Bombay Rock – the Generator (Club Ska gigs)
26/11/1986
11/12/1987
Playroom (Allniters gigs)
17/2/1982
5/5/1982
8/5/1982 4ZZZ show
22/10/1982
23/10/1982 with Dynamic Hepnotics
14/10/1982
11/12/1982 with Big Red
12/12/1982 with Sheba
5/3/1983 with Sheba
6/3/1983 with Sheba
14/5/1983
15/5/1983
21/4/1984
Playroom (Club Ska gigs)
27/7/1986 with mud-wrestling
31/1/1987
Jet Club (Allniters gigs)
The Jet Club: 41 Griffith St, Coolangatta
10/9/1983:
22/10/1983 with the Ballistics
17/12/1983
4/2/1983
12/10/1984
Jet Club (Club Ska gigs)
18/10/1986
28/1/1987
Sheba, WOW that brings back memories.
Dog,[Dave]Hows it going mate .Tried to catch you thru the wine spot on 91.7 a couple of times but no luck ,yeah still alive and kicken on the coast .I see Di&Penny every now and again and afew of the iluka boys ,I used to see Pete George a lot but not for a while now ,think he might have dropped of the twig.Those were heady days back then lucky we survived i guess.Cheers Neil ,,ps keep in touch maybe we can catch up.also Ross Mercer [manager Jet Cub]runs Surfers SLSC.
thanks for the memories guys-remember the drinks we had!
Gosh Mr George I hope your holding up ok as you established one of the Greatest Rock Venues on the coast. A lot are sad to see it go but at least it and yourself are part of history of the coast. If you have some pictures we would all love to see them especially on the “I grew up on the gold coast in the 70/80’s”site on face book if not could some please show them or put up your own website even just something on Facey.
Regards Smoothy
What memories
Saw Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls, Pseudo Echo back in Nov 1986.
Drinking Bundy out of paper cups.
Do it again in a heartbeat if I could handle the hangover
My mind just exploded, thanks everyone for the memories.
Always had a good time at Bombay Rock. The Gold Coast in those days (81 – 86) was awesome; plenty of work, plenty of money and plenty of good people. I still reminisce and get ‘flashbacks’. Looking for info on Mad Gorilla brought me here – they did a commendable cover of Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way”.
Funniest night i ever had there was when a mate (very drunk) casually leaned on the post next to me; there was no post, the smoke was that thick that it just looked like one.
I remember Tina on the front door too, what a honey!
so many bands, so many good memories
hi mate martin begent played in which band in 1988???????
Hi Andy,
Martin Begent was playing in a band called “Crashing By Design” with me, Dave Moon and Tim Mason. We played locally (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Toowoomba) throughout 1988. We rehearsed in the old Billy Hyde’s store in Balaclava St. Woolloongabba. Tim was the manager. Our earlier drummers included Crispin Trist who was also in “Boxcar” and Karl Lewis.
Wow – flashbacks galore !!! So many here are so right. What a great venue. Coming from Brisbane it was either Bombay Rock or the Playroom for us …. saw so many legendary bands there INXS, Divinyls, Angels, Mi-Sex etc …. but my biggest memory was seeing the Machinations there for the first time in 1985. Awesome night always …. I think rumbos may have been about $1.50 back then too lol …….
Who remembers seeing the Ballistics and cockroaches at Bombay rock?
Rocky, i do remember this night from a different perspective! Howdy Dog! I just loved playing at all of these venues. We (The Ballistics) supported anyone that moved and shook! Much touring from Cairns to Ballarat and back and back!
Would i do it all again? Fuck YES!
So many bands so many memories of this amazing venue
Hi, I am the said keyboard player from Kool Change mentioned above. Derek says he went to school with me. “Derek” is vaguely familiar, so who are you if you see this dude. Anyway the Paradise Room should have stayed. Modern buildings don’t smell like that. I remember the glass behind the stage like a giant fish tank. I remember pre-Bombay and the Ride band playing all around the coast, Also we used to play the singles club Southport. And the Bombay, wall to wall tourists, blue carpeted walls, and loud! Iggy Pop, loud as f@#$ and still clean clean clean.
Hi Noel…this is Jen ..lol…
Derek, as in Derek, Jeff, Steve, Wayne etc. We saw CC at the Playroom I think. Only large venue I played was the Rock Arena Mansfield.
Does anyone have any articles I could copy and frame relating to Twains international nightclub 1978. Onwards, my brother inlaw is turning 70 and he used to own it or manage it . Thanks Trace
Wow!!
Tony Adams here, I was the singer guitarist in Broken Toys back in the day!
Yes I remember all you guys! Hey BAT!!!! How are you?
Yes Peter Clarke, and Martin Begent both played in Broken Toys.
Yeah, Martin also played in The Promise with Kerry Dunn and the guys and Peter went on to play with Keith Urban and the Ranch for years and based in the U.S. for a while.
I came down to Sydney with a 3 piece original version of “Broken Toys” (Not many new we used to tour south doing originals NSW, VIC, S.A.) MMA (INXS management), were gonna get us a deal but Leroy Bath had enough of being away.
I went on to Join “The Riptides” (Mark Callaghan of Gangajang, JJ Harris Divinyls). Recorded “Wave Rock” album, Then formed 3 piece “Cyberia”, released “Machine Age” album, got some decent airplay and JJJ got right behind us. Toured extensive with the Angels, Screaming Jets etc, Usual record company and court battles put an end to us. Had a big break for many years and even planned on moving back to Qld… Loved the Bombay Rock, Jet Club, Patch.. and the whole circuit all the way to Cairns “Playpen” and back in those days!
I’d love a time machine to go Back to early to mid eighties for a month!
Love to see you guys again…. Keep your eyes open for “Mental as Anything” dates as I’ve just got the gig as Martin Plaza is quite ill and had to jump off.. Not the best way to get the gig, but none the less it’s a great gig.
Please any of you, drop a line. Any time!
Hi Tony, my name’s Michael Fowler. I was the bass player/keyboardist of a band named Short Circuit who supported Broken Toys for a few weeks at the Playpen in Cairns in 1985. See if you can help me out with this one … Broken Toys used to finish their first set with a BRILLIANT original song that was a slow pounding rock epic that ended with quite a long instrumental section. I have two questions … (1) Do you know the song I am referring to? and (2) Can I get a copy of the song somehow? If so, it’s just for my own personal enjoyment. It was a mega song and I’d love to hear it again. Hope life’s good for you man. All the best. Cheers, Michael.
Hey Michael, Flashbacks galore on this page! And a lot of connections, many still happening. I’m going to have lunch tomorrow with Peter Clarke – a 50% Broken Toys reunion! LOL I’ve probably got a recording of ‘Stay Until the End” somewhere.
These comments/ stories are amazing:) i actually worked here picking up glasses & generally do whatever was going . I had 2 other jobs this was the best tho Friday/Saturday & Sunday nights … Then back to Rockea Fruit Markets where I got the job at Bombay Rick through the Peter George’s Brothers & nephews …. … Thanks for the memories all ?????
I was a young Royal Australian Navy diver at the time with my girlfriend living on the coast. Sadly i only recall going there to see ” The Phsyadellic Furs” with her. The best venue ive ever been to in the world. What happened and why was it knocked down?
Incredible to see so many names and people i know.My business started in Brisbane in the late 60’s and i was lucky to have been part of the Australian Music Industry until 1995 when i totally left it to concentrate on international touring and become part of the Russian Industry where i still have an office today representing the major Russian Attractions around the world as well as consulting to the Russian Government.The George family were like part of my family and i thank them for all their support.
I also thank so many of you guys for being great supporters of my business from 69-95. Take care.
Hutcho
wow !! Graham 🙂 you’re a blast from the past 🙂 …this is Jen Dwyer from Kool Change 🙂 ….great to hear you’re still doing well ….was wondering what happened to you ….I’m still gigging around Queensland …and still having a ball ……great to see your comment here 🙂 ……actually have you to thank for getting me into the industry 🙂 ..all the best to you … ((*_*))
G,day uncle graham cheers long time no see
Hi Hutcho, good to see your still rocking, so are we The Blues Brothers Revival 35 years still going strong, your looked after us from 1983 till 1987..boy we saw alot of the country
90 percent sure i am in the pict in the que
Hi there …. can anyone remember if ‘Dragon’ played at the Bombay Rock around Feb 1988? Much appreciated. Just watching a documentary on Dragon on TV. Im sure I saw Dragon on the GC around then! Thank you!
Wow. Found this site by accident. So many memories and so many names i reocognise.
G,day Mal ,Neil here tht worked for Rennix and Hutcho ,only thinking about you the other day when i as on the coast and passing Burleigh Beach towers where you and sparky lived .I am in Cairns these days on my boat .cheers Neil
Hey Mal, I remember hooning around Brisbane in your Ford Escort when your office was over Mick Privitera’s place.
Had some great evenings with Dealer at many of those long gone pubs and clubs and then back to the Red Hill lounge to finish out the night.
Were you there when Dave DeWitt jumped off the 3rd floor balcony and landed on the one below, he knocked on the sliding doors and calmly asked the older couple living there if he could go through as he wanted to go home …and this was at about 1am.
It wasnt long after that I got evicted.
Its a heck of a long way from there to working on the railroad in the States…and it all started because Phoenix’s truck broke down on the way to a gig in Goondiwindi.
Amazing the way life works!!
I used to sell the hot dogs outside. Went on to the Playroom after that. Does anyone remember the name of the American female d.J. from 1983?
Doesn’t matter. As soon as I posted the question I remembered the name….Stella!
ITS BEEN ALONG TIME HOT DOG STEVE.
FROM MARTY.
Those were the good old days, last time I saw you was at the Playroom selling hotdogs very late ’80s, wondering who I am – we were flat mates ’82 ish … Jason flats in Appel str. … ring a bell.
Peter
Hi everyone,
I came across these comments by accident. Great memories for me. My friends and I had the best times dancing the nights away at different venues especially The Paradise Room. Thanks for the great music guys. I was trying to find old photo’s of bands who use to play at one of the places we use to go later in the evenings. I can’t for the life of me remember the place or the bands name, I just remember the drummer had beautiful curly red hair, i think all the guys lived on the coast. Whenever my friends and I would arrive and sit at one of the large round table’s some of the guys would always get a bottle of wine sent to our table for us. Thanks guys, I loved hanging out with you even if it was only for a short time.
J
hi Graham …..I was looking through this site…… and saw your name…… yes a lot of people comment…… brings back some nice memories…….. glad to hear you are well and doing great…..Peter George is doing very well ..drives … has not changed at all he will be 93 next March …. he sends his best wishes to you and was delighted that you are doing well Cheers Barbara
As a young apprentice i was sent to Bombay Rock to re programme a neon sign we had built for over the bar. It was an animated neon boob that wobbled when flicked by a finger, Peter wasnt happy with the sequece of the neons so i was there to fix it. I remember getting back to work and saying i had just met the Godfather. He was great though , gave me a free coke from the bar when he was happy with the changes.
I loved that boob flick LOL. So cool when I was 16 and virtually lived at the Rock till it shut down. I saw pretty much every band that played from ‘85 on and was there for at least 2 New Year Eves too. Where have the 30+ years gone?
What memories…..I worked when it reopened (I think) January 1983 for 7 months. I was a Canadian bartender and was hired right away. Opening night was Men at Work…during my time George Thorogood, Divinyls, Psychedelic Furs, The Reels, Midnight Oil, The Church, Goanna and this what I remember! I loved working there and knew exactly what every George brother drank and how they liked it. My kooky Uncle came down to visit and would sit in their office laughing it up with the men until all hours…..so much fun
Saw the rads, the spies (spy vs spy), chisel, angels, painters and dockers, mentals, icehouse, etc, etc, etc… I flat out ran from fishos to bombay the night the spies played when I found out spies were on. I think it was renamed generator by then
This was a Regular gig for (The Blues Brothers Revival) us on Sundays loved this place must have played there over 10 times, shame i cant put the paper clipping up
I remember seeing rose tattoo there one n8ght.anyone remember when that was.they had a back up band called the modes from w a
Am I the only person who has a memory of seeing The Cure at Bombay Rock in ’84? I lived in Toowoomba and had tickets for them for the night before at Festival Hall in Brisbane, but my car broke down on the way and never made it. A friend had a spare ticket for them the next night (or couple of nights later…I can’t remember the exact detail).
Watched (and photographed) them from the balcony. Exhilarating show.
used to be a local at bombay rock saw loads of bands the cult mental as anything the angels radiators man so man too many to name them all the fixx simple minds who else jee so many great memories i used to be friends with the unknown soldiers the singers name was mario thw bass player was paul and on drums they had evan on guitar was a guy called john…local band that played there many times.
I posted on this site back in 2012. Still with my wife who I met at Bombay. Married in 1990. Her name is Justine. Does anyone remember Mellissa who worked on the bar downstairs at Bombay. I am still to find a better barmaid on the coast
I worked there for years and still have my Bombay Rock “access all areas” Tag with its leather strap. Saw nearly every band to play there (including watching Iggy pop getting booed off LOL) working the green, Blue, bar or red bar as well as being the cellarman during the day. Pete used to call me in and when it was quiet gave me $50 to drink with when I didnt work if I didn’t start. I remember Keith being the serious one lol. Max my mate and I worked there for years and many other clubs on the GC . I remember the 3rd floor being used for a movie one year as it wasn’t built. That era of Bombay, Twains, Penthouse, Melbas was the best ever