I Got You: Split Enz’s New Wave Rise in 1980

In 1980, Split Enz released I Got You, a song that turned a simple riff into an eight-week No. 1 reign in Australia. Out on Mushroom Records (K 7759), it was Neil Finn’s breakout, written from a Tim Finn title, produced by David Tickle, and paired with Noel Crombie’s oddball video. It ruled charts and…

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Horror Movie: Skyhooks’ Glam Slam That Defined 1975 Australia

When Skyhooks released Horror Movie in 1974, it wasn’t just a song—it was a glitter-bombed jab at the telly that topped Australia’s charts. Out on Mushroom Records (K-5753), it hit No. 1 on March 31st, ’75, for two weeks, with a 27-week run. Written by bassist Greg Macainsh and produced by Ross Wilson, it launched…

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Skeleton Crew – Propaganda

Propaganda CD Launch

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…

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Sherbet

sherbet

Sherbet was a band I didn’t rate very highly for a while until I saw them live. I suppose they were considered a little bit lightweight if you only went on the stuff the radio was playing but when you saw them live, they were the real deal. Great musicians, well-written songs and a brilliant…

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Sunnyboys

Sunnyboys were a Sydney based band which went through a number of active periods from 1980-1984, 1987-1989 & again in 1991. I have to admit that I never actually saw them which is unusual given how popular they were at the time. Jeremy Oxley, Peter Oxley and Bil Bilson had played in a garage band…

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Skyhooks

Skyhooks living in the 70's

Skyhooks smash hit single Horror Movie was one of the first 45’s I ever bought with my own money. I still have it!They were glam rock at it’s best. Well written, catchy songs, performed beautifully by skilled showmen. It had everything a young westie lad like myself loved. Formed in Melbourne in early 1973, they…

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Johnny Dole & The Scabs

Johnny Dole & The Scabs

Short and Sweet! – This probably best describes the life of Johnny Dole & The Scabs. Johnny Dole & The Scabs were one of the first Punk Rock bands in Australia, they played live and recorded in Sydney during 1977 – 1979. THE BEGINNING In early January 1977, The Strays were looking for a new…

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Stars “Live At Bombay Rock” Re-Released

Stars must be one of the most requested bands in my time working on this site. I get a large number of people asking “Where can I get Paradise Or Land Of Fortune etc”. Up until now the only suggestion I’ve been able to give is to search the 2nd hand stores as they’ve been…

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