Heaven
About Heaven
HEAVEN was a boogie -based heavy rock band with similarities to the likes of The Angels and AC/DC, the link to AC/DC continued with Michael Browning, previous manager of AC/DC who helped HEAVEN to make an impact internationally courtesy of a worldwide deal with RCA Records . The band concentrated on Hard Driving yet melodic Heavy Metal and garnered strong sales in Europe and North America. HEAVEN’s original featured ex-FAT LIP and HEROES vocalist and mainstay Scottish born Allan Fryer alongside guitarist Kelly of SWANEE, former HEROES, Haese from FAT LIP and ALMOST HUMAN bassist Laurie Marlow and another FAT LIP refugee drummer Joe Turtur.
from the Heaven website.
History
**Note** I have had several readers confirm that Mark Evans did NOT play bass in Heaven despite what the following quote from their site says. Because it’s a quote though, I can’t really edit it so please bear this note in mind. Sorry Laurie & Mark!!
HEAVEN basically evolved from the split of Adelaide outfit FAT LIP, which comprised of Fryer, former CHEEK bassist Felix Maslin, former SCANDAL drummer Aldo Civitcio and guitarist Steve Francis. Both Maslin and Francis left to create FAST FOOD as Fryer and Civitcio regrouped FAT LIP with Haese and Marlow. Before long Turtur had taken over on drums. Fryer then left to travel to Sydney to audition for AC/DC following the death of Bon Scott. As AC/DC announced Brian Johnson as their new vocalist Haese, Marlow and Turtur arrived in Sydney to reforge the band under the new title of HEAVEN.
The band issued the single “Fantasy” and a debut album ‘Twilight Of Mischief’ before Haese was replaced in early 1982 by former ROSE TATTOO guitarist Mick Cocks as the band relocated to Los Angeles. The debut album ‘Twilight Of Mischief’ was later re-released by CBS Records with a new cover, revised track listing (Tuesday Morning was replaced with In the beginning) and a new album title of ‘Bent’, as a New York band already had the rights to the HEAVEN tag over there so the album was released as Heaven Bent . In America the band opened up shows for JUDAS PRIEST, BLACK SABBATH and KISS.
During the bands existence, HEAVEN underwent several line-up changes. Cocks and Turtur were ousted in favour AC/DC, FINCH and BEAST bassist Mark Evans on guitar and former SWANEE, BEAST and DALLIMORE drummer John Lalor. This line-up was not to last long. The second album found only Fryer remaining from the original line up now sharing the spotlight with guitarists MITCH PERRY (previously with STEELER), bassists Dennis Feldman of MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ex-DUKES man Bruno Renzella and another erstwhile DUKES member drummer Tommy Dimitroff. HEAVEN later added ex-RICK DERRINGER guitarist Mark Cunningham.
1983’s ‘Where Angels Fear To Tread’ boasted some impressive guests in former RUNAWAYS star LITA FORD and former DEEP PURPLE man GLENN HUGHES. BLACK SABBATH’s Ronnie James Dio also adds backing vocals under the pseudonym ‘Evil Eyes’. A single version of ‘Bob Dylan’s ‘Knockin’ On Heavens Door’ gained valuable radio play for the band in 1985. The band also drafted guitarist Bobby Enloe. However, HEAVEN folded shortly after.
In 1985 Marlow joined BOSS but was usurped the following year by the very same man that took his position in HEAVEN – Mark Evans. Perry was to turn up as a member of MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP. Ex-HEAVEN personnel Haese, Evans, Marlow and Turtur together with ex-BLACK ALICE singer Rob Hartley created HELLCATS. Enloe joined SIC VIKKI.
By 1989 Evans and Haese had formed another new act MAMA’S DARLINGS with former ROSE TATTOO members guitarist Robin Riley and drummer Scott Johnson with ex-TOUGH LUXURY singer Stuart Cave.
From 1989-1993 the HEAVEN line up consisted of frontman Alan Fryer, ex-Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson and ex-Dio bassist Jimmy Bain and on lead was Greg Belt from FORCED ENTRY.HEAVEN would reunite to guest for JUDAS PRIEST’s November 2001 Australian tour. The line-up for this tour was Alan Fryer, Laurie Marlow, Theo Kats (drums), Kevin Pratt (guitar) and Ross Flynn (guitar). A re-issue of HEAVEN’s ‘Where Angels Fear To Tread’ and Knockin’ on Heavens door added six bonus tracks (one unreleased track and 5 live tracks from BBC rock hour CD)
from the Heaven website.
Members
- Allen Fryer – Vocals
- John Haese
- Kelly (Bradford) – Guitar
- Joe Turtur – Drums
- Mark Cunningham
- Tommy Dimitroff – Drums
- Mark Evans – Guitar
- Dennis Feldman
- John Lalor – Drums
- Laurie Marlow – Bass
- Mitch Perry
- Bruno Rezella – Guitar
- Mick Cocks – Guitar
- John Layland
- Theo Kats (Antoni) – Drums
- Brian Robertson
- Jimmy Bain
- Greg Belt
- Kevin Pratt – Guitar
- Ross Flynn – Guitar
- Bobby Enloe
- Chris Caffery
- Tony Taylor
- Brad Dunn
- Brian Christian
- John Richards
- Don (Gordon) Klaproth – Guitar
- Rob Hanna – Drums
- Peter Millwood – Vocals
- Mick O’Shea – Drums
Known gigs for Heaven
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 19/06/81 | Blacktown | Comb And Cutter Hotel |
| + The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 26/06/81 | The Rocks, Sydney | Governor’s Pleasure |
| + The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 07/07/81 | Rydalmere | Family Inn |
| + The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 10/07/81 | Sylvania | Sylvania Hotel |
| + The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 11/07/81 | Sefton | Sefton Hotel |
| + The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 12/07/81 | Bondi | Astra Hotel |
| + The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 28/01/82 | Parramatta | War and Peace |
| + Peculiar Clerk, The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 29/01/82 | Coogee | Selinas – Coogee Bay Hotel |
| + Vixen, The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 20/02/82 | Caringbah | Caringbah Inn |
| + QV’s, The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 10/04/82 | Circular Quay | Sydney Cove Tavern |
| + Portable Beach, Silent Jets, The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 08/11/82 | Sydney | Capitol Theatre |
| Supporting Iron Maiden. | ||
Recordings
- Twilight Of Mischief – 1982
- Where Angels Fear To Tread – 1983
- BBC Rock Hour Live – 1984
- Knockin On Heavens Door – 1985
Images of Heaven
Hi,
It states that Laurie Marlow was replaced in Mamma’s Darlings by Mark Evans, who also replaced him on bass in Heaven? Mark Evans never played bass in Heaven, he replaced Mick Cox playing rhythm guitar only. I am sure of this as I was there. I married John Lalor in 1985 and met him in Los Angeles when he was touring. John Lalor, Laurie Marlow, Peter Kekel (keyboardist for Jimmy Barnes) and Robin Riley (Ex Tatts) also had an awesome band in 1985 called The Beast, just in case you weren’t aware of this. Anyway love your site and all the best
Gillian
I meant to say “Boss” not Mamma’s Darling….sorry been a hell of a weekend!!
Hi Gillian, thanks for your comments. The quote about Mark Evans is from the Heaven website so I’ll get on to them for clarification. I see Laurie occasionally so I’ll check with him too.
I had the pleasure of meeting John Lalor myself around about 1985 at a New Years Eve gig (I think) at the Rebels clubhouse in Western Sydney. He was an amazing drummer. I think at the time he may have been playing with Swanee?
John Lalor currently plays in Perth cover band Easy Company. Saw him playing at the Paddington Alehouse recently, looks a bit older and heavier, but still an excellent drummer and still really drives the band along.
John Lalor is currently playing with Perth cover band Easy Company. Saw them at the Paddington recently and J.L. is playing great drums. I think he had a long break after Swanee and doesn’t appear to have lost any of his energy.
Hey Gillian, I was a BIG fan of The Beast! Rob Riley rules! I remember they used to also play with Kev Barker as ‘Kevin Barker And The Beagle Boys’. I used to play guest spots with them down at the old Seabreeze Tavern, and also at Chester Hill Hotel (I was an old Cheso boy). I also used to frequent The Beast gigs of course, and knew JL from those days. Peter Kekel also plyed with The Zarsoff Bros at one point. I can’t remember the name of the other bassist in The Beast besides Laurie Marlowe though. Was it Craig or something? It escapes me now. I also got to know Laurie a lot better later on when he was playing in the Led Zeppelin show and I was in Stoker (who’s vocalist, Steve Mulry, now playes with Laurie in Black Label). We used to support them quite a bit, and he wasn’t impressed when I told him I used to sneak into pubs underaged to watch him play in Heaven. His exact quote was “Do you know how old that makes me feel?”lmao
I grew up round Cheso
Good to hear a Cheso boy done well
in the Aussie Rock Pub scene back in the day
PS: As for the other bassist in The Beast, I keep thinking his name was Craig Forster. I’m probably wrong, but that name keeps sticking in my head.
Beast were an awesome pub band, raw no bull rockin’ 3 piece. Rob’s sound used shake everything. I was gigging the traps in Sydney at the time, and met and gigged with a lot of players including some of those mentioned above. The two bass players I remember from Beast were Mark Evans and later Craig Foster. Craig ended up in Melbourne not long after that. I played in a band down there for about a year and caught up with him a couple of times.
Have seen John Lalor quite a few times lately in Perth with local band Easy Company. They call him “Buz” for some reason. He plays quite often at The Mighty Quinn in Tuart Hill and he is playing exceptionally well and has a bit of a following. Spoke to him at another venue South of the river and he is really enjoying the band and the relaxed nature of the guys he is playing with. Doesn’t miss the big stage at all but said the time with Heaven was the biggest time of his life.
Hi,
I’m a guitarist/vocalist with “Easy Company”. Just to clarify why we call John Lalor “Buzz” – Shortly after joining us, he skipped a rehearsal due to a bee sting which he said he was allergic to. I jokingly suggested the nickname “Buzz” as a result of this incident. As we already had another band member named John, it kinda made sense and caught on from there…..
Hi Mark
1. Gillian is right Mark Evans played guitar not bass in Heaven just look at the Rock school video clip
2. is that JR from happy little vegemites ?
3. Mark Gibson did you use to be a drummer and PA guy?
Hi Glenn, I’ve made a note of that, thanks.
Yes I am THAT Mark Gibson. Still occasionally drumming and mixing!
Last time I saw you was at a Black Label gig maybe? Before that was a long time ago. Hope to catch you around here a bit.
Cheers, Gibbo
Craig T Forster did play bass in The Beast. CT also played in The Mega Boys with Rockin’ Rob and in Judge Mercy. He has also played on the most recent Dave Evans album. When JL was not available for The Beast Steve ‘Mac’ MacLennan would deputise. Mac too was in The Mega Boys, Swanee and can also be heard on the new Dave Evans album. I only saw Heaven once but was mightily impressed by the rhythm section of JL and Loz. Huge!
Hello Dr Watt
Yes, I was a Happy Little Vegemite aka “Bankstown’s Most Dangerous Band!”
(Well, we crapped all over that Wyldfire mob! 😛 😛 😛 )
*runs away laffing*
Hi,
What ever happened to Mick Cocks 😉
Wow! This is a trip! I was a die hard lovestruck fan of Heaven after they opened for Judas Priest in Milwaukee. I was so in love with Fryer!!! I wrote him and he actually called me from North Hollywood where they were recording. They finally came to Milwaukee, opening for Kiss. I couldn’t wait to meet Allan in person. Well… As the night went on, he turned out to be like the guys in the band everyone warns you about!! I Was so young and dumb then. Laurie was the kindest, sweetest man I had ever met and kept me company while the shock of what goes on backstage wore off. I lost all desire to meet amine in a band from that day on! I will never forget Laurie and wish I could say hi to him some day. If anyone knows him, pass along my email:
annette1@wi.rr.com
I was the 19 yr old with long hair and a nice little ass and saw them in both Milwaukee and Chicago backstage opening for Kiss and Vandenberg (where the heck did THEY go?)
Thanks,
Annette (Ann back then)
I am glad this is all cleared up with Mark playing guitar, Craig’s last name (Bass player), though I always thought it was Foster? And wrote this on his wedding invite (26 years ago) LOL. I laughed about the story of Buzz, I too am alergic to Bees and could understand whilst one would be late for rehearsal after being stung. Singing in my own band now, I wouldn’t even be able to show, as my throat would swell (LOL). Debbie Sue, Mick Cocks is now sadly very ill. There was a big benefit concert held for him not long at the Ensmore Theatre and we can only all wish him the best. He is being very well taken care of by his long time partner Mary. Dave or Scott perhaps you can clarify something for me please? It was writen today on my F.B page that John (JL) is now deceased. This is a rumour that has now reached an ex member Heaven & a current member of the Tatts. Could you please let me know for fact, so that I can pass the correct info on as no one hears from JL anymore. Thank you and best wishes to all here on the forum.
Hi Annette,
I’ll pass your info onto Laurie Marlow for you.
In answer to Gillians question about John Lalor, I can assure you he is still alive and playing in Perth band Easy Company, played with him last night and he was alive then. He also read an article where it was rumoured he had passed away and had a bit of a laugh.
Thanks John for answering that question. I attended Mick Cock’s funeral today (died 23/12/09) and it was a very sad day indeed. I caught up with Laurie, Joe Turter and many of J.L’s and my friends within the music industry. This rumour was mentioned this afternoon also by numerous people, so being that we all keep in touch on a regular basis I will put the story straight once and for all! When you next play with J.L (Buzz), please let him know that some of his mates from the past, both who have played with him (Heaven, Swanee, Boss, The Beast, etc) and worked with him at Drum City and Billy Hydes would enjoy hearing from him one day.
Best wishes,
Gillian
PS I laughed at Annette’s comments about Allan. (LOL).
Whatever happened to Kelly? I heard he passed away some years ago. He was a quiet, gentle, friendly guy – always willing to stop and say hello. Sad if he is no longer with us.
Jenni
Kelly is in Perth. I spoke to him yesterday! I used to play with Rob Riley and Craig in Rockin rob Riley and his gems. A few years ago now on the guitar power tour. There was us and Kevin Borich and Jeff Lang and Chris finnen. Anyone remember me LOL. I had the Brady kit.
Hi Steve,this is Laurie Marlow.Are you certain that it is the same Kelly that played guitar for Heaven, because Mark Evans apparently bumped into Kell,s brother who told him he had died a couple of years previous. If it is Kelly , I would very much like to speak with him. I am on facebook so he could contact me there. Alternatively, my email address is thundergod@virginbroadband.com.au
Regards , Laurie Marlow
Hi Steve,
tell me more about Kelly being alive and well, you are talking about Bradford Kelly aren’t you?
Hi guys,
Well this is interesting, this guy swears he is Kelly! And looking at the pics he looks VERY similar. He has mentioned all the bands and people on the website, he also told me a lot of people think he’s dead! He had a bad bike accident in 2004 and has some brain damage/. I can’t be sure as i don’t really know, but he has told me so much about Heaven and Fat lip and the old days etc. I will call him this week and see if he wants to make contact, he even told me he use to live with Iva Davies at one point! I can’t see why this bloke would lie about such things and seems to have intimate knowledge on you all. It would be good if i could see some more pics of him as he’s about 58 or so now. I’ll see what i can find out. Cheers, Steve
Hi Steve
it would be great if it was him, drop me a line at heavenaustralia@yahoo.com
Hi Steve, Its Laurie Marlow (Heavens bass player).Mate,we really need to confirm that it is Kelly.The age is about right, if you have a look at the pic that mark has put at the header page,Kelly is second from the right. To confirm that it is Kelly, ask him the name of his girlfriend with whom he lived at Potts Point. If it is him,and he doesnt want to be contacted,I will respect his wishes, I would just like to know he is okay.Thanks
Steve I am trying to find out if kelly is alive. I am a friend from detroit michigan, we had some good times together and stayed in touch for a couple of years. I would really like to make contact if you have any info?
Hey guys. Typing this on my phone and it’s a pain in the ass!
John Lalor and Laurie Marlowe were my rhythm section when I lived in Sydney in the 80s. As soon as they got back from LA Heaven had kinda broken up and we got together to do a bunch of gigs. Laurie replaced Felix Maslin in my band. JL and I played with Swanee in 1985 and Stevie Wright in 1986.
Just thought I’d let ya know this. It was a pretty cool time in my life. I’m now in England and have recorded some albums with MSG rhythm section Chris Glen and Ted McKenna also from The Sensational Alex Harvey Band and Ian Gillan. Don Airey also played on that album. He’s also about to play only new album, along with ex Robert Plant guitarist Robbie Blunt and Mark Stanway, from Magnum.
I really wanna catch up with JL again.
Hi Gwyn, great to hear from you.
I had the pleasure of doing sound for you at the Rebels Clubhouse on New years eve 1985. I distinctly remember how good your band was and how much of a party animal John Lalor was! We both saw the sun come up that night.
Thanks for calling in.
heaven
saw em with priest back in 2001 thebby theatre in adelaide
met allan after the gig
does anyone know if any recordings exist from their usa tours
any radio shows anybody remember seeing them support motley crue
can someone post some info on the gigs heaven did in the states with sabbath and motley crue
and any info on the maiden tour they did in australia
Am I the only one who remembers when Heaven released the video for “Knocking on Heavens’ Door? I would hope not. It got a lot of airplay on a now-defunct video music station in my hometown of Boston (MA) I’ll never forget the incredible footage shot by the production crew. Even with the helicopter in several frames, it was still pretty frickin sweet! I was in high school at the time and always wanted a chance to see them, but never got the chance. Anyone know where the video was produced or any other info about it? Thanks!!
I know it’s been put to rest above, but as a matter of interest here’s an interview with Alan stating that Mark was the replacement for Mick Cox here:
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~cruekiss/fryer.htm
An extract follows (CC is the acryonymn for Chronological Crue, Paul Miles):
AF: ’83 – ’84. Yeh Angels. Actually Mick had come back to Australia and we ended up getting Mark Evans.
CC: From AC/DC?
AF: Yeh from AC/DC. He was playing rhythm guitar for us.
I noticed I havent been mentioned in members of Heaven. I was the original rythmn guitarist for Heaven in the early 80`s.Does anybody remember me?
Or have I faded into the mist. I was there for the original signing with Deluxe records when the band first was named. We had a residency at the bondi astra hotel almost everyweek when we werent touring.
John Haese replaced me when I left.
Laury would remember me as does Allan Fryer, Kelly if still alive, am interested to read the above theories. Would be just like him tho, wanting to quietly leave the scene. Nice bloke who like myself used a different name to remain a little out of the spotlight. Good on ya Kel if your still out there living a different life!!!!!!!! Rob Hannah certainly remembers our days in Heaven cos I caught up with him only last week. Rob was the drummer of Heaven before Joe Turtur. I notice he also does not get a mention as a member.
If you look on the acknowledments on the first album Twilight of Mischief you will see Don and Rob thanks to. That was myself and Rob Hanna
Myself I left Heaven in the early 80`s and came back to Adelaide to sort out some financial stuff and originally intended to return to Heavens folds but destiny gave me a son in Adelaide so I have had a great life here just playing in quite a few bands and working a day gig buying up houses.
The line Allan sings in the song “In the Beginning” I always thought was directed at me cos I was always talking about wanting to get some land in the early days of Heaven. “every body wishing for some land, they could play in a rock and roll band,” I think is how it goes…..
The boys used to always look at me strange as we were touring and I would look around and say “wouldnt mind buying a house here one day”….
Had a great time in those early days of Heaven and maybe I am left out of the history because most knew I wanted to remain anonymous, who knows? Anyway great site and cheers to all who were there and can still remember being there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don
(Gordon Klaproth)
Thanks Don,
I’ve added you & Rob to the members list.
Cheers, Mark
Help me someone who can gt in touch with Allan I am an old friend who lost touch with Alan. Tell him its Steve from the Hard Rock Cafe in San Antonio have him call me asap at 210-887-1385 please anyone who talks with Alan! Thank you
Hey Steven,
He is on facebook, not that I know how to use it, but someone you know or your self can contact him there. Allan Fryer is his name.
Cheers Don Klaproth
I was just a young lad living in West Ryde(Sydney Suburb) and remember very well following Heaven around the pub/Night Club circuit, especially at their favourite gig in Parramatta(can’t remember the place’s name now, but they were there quite often), Rydalmere pub, and Ermington. There was a group of 4 of us from work(the old Bank of New South Wales…Now Westpac…Sydney office branch, 341 George St.) that always tried to get in to where Heaven was playing. We got tickets to Iron Maiden’s first gig at the Capitol in Sydney…..and to our great surprise, Heaven was their opening band. The 4 of us hammered our way down to the front of the audience, center stage, and when Heaven came out on stage they remembered us from following them around, unfortunately we were usually so smashed, we only knew the band’s name, we met the guys several times during and after gig’s but due to a cocktail of chemicals, mainly fuelled by booze we never remembered the guys names, but the guys recognised us and during a couple of their famous guitar solo’s they fingered the fret boards while holding the guitar down to us to pluck away at the Maiden concert. We were so exhillerated by that experience while they were on stage that night and letting the four of us participate like they did, just made the night that much more memorable and exciting for us. I’ll never forget that night. We, unfortunately, never saw the guys again after that. I just hope that they see this post, possibly remember that first Maiden gig night and how they lit up 4 teenegers lives that night, and embedded a memory that’ll live with all 4 of us for the rest of our lives. If you guys ever read this, I really want to say a big THANK YOU!
Hi Damian,
Not sure if its you, but are you one of what we used to call our headbangers? cos you`s were always down the front banging your heads.
I was with Heaven in the earlly days, rythmn guitarist mainly standing to your right side of stage. Don was my name (Gordon really). Quite often you guys would take us home to Bondi Rd after a gig and get us food sometimes.
I think you also came there to the Bondi Flat cos I was to give one of you guitar lessons. I left the band not too long after but hey if it is you I always remembered you lot cos I can tell you it was always great to see familiar faces in the crowd. Ok Damian wont rack on too long cos it may not even be you but if it is I would like to say THANK YOU TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wasnt with them at the Iron Maiden concert, had long left but I do remember that you guys were right into them but often used to say it was easier and cheaper to go to a Heaven gig to get your rocks off.. 🙂
Yes Gordon(Don) that was me/us. Slammin’, ‘pogo’in’, and bangin’ our heads on the stage, speakers, foldbacks, footlights, tables, chairs, and each other all those years ago. And yes it was my place right on the corner of Bondi Rd and Park Parade….right opposite Waverley Oval. The old block of flats has been knocked down…it’s a Caltex Service station now**LOL**
Moved down there to be close to my grandmother…she lived 5 blocks away to the north off Bondi Rd, in ‘New St.’, just off Old South Head Rd. in the old ‘semi-detached’s’ up there…plus the surfin’ wasn’t too bad either…especially with all the ‘pink pointers’ layin’ on the beach, turning into ‘golden brown pointers’!**LOL**
You guys R O C K E D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and it was me who you offered to give guitar lessons to….I think….I think I remember going over to your place once or twice with my cheap, crappy, red Strat. ‘knock-off’…..I don’t remember why I didn’t keep up on that….I can still play the lead riff from Pink Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here’….and a couple of other bits and pieces these days, but those days/months/years are so clouded by that sweet smellin’ ‘blue haze’ that came out of certain substances and other substances that flew at 100 miles an hour up a rolled up $20 or $50 note from a mirror, you know…..that stuff that made you talk really, really fast and when you couldn’t get a word in because of everyone else jabbering on so fast…it made you grind your teeth really bad**LMAO**
Did I ever feed you my famous ‘chicken flavoured noodles on toast with grilled cheese on top’?(it was those cheap packet noodles boiled up, drained, dumped on toast with a slice of processed cheese on top and thrown under the griller ’til they turned brown in our crappy old electric stove) They were a staple for the 3 of us living in that place**LOL**, and when we had really ‘special’ guests over, we’d lash out and slice up some onions and put them between the noodles and cheese with a sprinkle of ‘bacon bits’. Everyone loved them!…there-again….after all that was consumed at that place, I think I could’ve slapped shyte on the toast and cheesed it up and everyone would’ve liked it just as much because of the severe attack of the munchies everyone seemed to get within a 1/2 hour of entering that place….hmmmmm…I don’t know why eveyone got the munchies at my place**LMAO**…oh the good ol’ days of youth huh?**LOL**
Gord…I had forgot about that place…it was the first place I moved to after gettin’ out from living with my parents at West Ryde, just after I got the job with ‘The Bank Of N.S.W. in the city**LOL**
I HAD shoulder length dark brown hair back in those days…working for the bank I had to keep it ‘sort of’ professional**LOL**. There was one ‘phase’ I went through, when a ‘punk’ mate of ours came and lived with us for a few months, where my hair was ‘crew-cut’ and I had blonded my hair with brown ‘leopard’ spots all over my head. Tell me that went down well with my boss at the bank**LMAO** Now it’s grey and half-way down my back.
Well shyte Mate…..great catchin’ up with ya. I’m living in the USA now, just outside LA. Look me up on Facebook and we’ll keep in touch!
And OH HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We more than got our ‘rocks off’ at your gigs!….I remember a LOT of hung-over mornings waking up with crusty, congealed blood all over my forehead, face, and in my hair…..what used to surprise me the most was finding out, only a few times, that it wasn’t even my blood!**LMAO**
If your gear was ever forensically examined….it would have looked like a mass murder crime scene with all the ‘blood splatter’ marks that would have been left on it…..I hope you had good roadies to wipe it all down for you guys at the end of your gigs**ROFLAPHS**….or did you guys just leave it on there for effect?!?!?!?!?**LOL**
Hope to hear from you soon mate!
Forever a fan of you and the other guys!
Damian.(‘Omen’ was my nick-name back then if that sparks a better memory of me from the other guys with me**LOL**)
Hey man just read your post.Yes I do remember you as Omen, you guys were great and I always regretted leaving Heaven without the chance to say goodbye, but hell the internet blows me away how we can catch up after all this time and from different parts of the world. Hell things were so basic back then that there is not even a video of even a picture of those really early days at the Bondi Astra when I was with them.. Normally I get a message in my email of a new post but didnt this time but a mate told me you had replied.
Blown me away man. Yeah all abit of a haze to me too. I am back in adelaide back to me old trade, painting and decorating, still get together with some mates and have a blast occasionally just for fun. Got me own band room set up like on stage and sometimes we just get in there and go nuts.
I am on facebook as well but my son put me on there and I dont really know how to use it.Gordon Klaproth. is my name.
Trying to get my son to post some videos on there when he gets time.
Soon I hope.
I spose you know Heaven doing a tour here in Oz very soon.
Hey they have a facebook page as well but again my son got me on to it and I just look and read it. Good to have a look there, not much to do with me there but a lot about the days after I had left. I will probably catch up with Allan when they here and see how all the older crowd can handle the headbanging.
Probably all need some good head ache tablet these days. ha
Me as well probably. Anyway Damien good to hear from you and hope to catch up again soon.
Cheers Don.
Well Don…I have sent a ‘friend request’ to you in facebook.hope you get it soon. Your pic on facebook…I am assuming it aint a RECENT pic**LOL**
Hope to hear from you soon. Omen
And no…didn’t know that they were touring….pity I’m over here and will miss it….get ’em to send me a tour T-shirt **LOL** XXXL these days**LOL** Unfortunately, the body I had back in those days of slammin’, bangin’, and dancing is gone and some fat buggar left his in it’s place**LMAO**. If you’re still in contact with them…do they remember us? Hope to hear from you soon, Omen.
Oh yeah…IF they ever come back over here to the USA…tell them to get in contact with me PRIOR to them coming over. I volunteer my services as an ex-roady/sound engineer(for a couple of cover bands for a few years on the Sydney club circuit). Would love to get together with you/them if you/they ever come by this way. will give you my phone # when you reply to my request in Facebook. Thanks again for the memories.
Hope to hear from you soon, Omen.
And Don….. Now I’m driving for one of the big trucking companies over here…. tell ’em to book their tour transport needs with our company…and request me as a driver**BIG SMILE AND WINK**
The gig Heaven played at Parramatta
was War n Peace always packed
I saw them once there
where can I find music by Heaven. I used to have a vinyl copy of Knocking on Heavens door by them and would like to find it again.
http://www.facebook.com/heavenozrock
Hi, I have been reading (on several sites) that Chris Cicchino, guitarist, was also a member of Heaven late ’80s. Can you please confirm this as he does not have a mention on list of Heaven players?
Cheers, Maggie
Hey! I have a question,why isn’t John Daniels listed as a former member? I jammed with him in 1984,we formed Crystal Warrior. Although we were unofficial,we learned a lot together. Over Memorial day weekend-2013,we reconnected & had a very nice time! I’m sure John would love the recognition. As playing in Heaven is a very important time in his life. Thanks! Mark Brown.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for that info, I wasn’t aware of John and will add him in. Do you know when he was in the band and what he played so I can add some detail?
Thanks again, Mark
I was just curious…and I’ll check it again before I post this….why their gig at the Capitol as support for Iron Maiden in, I believe, 8th of November ’82 is not listed in the ‘Gig List’ for Heaven? The guys I hung around with back then bought me the tickets for my birthday(Nov. 5th.) I was there…. It was the BEST performance of the band I ever saw…and I saw a LOT of their gigs…I was one of 4 bank workers that followed the guys around on the Sydney ‘Pub Circuit’ for several years…and we were absolutely blown away when we turned up to the Maiden concert at the Capitol and saw their name on the billing as the support band…and just for the record…I am sure it was not just the booze and chemically induced haze we were in during those days…but I am sure that the guys played a lot more than just once at the ‘War and Peace’ at Parramatta…. as our little group all lived around that area, and worked in the city, the War and Peace was a favoured venue for us as well as the ‘Family’ at Rydalmere, the ‘Governor’s’ and the ‘Cove’ in the city and ‘Selina’s’ at Coogee….I am positive they played WAY more than just the once at these venues….but the biggest and best gig, in my view, was at the Capitol support gig in ’82 and I am shocked it’s not on their gig list…I only went to the Maiden ’82 tour just the once, but I have heard that the guys in Heaven was their support band for most or all of the Aussie leg of the Maiden tour that year. It needs listing guys …it really does, Omen.
Hi Damian, we list the gigs we know about. Thanks to folks like you leaving us more dates in their comments we are starting to fill in a few blanks. Thanks heaps, Mark
No probs Mark.
You can find the rest of Heaven’s support band for Iron Maiden’s ‘The Beast On The Road’ tour dates here : http://www.ironmaidencommentary.com/?url=tour03_notb/dates03_notb&lang=eng&link=tours
Seems they missed one show of this tour because of equipment failure.
As I said, the other 3 guys I hung with back in those days, bought me my ticket to go see Maiden for my Birthday on the 5th of Nov. The first Sydney concert was on the 7th. IF I remember right ALL the Sydney shows were at the Capitol theater as the Sydney showground had suspended having concerts there after the AC/DC concert in 1980 was said to be so loud, the bell rung by Angus for the song, ‘Hell’s Bells’ , could be heard from the Suydney Showground could be heard all the way to Parramatta. So Maiden had to settle with their concerts in Sydney being at an indoor venue, hence the added Sydney concerts added to the end of the Aussie leg of that tour.
We hadn’t seen Heaven for several weeks to months prior to the Maiden concert and we were blown away when we got there that night and read on the billboard posters outside the Capitol that Heaven was Maiden’s support band. It made a good night out a fricken brilliant one**LOL**
I hope I could be of help in filling in some of the blanks in Heaven’s gig list.
Omen.
so sad the passing of a talented creative mind. I was very loyal to the band. knocking on heavens door is by far the greatest rock version ever done . i will miss that voice.
Bradford Kelly_____????????? well the seems to be that he has not passed away and from what i have read is all on hearsay!!! The person that is using this name lives in Langford Perth Western Australia…. so can you give proof of this passing? or is it hearsay?? thanks would like a answer to the question oh before I forget whereabouts is Bradford Kelly buried???
I wish to know where i can get the song ‘Burn’ that heaven did. I have not seen it anyone and I want it!
Looking for information on kelly, I am a friend from detroit michigan. We stayed in touch for a couple of years. If he is still alive I would like to reconnect. He meant alot to me!
kelly is in langford alive and kicking goes one about heaven all the time
Hey LIZARDQ if you run into kelly will you let him know Kim Milkovich from Detroit is looking for him. He meant a lot to me, we kept in touch for a couple years back in the day.
I have a question about Heaven can anyone tell me the lineup timeline when members joined and left the group? Besides Mick Cocks who on his Wikipedia page states he was in the band from May 1982-September 1983, which is when ACDC’s Mark Evans joined till July 1984. Also it states Heaven is still touring today did they replace Allan Fryer or do they just use old vocals by Fryer?
In the early 80’s Allan Fryer nagged and nagged me to go out with him. I kept saying no. I finally agreed and we went out to dinner. In 1980 I had moved to Sydney and stayed at a house in Bondi Junction. John Lalor and his then girlfriend lived there. John ‘s is a lovely man. Laurie Marlowe Is one of the nicest, friendliest people I know. Hope all is well with you Laurie and John. JL looks so you in this photo.
xoxoxoxo
The tracks in the beginning and fantasy both have a great rock edge to them, the two outstanding tracks from the album twilight of mischief do yourself a favour find out these tracks and you be another judge
Hi Mark.
If only wrote down dates…I did list suburbs I saw Heaven at though… I saw Heaven 78 times
Bexley – 8 Times
Sylvania – 14 Times
Maroubra – 1
Caringbah – 5 Times
Kings Cross 1
Gladesville – 1
Blacktown – 2 Times
Mona Vale – 2 Times
Bondi – 18 Times
Sefton – 3 Times
Coogee – 7 Times
Narrabeen – 1
Fairfield – 2 Times
Fivedock – 1
Dapto 1
Rydalmere – 2 Times
Laverton – 1
Punchbowl – 1
Banksia – 1
Kareela – 1
Cremorne -1
Sydney Cove – 1
Capital Theatre – 1
Rozelle – 1
Wollongong – 1
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a band that has had so many members..
I saw Rob Riley’s band the Beast several times in my late teens and became quite friendly with them. Just to clear/muddy the water, The Beast was a 3 piece outfit consisting of Rob Riley (ex Rose Tattoo), Mark Evans (ex AC/DC and, as I type this, currently the Bassist with Rose Tattoo), and John Lalor (formerly of the band Swannee). I used to play amateur roadie for them when the came my way which was farly regularly as Rob lived in the area at the time. I even had my own “The Beast” t-shirt made my with iron-on letters.
Mark and John left The Beast and joined Heaven when they went on tour in the for U.S. as supports for KISS and some other headliners). I remember because I was also a KISS fan at the time and Mark was gonna bring me back some memorabilia…..still waiting Mark. Just joking. They were really nice blokes.
What Mark did get me is signed copy of Heavens 2nd Album “Where Angels Fear to tread” which I have framed at home.
If anyone says Mark Evans wasn’t in Heaven have a look at the video for their single “Rock School” (filmed in the U.S.). Theres a link at the top of this article. In fact, you can even see Mark in the still image for the link. He’s standing right behind Allan Fryer on the left.
Mark Evans WAS in Heaven, the Earth IS NOT flat and the Apollo moon landing WAS real!!!!!
P.S: I will stand corrected if i’m wrong but I do not believe Mark ever played with Sydney outfit Boss. I saw them pretty regular. They were a great live act.
.
PPS: If anyone on here knows Mark personally please say G’day for me. I hope to catch up with him at a Tatts show some time soon.
Maybe someone can shed a bit of light on this for me.
Jackson Guitars have a model with a distinctive shape called a Kelly. It’s my understanding that it was named after Bradford Kelly. How does the guitarist for an Aussie pub band get hiKellys name on a design that Jackson still makes today?
I have a recent model Kelly and its a beautiful guitar.
Im pretty sure Heaven played at my high school in Sydney’s western suburbs mid 80s LOL
I saw them at a club in Blacktown in the early 80’s. It was either the RSL or the Workers. They absolutely blew me away.
I had the privilege of playing with Kelly for a few years – 1997-2000 and 2003 – in the Ginhouse Blues Band, fronted by Tony Cini. He was brilliant and seemed impressed enough with my bass playing to comment “Where the f**k were you when I needed you years ago you c**t?!!!” Always with a smile…