Outline
About
Sydney based band influenced by Jazz, Punk and Rock.
History
- Started – 1979
- Disbanded – 1982
Members
- Mark Azzopardi – Drums
- Jeff Barrett – Bass
- Doug Coster – Keys
- Vince Crea – Drums
- Danny Damjanovic – Sax
- Scott Johnson -Guitar
- Harry Ladamatos – Bass
- Alex Lakejev – Keys, Vocals
- Mike Mead – Trombone, Vocals
- Phil Rigger – Trumpet, Vocals
- Dale Ryan – Drums
- John Sammers – Guitar, Vocals
- Michael Gray – Keys
- Chris Ford – Bass
Recordings
Singles
- Cities – 1980
- Cicada (that ate Fivedock) – 1981
- How Can I Get Out Of Here – 1981
- Maybe It’s A Game – 1982
- Stay With Me – 1982
Albums
- Maybe It’s A Game – 1982
Videos
Technical Crew
- Steve Zagami
- Sam Zagami
Management
- Gary Grant
Known Gigs
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 04/04/80 | Sydney | Stagedoor Tavern |
| Supporting The Saints. + The Benders & Socket set | ||
| 12/04/80 | Sydney | Stagedoor Tavern |
| + Midnight Oil, Matt Finish & Vixen | ||
| 06/05/80 | Rydalmere | Family Inn |
| + The Lonely Hearts | ||
| 29/05/80 | Paddington, New South Wales | Brownies Paddington Green |
| Address: 182 Oxford St. | ||
| 11/07/80 | Sydney | Chequers |
| + Vixen, Moving Parts | ||
| 13/06/99 | Blacktown, NSW | Blacktown RSL Club |
|
The Boys Are Back In Town show. Choirboys + Matt Finish + Spy Vs Spy + Dee Minor & The Dischords + Outline + The Radiators + Swanee + Zarsoff Bros + Mandrake + Lie Detectors |
||
I think Mark Madden was also a drummer.
Steve and Sam Zagami where the crew and Gary Grant was the manager who went on to manage INXS.
Dale Ryan was their last drummer, and Phil Rigger was the singer, currently owns a studio up the road in Liechhardt: both of them still good mates of mine from back in the day
.
Thanks Champo, I used to do a bit of work with Steve Zagami myself. I’ll update this listing shortly.
Saw these guys several times. One of the tightest bands I’d seen. And a lot of fun too. I think the real meaning behind many of the lyrics were beyond most people however. Many other bands have reformed perhaps Outline could do a one off gig for those loyal fans from the early ’80s that used to catch them around the pubs that don’t eist any more either like the San Miguel, Chatswood Charles, etc.
Yeah, I saw them a few times at the Sefton Hotel and I think once at the Stardust in Cabramatta. They always put on a great show.
Yeah, they were a great little band. I think maybe they formed pre-1979 because I saw them support the Police on their first tour of Oz in 1978, I think. Their songwriting was sensational, I’m sorry they never reached super-stardom!
Mark Madden played percussion in the band called Casablanca which became Outline. I can’t remember exactly what happened but I think at this point we had all quit our day jobs. We had just won a band competition, Northside Band competition or something like that so we embarked on being fulltime musos! I left Christmas 1979 after about a year.
The spelling is Doug COSTER, not COASTER
Dougie? Shit man. You still got that cobra wagon? Lee
Thanks Doug, fixed.
I played bass in Casablanca, which became Outline.
Phil Rigger and Mick Meade were in the horn section; they thought and played as one. I believe we had the largest Steely Dan repertoire in Australia. Whenever we played “Don’t Take Me Alive” and John Sammers did that guitar intro, there would be a fight in the audience.
John Marks, the drummer, was a monster. He had the whole double kick thing well sorted way back then. Mark Madden was the percussionist. Jenny Watson was the original singer with Outline.
We were all mad Frank Zappa fans. Phil and John wanted to up the satire factor and run with the punk thing, along with some Gentle Giant. I guess that’s where Outline started. However oxymoronic it sounds, it has to be said that Outline were the best musicians playing punk at that time.
I remember we would go and watch Outline every week it seemed at The Pickled Parrott Gladesville. The band absolutely rocked the house every time. My favourite, “Sex Aids” and “Security Set”. Phill was an amazing singer and the girls at the front would go ballistic. Cicada was a great fun song and the only one I heard on JJ back then. They were simply awesome and I would have to say the most unique band of the era. The played a bit of the Cars songs too. I still have the original album and tape….I was a die hard fan following them everywhere. Cost me a fortune back then.
Hi Sam,
Thanks for taking the time to write to us and also for following us at the time, because we wouldn’t have been signed if we didn’t have great turnouts to our gigs, so thanks for making ‘our’ dream come about….
I’ve been talking up a site with everything on it…….and will do it in the next few months.
Best,
John
SAM SEND ME YOUR CONTACT EMAIL , CHEERS
danny damjanovic [saxophone] went on to play with a band called ‘jimmy and the boys’.one of their albums was called ‘not like everybody else’. last i heard of mick mead was in 1981 – he was working as a opotometry sales rep – i cooked him some really bad lobster in innisfail [charlie’s place]. you might remember this mick ? whatever happened to you and danny ? sadly, charlie passed away in 2006. joanne
Hey Joanne,
Danny is alive and well but alas not playing live these days. We often see him at Atlantic Studios for late night jams with mates.
Yeah………..Bay st and the lllinois hotel.
I roadied for outline early 1980; remember crashing out a few times at the old place in five dock….which the Cicada really should have ate! Used to gig at the Pickled Parrot (Gladesville Inn) a fair bit. Phil was amazing on trumpet and vocals and the guitar guy (forgot his name) was pretty nifty with the trem; the whole outfit reminded me of Bill Bruford’s lot. Ah well, talent never did count for anything in the music business….I learned a few things and now teach music!
We used to see Outline upstairs regularly (in 1980?) at the Civic on Goulburn St, in the days when you had to eat a meal (usually curry) to be able to stay for the band. It was dakr and dingy… loads of atmosphere, probably a fire trap! The carpet was so bad it stuck to your shoes…
Dale Ryan and ‘Dale Pandit’ may be the same person.
Here’s his myspace page with some interesting pics, some may be from Outline days:
http://www.myspace.com/dalegryan
Mark Madden and Alex Lakajev also played, way back, in an amateur band called ‘Ash’ whose leader/guitarist was later manager Gary Grant (of INXS?).
And before Casablanca, me and 2 other oddballs had a ‘Jazz-Rock Fusion’ band in Burwood which we managed to persuade Mark Madden to join as drummer for a couple of years. John Sammers was a casual member (I left early), and there was a keyboardist called Krishna who had been ‘Indonesia’s Jimi Hendrix’ – He was very talented and I always wondered what happened to him.
Also, I reckon ‘ick ick ick ick, Cicada Drummoyne!’ was the war cry of the Drummoyne Cicadas football team, a war cry which John Sammers may have made up way before he wrote the song – anyone else remember anything about that?
Mick Mead went on to form the band âSick As A Pigâ (heavily influenced frank zapa)
Mick played bass and was a reluctantly the lead singer with Steve Ball on guitar and Steve Byrne on drums. And I recall they played at lest one gig with Tony Cadden as the second guitar.
They had some great songs such as âDaddy shot mummyâ and âlets go to the beachâ.
In the early 90âs the band took a bit of change in direction by joining Charlie OâNeil, Ian Brown and myself under the banner of âBus Crashâ. With the addition of Steve Black on the trumpet.
Well Well Well….. If you look hard enough, you find amzing stuff…. I didn’t even know this page existed until today when a friend pointed me to it…. I should sort out a few things so the mediator can correct a few feaux pars…. Dale Ryan and Dale Pandit are the same person… The band started as Casabalanca in at least 1978 but I really think it was early 1977. Danny Damjanovic, Mick Mead and I grew up together and played in a number of bands together along with Steve Black who was mentioned as playing with Mick at a certain point. Danny never played in Outline or Casablanca except for a couple of times as a guest player, but was never a full member. He did play in Jimmy and the Boys. Gary Grant is a great guy who managed Outline and as far as I can determine never had a band with anyone. Of course he went on to help manage INXS for at least 10 years. In the old days we were all friends…. INXS, Matt Finish, Jimmy and the Boys etc etc Mark Madden played percussion with Casablanca and Outline until we split in half. We spent sometime playing in a number of Jazz Fusion style bands with him… a great guy Mark. Dave Tucker played bass in Casablanca…. what a bass player, and what a great guy. Dave made me (6ft 5inches) look short (6ft 6 1/2 inches)… the only guy I ever played with who broke a fairly new bottom E string playing a bass solo…!! Dave was so big he used to have a weekend removalist company called Bull Goose Removals and he used to move upright pianos by himself…. or so the legend says…. John Marks played in Casablanca and originally in Outline. Dave Tucker was right when he said that ‘Harpo’ as we called him was a Monster drummer…. great player indeed. Jenny Watson was our lead vocalist originally and she is a great singer. She eventually married Harpo… great people. I hope they’ve been well. Jeff Barrett played bass, Scot Johnston played drums…. not guitar as listed… a great drummer Scotty. The other listing were pretty right. Harry Ladomatos was our early bass player in Outline, a great guy. I recently had the pleasure of recording Harry’s Jazz Fusion band at my studio which was a real pleasure. He’s playing really well. As I just mentioned, I have a studio in Rozelle – monstereomusic and still write and record music…. it’s in my blood I suppose. My partner and I have a band called The Cube which is spoken word over and electronica style backdrop… with guitars etc etc. I appreciate the great comments made by all of you guys. We had a lot of fun in Outline and if it wasn’t for a few things that happened mostly outside of our control we might have gone on to bigger and better things. Anyway, stay in touch guys. Check out the myspace.com/thecubeonline page and drop me a line and tell me what you think. Once again thanks for your memories…. Cheers, Phil Rigger
Hi Phil, were you the lead Singer ??.. I remember being up the front and rocking out to you guys at Bexley North(if I’ve got my venue right from memory).. You pulled me onto the stage, put your Arm around me, and sang Cicada with me.. What a great moment and memory for me.. đ đ
Yes Grant, I was the lead singer in Outline. Lots of great times and memories. We did a bunch of great gigs at the Bexley North…the âTeddy Bearâs Picnicâ the room was called for some strange reason.
Just one short note…. I’m sorry to hear that Charlie passed away. When Mick Mead, Steve Black and I lived above and behind the OPSM shop in Auburn, we became good mates with Charlie. He was a real character A few good stories that I couldn’t really re-tell here. I’m sorry to hear he passed away in 2006…. Cheers Charlie
Thanks heaps Phil, it’s great to hear from you on my humble site. I enjoyed seeing your band many times, mainly at Sefton & The Stardust and you were always great.
Thorough comments like yours fill in a huge amount of gaps in a site like this and is exactly the sort of thing I hoped for when I first started it. Thanks again.
Did Outline cover UNDER MY THUMB live ?
I was going through my record collection last night and played the single Cities and the album Maybe Its A Game and it brought back a lot of good memories, hence why I googled the band today. Awesome live band, with Phil one of the most captavating front man I have ever witnessed. I remember seeing them a couple of times in Canberra, once supporting Flowers at the Uni Bar. I though they had the billing wrong, Outline blew them away. Glad to hear Phil is alive and well and still making music.
I sold a guitar to John Sammers once way back in 1978 I think. It was a pommy John Birch Flying Vee. I went to see the boys play one night in Sydney cant remember where and that guitar cranked!!! However I do remember them insisting that the name Outline was a dead issue and that that they were now using the name Teleside?? Does anyone remember that. I remember the other band was The Reels on that night. It was most unusual to see trupets etc in rockbands back in those days
Pete – I just thought I’d add this. I left that John Birch V at my mums and have just brought it back to the UK to get it going again, although I have to confess to stupidly scalloping the beautiful jackaranda fretboard and allowing my guitar techs to refinish it in polyurethane. John Birch is still around so will get in touch with him about the guitar. J
My old man played keys for these guys, havn a beer with him now. He reckons there was a period where ‘Outline’ were chopping and changing with names/ideas to freshen things up. Nothing stuck though, ‘Outline’ was ‘Oultine’ and it had to stay that way.
Hey Nathan, your old man (Sasha) and I were good mates back then, when he was playing with Ash. I remember driving him to a gig at the Forest Lodge Hotel ’cause he didn’t have a licence yet. He just played a shitload of tunes on the pub piano, including a couple of ordinary tunes that I wrote. Say hello to him for me as well as your aunt Vera and uncle Steve Crowhurst.
Wal…..I have a vinyl copy of Maybe It’s A Game in my garage.
Yeah Lou, I know you have ‘Maybe it’s a Game’ and you said you were going to transfer it to CD for me. Don’t worry, Phil Rigger is going to do it for me.
hi we loved these guys back at the old VICA OF WAKEFIELD HOTEL DURAL LATE 1970s early 80s. these guys rocked always put on a great show me and my brother got on well with the guys.I remember the songs ghost train / cicada what a great song nice sound effects & cities which i still have the single. THE OLD BAMBOO ROOM WHAT MEMORIES.
Hey Nathan does your Dad remember supporting The Angels at the Hordern Pavillion either late 70s or early 80s. I remember the Cicada song eee, eee, eee.
Yes..one of my fave bands too… We used to go to the Vicar of Wakefield every weekend for a dose of AUSSIE ROCK.. Outline.. The Eyes.. Damaged Goods.. Radiators… The Numbers.. D. Minor & The Discords… + yer Mentals & INXS’s …and others whose names will prob come back as soon as I hit Enter… The Outliners were a friendly bunch and I always got in the ear of Phil or John about bands etc (our band at the time; New Line Road played its first gig at the Vic).. I remember an epic tune which they used to do in the earlier days……… a history of music in 10 minutes… very funny.. I have some excellent pix of the band at The Vicar ..I shall find them!! ..and yes I still have every record they released…including the 12″ EP.. and yes I do play them from time to time..Thank you Outline for some great musical moments!!…PS I have just been reminded that after an Outline gig @ The Bayview Tavern we found a little kitten which we took home and named….Outline…
Jon – I am going to put together an Outline website so would love scans of any photos you have. Best, John
I used to watch Outline nearly every Sat night at the pickled parrot….such good times… and great songs….cities….cicada…sex aids…are you a consumer, Wish I had a way to listen to them again…. I heard when they first started that the line up was bigger with people actually acting out the songs on stage but I can’t confirm that…maybe just an urban myth… I also heard they had trouble with record companies cause they sounded too much like Misex.(surely not…surely)
anyway they were great times and if they ever reformed i’d be there in a heartbeat…Why not…The Radiators are performing 30 year anniversary shows I read…. and imo Outline towers above them
Don’t think cause of mi sex but they were classed too rude…..” fire on the ghost train” the song about the Luna park fire, and coz Molly/ countdown wouldn’t let them on countdown and just a sad case of a truly unique Aussie band who gave so much but the main just didn’t “get it”! Loved all there stuff and the ep that came with game, and security set…..
Hey Garry – cheers for taking the time to comment. Like Phil said, in classic Blues Brothers from we are getting the band back together……(well-ish, a couple have sadly passed on).
Anyway, we’re looking forward to writing some new tunes (which has begun) and attempting to persuade a new generation to writhe about the floor to Cicada (or some such carry on).
Keep well.
J
Is there any plans to release the album & singles on a compilation CD? Still have a few singles left but would definitely buy a CD compilation if it is available. Cheers.
Hi Guys, hey just thought to mention. Dee Minor and the Dischords are playing at the Annandale Hotel on May 25th and they have asked me to come down and perform a couple of Outline songs at the end of the set so I said yes. We’ll be doing She’s Welcome and Cicada…should be fun. John is coming back to live in Australia at the end of the year and we will perform next year as Outline which should be fun, so keep an ear out…..Cheers, Phil
Hi all
Its great to relive the good old days of Aus music.
I have in my album collection, The Outline Album -Maybe its a game, (the board game inside)its in great condition, I want to record it onto my computer one day so I can hear it again. Great songs great words, cheers Peter
Great songs!
Where can I purchase the Outline Album -Maybe its a Game?
Great website this – I play in a touch football team called Cicadas on Grass. We began in about 1984 as the Cicadas, and played basketball, before moving to touch footy (hence the “on grass”). We are unashamedly proud followers on the Outline song and every game we play we eee eee eee eee eee as much of possible.
We are having a 25 year reunion this year, inviting as many former Cicadas as possible (in the hundreds). Anyone know where we can get a copy of the song (I’d prefer a record if possible – not really an iTunes man). Full thanks to Outline for providing 25 years if sore throats
I work in the ABC archives and came across this tape (1/4″ 71/2 ips.
Outline (demo)
Master: Date of broadcast unknown. Circa mid 1970’s. Outline is: John Sammers – guitar, vocals. Phil Rigger – trumpet, effects, vocals. Alex Lacesev – keyboards, vocals. Bob Oliver – drums. Jeff Barrett – bass. 1. The Cicada That 8 Five Dock 2. Security Set 3. I’m In Love 4. Lost For Words; Recorded at Honeyfarm.
Does anyone know when this was done? The box says Circa mid 1970’s. But I assume it’s later. And I notice the drummer isn’t in the list above.
Hi Nic – I would love to hold of a copy of that tape (I was so crap at keeping stuff – being very much an ‘in the now’ type) for the new website we are planning. Is that possible? Best, John
Hi Nic,
I was the bass player with Outline in their first year and I remember being on this recording session. The demo you refer to was probably recorded around September 1979. Can’t remember who was drumming, maybe Mark Azzopardi. John played bass on Security Set because I couldn’t get the feel he wanted. I don’t think John (Harpo) Marks played drums on this because he had left the band along with Jenny Watson (our vocalist) some time before this. I remember the producer got John and Alex to play solos over the whole recording and then used parts of these on the final mix. I thought that was really cool.
We also shot a video for Cicada at some old construction site with the guy who produced this recording. I can’t recall the producers name but he had a place in Surry Hills with an attic that had a telescope in it for looking at the stars. He was taken by Outlines quirky sound and attitude to music. He was a cool quirky guy himself with that sort of new age outlook of that time.
These recording were pressed as a 4 track 33rpm LP which I had a copy of but have since lost. Steve Zagami our sound guy had given it to me when I saw him the following year after I had left.
I’m sure Phil Rigger would be very interested in hearing these tapes if that was possible Nic. Phil runs a very nice studio down at Rozelle called Monstereo. Phil would also be able to shed more light on the details of this demo recording.
Nic, Outline did a live to air recording on Double Jay (or was that Triple?) as part of the prize for winning a band competition either just before or just after Christmas 1978. If you found that it would be really cool. It was done at the studio up in Darlinghurst. We also did a recording session there. I remember the engineer/producer guy thought that our songs were too complex. We were right into Gentle Giant at this time so there were these quirky odd meter hard to play things that John Sammers liked writing.
regards
Harry Ladomatos
Hi Guys,
Once again, it’s so nice to hear that Outline created so many great memories for so many people. It makes me very proud to think that we were able to make a difference with people…..to entertain and to say something real, with a liberal dose of humour is what we always tried to do. To Nic, regarding the recording you found….I’d be really interested in getting a transfer of that to CD if possible. I have a cassette of that session I think, but to have it transferred from 1/4′ would be great. The lineup as stated is as it was at the time of the session. John on guitar and vocals, myself on vocals and trumpet, Jeff Barrett on bass, Alex on Keys and Bob Oliver on drums. I think Harry mentioned in an earlier post that we had Mark Azzopardi, but Mark left the band and we had to get another drummer pretty quickly as we had quite a few gigs booked. I had met Bob when I was playing in an earlier band I was in called Skintight. We were a 9 piece funk band during the 70’s. Another band we did a number of gigs with was Dalvanius and the Fascinations. They were essentially a vocal group (Dalvanius and 2 pr 3 harmony singers- the Fascinations) The had a very funky, hot band and Bob Oliver, an American was the drummer. When Outline needed a drummer I had his number and lo and behold he was free at the time. Bob came over to rehearse with us. He picked the songs up really quickly and away we went….it was fantastic. Of course, we had a discussion with him and we weren’t the style of band he wanted to play with permanently, as we were rocking a bit more and funkin’ a little less, but he agreed to stay until we found and rehearsed a new drummer, so Bob stayed with us for about 3 months. He was fantastic and did that recording. I heard years later he ended up as the drummer in the house band at the Wrest Point Casino in Hobart….. If you ever see this Bob, or anyone knows Bob, please pass on my kindest regards and ask him to drop me a line. The guy Harry mentions as having made an original video for Cicada was Groove Myers. Groove was an artist and raconteur who had a great place called The Milk Bar in Surry Hills…..it was an old coner store milk bar. The roof opened up and he had a wonderful large telescope with which to stargaze…..a great guy. That version of Cicada was produced by Phil Punch (his brother is Mark Punch, noted guitarist). To this day Phil was one of the nicest, talented people I’ve ever worked with. Funny thing, after having made that recording all those years ago, our paths never crossed again, so if you ever read this Phil, a belated thanks for being a hugely talented, great guy. Anyway, once again I’m o glad people enjoyed Outline. Anymore stories similar to the Cicadas footy team wouldn’t go astray either…….well done The Cicadas…..I hope you won a few Grand Finals……Cheers, everyone….PS my email is phil.rigger@gmail.com
Gday,
Just reading through these posts and came across the name of an American drummer Bob “BO” Oliver.
He is currently living in Brisbane and is my son’s drum teacher.
Teaching out of the Guitar Exchange in Morayfield.
Bob has his own website too,. http://www.boboliver.net
Hope this helps anyone who may have known him from all those years ago.
Regards,
Gaz
Hi Guys,
Myself and a mate were only talking about “Cicada” a few weeks ago, this was one of our favourtie songs growing up as young grommetts and I’d love to get a copy of the track.
Ive searched iTunes but have’nt had any luck.
Any idea’s?
Cheers
Craig…
There’s a clip of cicada on Youtube.
Hey – big love and thanks to everyone out there for your kind words. Phil has got a better memory than me and has tidied up most things. Great to hear from Dave Tucker, Bruce et al as well. The band that Alex and Mark were in prior to Casablanca was indeed called Ash, but the lead guitarist was Garry ‘Tiger’ Smith, who is still playing. I’m heading down to Adelaide next week to catch up with Mark and will tell him about this site.
The story about the ‘Cicada Drummoyne Eee Eee’ war cry is true (far more scary a war chant than the Haka because it makes absolutely no sense at all). We used to start each rugby match chanting Cicada Drummoyne EE EE at our opponents and then launch into them with only paying scant attention to the ball. We even had a player called Jack Mooney (not his real name, his nickname) whose sole role was to take out their best player and get himself sent off. Thus, they lost their best player and we lost our worst. None of this was my idea – I was a hippy at the time who loved sport (still am :-))
I have been living in London these past 30 years recording and performing and have threatened Phil that I may come back and do what every ageing musician does when they want to relive their glory years and need a few bucks – GET THE BAND BACK TOGETHER! Usually, its a bit of a geriatric disaster but I think we could pull it off because Phil and I are still playing a lot and haven’t completely gone to seed yet. And with the small army of interested fans like you guys, we could easily fill a large front room and have a great reunion. I’ve even been working on an unplugged version of Cicada (I’m kidding).
I have a copy of the recording we did as the winners of that competition. Its pretty good but the mediarama is a bit tarnished by my woeful flat harmony vocals. To this day I can’t believe, no-one said ‘John you’re flat!!!!’ There is good stuff on it though. Jenny is in fine voice and Harpo’s drumming, as ever, was just spectacular.
Well, its been great to read the posts and have my memories shined up by you all. I’m leaving for Sydney tonight. Anyone who wants abeer and a chat get in touch. john@johnsammers.com
Thanks again and watch this space ——- you just never know…..
J
Wow it is amazing what you can find on the net!! A trip down memory lane!!
Even though John & I aren’t prominent in the postings I noticed that we are featured on the website. Money…what a great song & the rockaramas, what a hoot! The Vicar, The Gladsville (Pickled Parrot) Bondi Lifesaver, Selinas…..
I couldn’t help but be drawn into the second last paragraph…”I have a copy of the recording from that band comp”. Thanks Harry for asking! We’d love a copy John.
John (Harpo) & I are still making great music together in between everything else. We moved to the country for the quiet life, thinking that music would be left behind in the city, but found this to be wrong. It’s in our blood.
At the moment we have a jazz band “TakeFive” with some amazing players doing standards & a new venture, a funk band “FunkyAs” which is a lot of fun! Once again great players, Allan Morgan on guitar & Chris Haigh on Bass, John on drums & me. I guess music will always be apart of our life in one way or another.
It was great to read all the posts from familiar band members & to hear that you’re all doing well.
Hey Phil how long ago was it that we ran into you at Paddy’s Market?
I thought you might like to see that the musical genes are being carried on. Here’s our son’s youtube address. He’s a chip off the old block. http://www.youtube.com/user/samjmarks
Here’s one of him with Joe Robinson & Chris Haigh on the “Electric Tour”
http://youtu.be/rW_ftud2s-8
Enjoy!
Looking forward to hearing that recording John.
Cheers
Hi Ya Jen, How are you gorgeous? And how is Harpo? Great to hear from you. Before I forget, my email address is phil.rigger@gmail.com I’ll check out the links you gave me too. re: Paddy’s Market,…gee that was a few years ago…. I haven’t been to Paddy’s in at least 3 years so…. So many good gigs we did…so much fun. I have a bunch of cassettes – desk tapes. I’ve put some of them on computer. I started because I wanted to get them all up, but I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t had a chance to do anymore as yet, but I will eventually….maybe over Christmas or something….busy busy until the end of the year. My partner, Jan and I had a little boy a couple of years ago…..better late than never. His name is Levi Jack. He’s tall, got blonde hair and blue eyes and he’s awesome. He’s 26 months old and using the computer already. Unbelievable really. He uses iTunes all the time,…has a bunch of favourite songs, including Highway to Hell (AC/DC), the Beatles and a bunch more. He sings along. We bought him an iPad. I know this probably sounds a bit over the top, but he loves it…uses it a lot. Watches Shaun The Sheep, plays songs etc etc. He also dials me up, on his own, from the computer at home to my studio via Skype. He knows how to boot it up -knows my icon etc Talks to Dad and Mum doesn’t even realise he’s on the computer….really funny. Hey next time you guys are coming down to Sydney, give me some notice so we can catch up….have a coffee, lunch or something. My studio is in Rozelle. Please say hi to John for me. Take care and speak soon, Cheers, Phil
Hey Phil
I found this on YouTube
.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA6kk3thVII&pp=ygUgYXVzdHJhbGlhbiBiYW5kICJPdXRsaW5lIiAxOTcwJ3M%3D
Cheers
Jenny
Hey Phil
Here is another one of Sam’s new projects, Dopplerhaus
https://www.facebook.com/DopplerHausMusic/reels/
Jenny and Harpo – what a great thing to hear from you. I’m glad to hear you are both well and life has been good to you and you are in a good band. I haven’t been in a band for about a year now but have a reunion gig soon with a band I was in in 1988, which should be a lot of fun. Getting original bands together when you’re in your 50s isn’t as straightforward as it used to be đ
I’ll attempt to get these tracks sorted for you guys – but you’ll have to stay on my case. As Phil has said, he has the bulk of the material but I know amidst the random cassettes, I have most of the triple J recordings. The only issue is my cassette player – the varispeed has gone so it takes a bit of time to get the thing near to concert (and hold it there…..).
Keep well you two – I’ve got to add, when the the band was smoking with you guys and Mark and Harry in it – it was reeeeeaaaalllllyyyy smoking. The end of the Rock-a-rama with Harpo doing those kik drum accents still does the hairs on my neck….
Here Here…Rock-a-rama was terrific….those thundering drums Harpo….lovely mate….I will get around to getting those cassette recording together…..Cheers
From the classic Blues Brothers, Putting the Band back together.
hi all
im sitting here ripping my copy of maybe its a game to my pc and listening to this album some 30 years down the track it still sounds great ,i believe was well ahead of its time as its still sounds as fresh and vibrant as it did all those years ago ,what a fantastic and timeless album.i think i must of seen outline some 20 or 30 times we were huge fans i used to go to gigs with 2 girls called megan and jean i can still remember those great gigs at the family inn….any hope all have a great new year and look forward to further comments cheers pete
What a blast from the past. Loved Outline, my sister Lea and I used to see the band nearly every weekend back in the early 80s – Metropole, Family, War & Peace, Comb & Cutter to name a few venues. I remember being at the house in Croydon the day Cicada film clip was shot (Lea and I are in the background somewhere, hehe). Great memories and fun times … funny I ended up living in Five Dock for the last 16 years lol (next to Steve & Vera). But not many cicada’s around anymore … Kim
Hey Kim, didn’t Steve and Vera move to Hunters Hill?
Yes Wally, they moved to Hunters Hill a few years ago.
Hi Ya Kim, you never know your luck……not as many Cicadas anymore, although there might be a resurgence sometime in the future….you never know your luck…..glad you enjoyed the music
Hey Kim, please give my best to Lea when you see her. I googled her but couldn’t find her when I was in Fivedock recently.
Currently in the departure lounge at Hong Kong waiting to go back to the UK and buzzing after a great 7 weeks in Oz.
I had some great chats with Phil about recording some of the songs we hadn’t done, particularly things like Lucy the Bored Housewife and our other mini rock operas. So, I’ve decided to start a website and make some of our demos and live recordings available to fans along with other stuff we can dig up.
If any body has any photos or clippings, or any outline stuff. Please scan it and send to me on my email address.
Hi John,
Sorry I missed you but have just sold at Five Dock and moved to Ermington (not a retirement village)! Sorry I didn’t catch up with you but hopefully within this year? Heard a rumour that you guys may play with Dee Minor and The Dischords! That would be a dream come true, my 2 fav Bands in one night!
Think you should record ” Sex Aids”, “Im In Love”, “Luna Park” and lots more.
I actually have a live recording of Outline, which is a full set on cassette (somewhere – I just moved so have to find it) used to play it all the time at Five Dock with Kim. Interested?
Speak soon, Take care!
Lea
Maybe
Ignore the maybe Typo!
Hey Kim and Lea…..correct me if I’m wrong….you are the gorgeous sisters who used to come and see us a lot. Kim and I went out for a while back then…. If I’m wrong please don’t be offended…. I hope to catch up with you guys soon, Cheers, Phil
That would be us Phil!
Well, well, well…. How the hell are you? It’s been a long time. I had replied to Kim’s message a little while ago, not knowing it was her, so until she reads this message, could you please apologise for my ignorance. I’m in Rozelle. If you are about one day soon, send me your email addresses and I’ll send you my number so that we can catch up for lunch or something…..Great stuff…I hope all has been well with the both of you. Speak soon, Phil
Hope all is well in your world! We are great, so much news to catch up on! (and years) Kim thought that you didn’t know who she was, she thought it was funny!
Would love to catch up, lunch sounds great. Funny, we have both been living in Five Dock for the last 22 years, and we have both just sold our homes – Kim is at Colleroy, I am in Ermington now, but we are constantly being drawn back to the old stomping ground, eeeee eeeee eeee eeee!
We would LOVE to see you guys play with Dee Minor, how cool would that be?
Have a live recording of you guys, if you are interested let me know will make some copies.
Email is:
leasimpson86@yahoo.com.au
kvkovaks@optusnet.com.au
Speak soon
Lea x
Hi Phil
That is the address
kvkovaks@optusnet.com.au
Maybe try again?
Lea
Oooops, typo!!
kvkovacs@optusnet.com.au
Hey you – an online reunion is better than none!
I don’t know about a gig with Dee Minor. Phil & I have chatted about re-arranging some of our longer pieces and recording them. I’m keen to get a website going as well where we can compile all our stuff and make some of our solo work available.
We’ll see how it goes.
Best, John
Hi JS!
Good to hear from you, I am disappointed I missed you while you were in Oz.
Hope you decide to do a gig, that would be unbelievable, but would be so rapt just to hear some of your music also.
Maybe we will catch up next time, keep in touch!
Love Lea
What a great read this has been and has bought back sooooo many memories. I used to go to the Bayview Hotel every Saturday night that Outline were playing – such fantastic times. I was good friends with a girl called Wendy from Dural, Greg Wood from Five Dock who sadly passed away in 1996 and Narelle who was the female DJ at the Pickled Parrot. I also went out with Sam for a little while too – when some of the band members were living in the big old house in Wolsely Street, Drummoyne. Even after 32 years (OMG) I still find myself singing Outline songs!!!
Hi Keryn – welcome aboard. It’s John from the band here.
Yeh, well done Mark for creating this opportunity. It’s a bit of fun linking up with people who used to like our stuff. Phil and I have dug out some old live recordings and early demos which we’re going to put up on the net soon and I’ve also (finally) recorded some songs I wrote when the band was going – so watch this space. There will be a website soon.
I must remember you ‘cos Sam only went out with a few women (he was very particular). Wendy and Narelle ring bells, but to be honest I don’t remember a lot about those days – it was just too much fun!! J
Hi John – nice to hear from you. At that time you were going out with a girl called Haydee (spelling probably incorrect and I only remember because it was such an unusual name!!). It certainly was such a fun time and a very meaningful time in my life – we were so fortunate to see such great music in our local pubs. Would love to hear some of the old stuff and the newly recorded old songs. Anyway take care. K
Hey Keryn,
You got the spelling right. Haydee was a darling (what a fool I’ve been…..:-)
I’ve just recorded an old song of mine from the Outline days. If you want a copy send me an email to john@johnsammers.com and I’ll forward it on.
Jx
Hey John…. I just have to as I always had a crush on you….. Did the dear Mr Rooney ever get married or do I still get to daydream!!
Hey Katelyn – nice to hear from you.
I’m not married, but who’s Mr Rooney…..???!!
John x
You dont remember!!! Can I really be so much older!! Well, I am happy I can dream still. Thank you John!! xx
Your gonna have fill in some gaps on this Katelyn because I’m at a bit of a loss.
Where do we know each other from?
Jx
Hey Jack….Skype?
This has been a great read! My wife just bought me a USB turntable so I can transfer all of my old black plastic to digital. I was going through the old collection (I use to own a record shop so have heaps of the bloody things!) and one of the first I pulled out and dusted off was Maybe It’s A Game. Great record and also great memories of seeing Outline play many times. In my humble opinion Outline was one of the most under rated bands of the time and more deserving of bigger things. It has been great to read the banter between the band members themselves and their fans of over 30 years ago! Looking forward to seeing the web site in due time with some downloads of unheard of Outline gems! Keep the music alive guys!
Hey Mike – welcome aboard and thanks for your generous comments.
Phil and I have been working away (Phil more than me to be fair) on material all these years so, not only will we get some previously unrecorded outline up on the net but will indulge ourselves by putting our solo stuff up.
Hope you enjoy them!
J
Hey all, so amazing to read about the great music of Oz history.
Mate and I are still chasing a disc copy if anyone has converted the L.P version across. Beers as trade ! Any assistance would be awesome as our cassette copy is no longer working.
Cheers
Hey Wal, my website is nearly finished and will have some Outline on it. Will sort out copies soon for ya. I don’t know if I can sling the album up on the web cos of copyrite but will check it all out once the site is live.
John
Thanks JOhn
That would be awesome and fill a void for us!
Happy to cover costs for a disc copy
Cheers
Wal
Found this site quite by accident – but WOW, has bought back so many memories, my brother went to school with John Sammers (in fact we used to live in the same street as the Sammers Family – Corden Avenue), Gary Grant, Steve and Sam Zagami and he used to play bass with all the guys. His name was Brian Boulter…he was my older brother. I remember Outline so well, we used to go and see them all the time at the Civic Hotel, Bayview Tavern (I used to sneak in as I was underage!). I loved them…I remember the house in Croydon…anyway, with all that music around me growing up, I went on to work in the industry – at a booking agency in Melbourne and am still involved behind the scenes…I still see Steve Zamagi all the time (he is a tour mananger now). Anyway, loved reading all about all the stories…keep them coming! Cheers xx
Hey Debbie – it’s John!
How crazy is this all these years later??
I didn’t know you used to sneak in to the gigs…….
Anyway, good to hear from you. I have finally got a music site up and running that has some Outline on it and I promise to put more songs up as soon as I get around to it. Please spread the word and register if you want to download!!!
It’s still being built but http://www.johnsammers.com is my new home đ
J
Hi John, Fantastic to hear from you! This is so amazing…I will get onto your site and have a look. Drop me an email with all your news (dmb277@ozemail.com.au) and I can fill you in on our news. Yes Joanne and I both came to see the Outline shows, we loved you guys! I met a few music industry people at the shows and in a round about way, that is how I came to end up working for Premier Artists for 10 odd years! Also, I noted you had a conversation with Pete Bennett in an earlier thread…would that be the Peter Bennett that was friends with both Brian and yourself? Am living in Melbourne now but still remember Five Dock very fondly!
I think it was that Peter Bennett but I don’t remember buying the Flying V guitar from him. Could have been another Pete Bennett. My memory isn’t the best from those days (I wonder why)
It’s great to hear you have had a career in the music industry. You’ll probably have better stories to tell than me….
I will give you potted update email when I get through the next couple of days (and its my birthday today, so could get messy later……). I am living in London now and am keen to get back home but want to spend some time in Melbourne, so we might be able to have a chat over a glass in a few months…..
Jx đ
Debbie, I’ve been in contact with Brian and he says that Peter Bennet is living in monasteries around the Mediterranean. He went there late 1970’s and we haven’t seen him since.
Sounds great..can’t wait to hear all your news. Have a great Birthday today and we shall chat soon Dx
Hey all you Outline fans!
http://www.johnsammers.com is LIVE!
I’ve got some live Outline recordings up, which you can download as soon as you register. You won’t see the Demo & Live page unless you do…
I’ve also got latest songs as well as a couple I wrote when I was still in the band.
Please pass the message to anyone you think might enjoy it!
Best regards,
John
The first time I saw Outline was at The Ambassador in Newcastle. I remember walking into the venue + seeing these two wonderful looking men on stage, one playing a green guitar + the other a trumpet. Together with the rest of the band, they put on a great show.
The music was in a way different, but that’s what made them so good! My favourite song is hard to pick, but Sexaides’ is way up there. I’m sure it’s the sound effects! Yeh yeh, the song was good too! Hahaha
I often think of nights watching the guys at so many venues, along with the one with teddy bears in trees in Kogarah (what was that called?).
Lots of fun, seems like it was just yesterday. Are we really that much older?
Ahhh…the memories! (All good) Luv from your old house mate, Janette x
Hi There Janette, aaah, Sex Aids eh? That song always got a good reaction….nothing like a good moan….in public….on stage…Ha Ha… We always had a lot of fun. The teddy bears in trees was, not surprisingly, the Teddy Bear’s Picnic at the Bexley North Hotel. It was always a good gig there. It really does just seem like yesterday. The band broke up in 1982/83…getting on for 30 years…incredible really. It’s always a good feeling to know that there are a bunch of people out there who we were able to entertain and enjoy a good time with. It was a great part of my life and I always think about that period with great affection….Forgive my ignorance, but are you the same Janette that shared the house with John, Cath, Mike and I? (no faces with the written word…) I trust you’ve been very welll…Cheers, Phil
Hi back Phil!
Yep….nothing like a good moan…Hahaha! Your ignorance is forgiven. Yes, I’m the same Janette who shared with all mentioned at the legendary Croyden address. I think that house should have a page of it’s own. I’m sure it has some v..e..r..y interesting stories to tell!
John tells me you’re still working with music. Hope life has been good to you Phil. Janette x
Listen to you two chirping away……just like old times đ
x
Well done Janette…Hey I hope you are well. Yes that house did have a great time with us as it’s tenants…indeed…in fact it is the house we shot part of the Cicada film clip in too….the costume party….what a night!….ah YouTube…you’ve got to love it…Cicada lives on! Hey John told me you are living up near Newcastle. If you are coming down to Sydney sometime, drop me a line and let me know…catch up for a cuppa… Great to see jack is sitting on the window sill chirping…and he reckons we’re the ones chirping away…Ha Ha…take care
Hey Guys
All this love and memories great to see but where’s the love for those back of house boys that made it all sound & visually stimulating.
Lots of love to you all
Ce La Ve —– Sam Zagami you can catch me on facebook
Sam! And I know I speak for everyone in the band, we could never have done it without you and Steve. Not only for all your hard work, but you were an artist on the lights and Steve was super professional and gave us a big sound always. It allowed us do what we did best (drink and womanize…… joking :-)).
Yep, you are as much a part of this thing that was Outline as any of us……
J
Aah Sammy,…..of course of course. You and Steve helped make Outline the band we were. Great sound and lights….Great Stuff mate. The rotating lights, the specials, the smoke machines….the stunt work…you know, when the truck crashed and you sailed through the windscreen, after the glass of course. Only got a scratch and an arm full of leaves….Ha Ha….all good me old….you guys were the other 2 members of the band. It’s the way we always looked at it….Cheers
Hey Phil
I just commented on JS’ post 29/11/10 I won’t repeat myself, have a read. I did address you in the post though.
Hope all is well with you.
Cheers
I bought the cassette tape of Outline’s album, Maybe Its A Game, in the early eighties and played it to death. Was living in the NT at the time and really wanted to see these guys live but never managed it. Does anyone know where I can get a copy of their magical music?? Would love to hear them again
Did Outline win that Battle of the Bands Jan 78 at Ku ring gai College,Lindfeild?
Hey Kenny,
We did win a Battle of the Bands in ’78 and Kuringai College sounds familiar……..it was all a long time ago. đ
John
Hi Kenny,
Outline did win this comp. We did Rockarama all dressed up and won.
We won some audio gear ($2000?), recording time at the ABC studios in Darlinghurst as well as getting to play live to air on Double J.
regards
Harry Ladomatos
Did they reform as TISM ?
TISM?…….well, while I personally very much liked TISM’s take on the World, Outline didn’t reform as TISM……
Something interesting,…..Rage last night (Saturday 14th) played both Cicada and Maybe It’s a Game at about 11:30pm……I got a number of calls from friends telling me this morning…..
Hi John – I’ve been reading all the comments, and I tried to go to your website but it seems to be down…(?)
(talking about this… http://www.johnsammers.com/)
Anyway, I’ve been trying to find a copy of “Maybe Its a Game” for years. It was an integral part of my teenage years in Northern Tasmania. If you’re (or anyone else) is able to provide a copy in any format, I’ll gladly hand over hard currency in return.
mail -at- manningbartlett -dot- net
A Ebay sale of interest: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/160720673874#ht_3220wt_905
This is for a vinyl single of ‘How Can I Get Out’ backed with ‘Sleep’. I’ve already bought it (sorry) but the seller uploaded some MP3 samples of the two songs which are great to hear. (Neither of these songs are on the album – I’d never heard them before.)
Hi everyone, I’ve managed to recover my website that has a lot of unrecorded (for sale) and live outline tracks, as well as a lot of new tracks I’m writing at the moment. Working on my own, I’m just doing dittys really to get my writing juices going again but hope to get back to full steam again once I fix my main recording computer and hope to work with Phil again in a few months (but he’s a very busy guy at the moment which is great).
Please go to the website and join up to hear the tracks… đ
Best,
John
Here’s a true tale about John Sammers from back in the day.
We were at Five Dock rehearsing and loading up gear for a gig that night. No sign of John. Much, much later the embodiment of Led Zeppelin’s Dazed and Confused staggered in. It was John. He was sporting an en egg the size of Luxemburg on his forehead complete with a jagged oozing wound straight out of Night of the Living Devon. We were alarmed, and he was not alert. John said he’d run his car up a telephone pole in Bondi or Coogee or Randwick or all three and had done the bolt: a. because he was off his face, b. because he didn’t have a licence and c. because the car wasn’t registered. We told him he was mad and that he’d have to go and face the police, but first we had a gig to play.
The womenfolk were repulsed. John would be a serious crowd deterrent if he took the stage with a head like an open can of Pal, but he never missed a beat. He borrowed some lipstick and drew a massive red lightning bolt over and around the wound, and played the gig like that. In retrospect, that could have been the start of Outline right there: punk, glam and altered state-a-rama.
The next afternoon John walked into the police station with his hands up. He was ready to confess, but the cops weren’t having it. No car up a pole had been reported so, as far as they were concerned, it hadn’t happened. John put his hands down, left the police station a free man, and the rest is blurry history.
John had a day gig back then tracing cartoons for Hanna Barbera. Once the Outline tapes are sorted, someone ought to trawl through the Hanna Barbera archives. If they check out the time John was employed there they’re quite likely to find animations of Top Cat and Yogi Bear looking like South Park characters or cicadas.
All the best, John.
Dave – you star! You know that was coming back from my 21st. I’d driven this woman home to Randwick (hoping she’d be nice to me on my birthday) and fell asleep coming down Marion Street.
I don’t remember the gig though (not surprising)…..but the police did fine me $30. Nothing more was said. I wasn’t disqualified or any such thing. I didn’t get a real license for another 3 years. Aaaahhhh….those were the days. True freedom from state oppression and revenue collection.
How are you these days mate? All good I hope.
Best,
John
Thanks, John.
Although I’ve kept my online profile quieter than that of the naked mole rat, music has been good to me. Working towards a tour next year with Marc Mittag, Gene Peterson and Sandip Burman, all monsters.
Judging by your photo and tunes, you make Cliff Richard look like Keith Richards and Don Bradman look like a dead cricketer.
Regards
Dave
For those of you who know Alex Lakaev –
I’m very sad to say that Alex (Sasha) passed away peacefully in his sleep last Thursday night.
There will be a memorial service in Leura on Tuesday (2 Oct) for anyone who would like to join the family in farewelling Alex. If you would like further details please let me know.
“May your heart always be joyful. May your song always be sung.”
Stephanie
(Alex’s niece)
Thanks for the invitation Stephanie. Unfortunately, I won’t make it back from the UK but my condolences are with all Alex’s family. RIP Sash.
J
Great to find this.
I was a huge fan of Outline back in the late 70’s (?).
We used to go to the Pickled Parott every week. One day I will dig out my photos. There was a song with the line “Are You a Consumer?” which was a big crowd favourite. A bit disappointing the album didn’t include many tacks from the live set…. as was the thing record company’s did back then. I’ll keep searching for the 7″ singles on eBay. Would be great if somone uploaded more…. these memories should never be lost!
Would love to see your photos. There are not many pics around and it would be great to share with Dale Ryan and Alex Lakaev’s kids.
Or post them up on their My Space pages.
regards
Rosalie Ryan
Hi Rosalie – we will be getting an Outline website up soon and will compile all the photos we can. I will post the url as soon as Phil and I have sorted out the site.
Thanx for posting.
J
hi guys and thanks for this excellent site on Outline – i loved reading all the posts from Phil and the other band members & fans… some great stories and gap fillers, its been long overdue!! For years when i told my mates how i used to go see this crazy and brilliant band called Outline I would only get these quizzical looks or even worse they would start bragging about how many times they saw Radio Birdman or tell me about seeing the Birthday Party when they were still called Boys Next Door, blah blah blah… where was Alan Wood, another Outline fanatic, when i needed him?
i first, ahhh, stumbled upon Outline when they were doing a residency at The Vicar of Wakefield pub at Dural, probably in late ’78 – at that stage there were no recordings of the band. I remember in those earlier gigs they seemed much more of a jazz funk / jazz rock outfit than their later recorded output suggests – with lots of nice brass lines and tight playing all round – their stage shows were always engaging and fun – quite in the mould of Zappa & the Mothers – in fact i’m sure they used to cover I’m the Slime and maybe even another Zappa tune, perhaps it was Dirty Love? Fire in the Ghost Train and of course Cicada were always live stand outs for me…
Even though i love hearing their music I hope i’m not offending anyone by saying that i don’t think their recorded stuff really does them justice – they were such a dynamic live act and the recordings seem to lack a little of that quality – perhaps they are a victim of 1980s production values and maybe they steered themselves into a more ‘new wave’ direction by the time they got into the studio, but anyway, i certainly don’t remember them having so much synth in their live sound? but enough said about my memory…
Before finding this web page i found a posting on a Vinyl Obscurities blog:
http://vinylobscurity.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/outline-maybe-its-game-lp-1982.html
i’m not sure if anyone mentioned this site in the above posts, but it is worth a look – it also has a download link for the LP, but unfortunately its a dead link, however, i did find a copy on soulseek, if you want a copy but no-one is seeding it there, you can let me know and i will post it for you (if the band has no objections of course).
I have still not seen a video resurface of Cities (on Youtube or elsewhere) Was it a Countdown “performance” or a proper video, i cant quite remember exactly, but i do recall Phil wearing some crazy black eye make up in the clip… i would love it if someone could post it – even if its just the audio.
On other matters, i really hope the official Outline website gets up soon? if it is already up and running could someone tell me the web address? I am also desperately seeking all those live recordings, 2JJ stuff photos and demos i’ve been reading about above… it sounds like a treasure trove of archive material for us, the diehard fans!
Once again, thanks for this great site and thanks to Outline – you were a highly original and inspiring band.
Hey Tony, thanks for the kind words and great memories.
Yes, I’m committed to getting an official Outline site up and running when I get back from the UK (been living there this past 30 years) and Phil and I will start getting all the old photos and live recordings up as soon as we can.
There may even be some surprises around the corner…..
Best,
John
I remember a video clip of the band running along city streets and through laneways, think it was the Cities clip. Also remember it shown on Countdown, I can’t remember if it was a vid clip or a live performance.
Kim – I can’t even remember making it! So can’t help you with that lol!
Some people have attempted to track it down without luck. We will continue the search…….
Best,
J
Yeah you could be on the money Kim I just assumed that on the game of maybe it’s a game it go es to say “knocked back by countdown ” or similar, Phil or John might clarify it and I might ring in ABC as 2jjj used to play Cicada every year religiously at chrissy time…..don’t know if they still do?
I remember seeing Outline for the first time when they played in their first heat in the Gordon music quest at the Church on the corner of Pacific Highway & St.Johns st/rd at Gordon,I saw all of their following performances in the competition & still remember the Grand final night in the Greenleigh hall at what was then Kuringai College of Advanced Education in Linjdfield.I was quite a big fan of theirs & went to every one of their gigs that I could from then until I moved out of Sydney at the end of 1982.I still have Cities & Cicada on vinyl somewhere but both my album & tape of Maybe it’s a game got nicked & I have never managed to find a replacement since & was stoked to stumble across the information posted on this site.
Thanks guys,
Hi Dave,
thanks for the generous words…..I’m committed to annoying Phil until we both have the time to get a site going and plonk everything we have on it. We’ve already begun compiling digital copies of all our releases..
Will keep everyone updated on this site until then.
John
Hi Guys,
It’s been a while since I’ve jumped back on the blog……life, the universe and all that. Nonetheless, I just firstly wanted to say thanks to everyone who has contributed to the blog. It is really gratifying to know that a lot of people remember Outline so fondly, and had enjoyed themselves. We always aimed to make it interesting for our audience and I’m really glad people liked it.
Firstly, I just wanted to acknowledge Alex Lakejev’s passing. Al was Outline’s keyboardist and co-composers. Some months ago I attended his funeral and while there was sadness, I was really pleased to see that he was held in such high regard by so many people. He was a great guy. Yes he was haunted by his demons but through it all he was a kind, creative person and his legacy will be the 5 kids he imbued with a great sense of love, as well as a group of friends who knew him to be mad and crazy, an incredible musician and a deeply reflective human. See you in the house band someday mate….
Several people had contacted me recently and mentioned they had heard I was going to perform with Dee Minor and the Dischords at the Annandale on the 25th May……well, that’s absolutely correct. I had recently been in contact with John Stuart from Dee Minor and he asked me, and I thought….what the hell. It should be fun. Dee Minor and the Dischords supported Outline quite a few times and we always liked the guys. I think we all shared a similar sense of humour and musicality. Of course, Johnny Sammers has lived in London for the last 30 years or so and is moving back to Oz and we had been discussing the possibility of doing some Outline gigs next year, so without being too specific, that is likely, so watch this space much later in the year…..
I have been really busy of late and have been working with some amazing people – Evi J Willie who has a huge soulful voice – Shane McGrath who is a chops demon guitar player who always amazes me, as well as a bunch of other talented singers and musos. I am producing a new record for an amazing singer (whose name shall at this point remain unknown) in July which is very exciting. I also recently recorded a band from Finland, Mika Kuokkanen and Ninni Polijarv who came to Australia to record with me. My business partner Terry McArthur had worked with them several years ago on a couple of songs, which worked out well. The recordings went very well here. They brought their Producer/Guitarist, Olli Haavisto with them and they were supplemented by Australians David Jones on drums (genius…) and Ash Turner on double bass (amazing) as well as Bill Chambers (Kasey’s dad) on electric guitar and guest vocals. Bill’s vocals on one track are truly special. We are trying to help them get a deal here in Oz so I will update this soon. The album sounds fantastic – roots/blues/country. Anyway, I will be back on the blog soon. Everyone take care….Cheers, Phil
Hi Phil Looking forward to seeing you on 25 May at The Annandale. We and my mates were such great fans of yours – travelling all over Sydney to see you. We thought you where fantastic, so sad when you broke up. Do you remember once at the Mona Vale pub, after the gig, you came out to the carpark and heard your demo tape playing full bore coming out of our car! You asked us where did we get it from ?
Hi Colin, Unfortunately, I don’t remember the Mona Vale Carpark, but the gig at the Annandale should be a bit of fun. See you guys there, Cheers, Pjoil
OK, a few months ago when John Sammers was back in Sydney, he and I drove up to my studio in Glenorie (far north Sydney) and we transferred a few Outline vinyl recordings to digital.
A few weeks back Phil Rigger recently gave me a pile of other Outline singles and one-off recordings and they will be getting transferred to digital tomorrow night (Tues 7 May 2013). I’ll be getting all of those to Phil and John shortly.
Meanwhile, as Phil noted, the Annandale gig will be a hoot. I’ll be there!
Could it be Michael?…..do I sense a fingerless glove?
Just might be Phil, you know I have far reaching effects….lol
It’s been 12 months since Alex Lakejev passed away. R.I.P.
Yes Wally, 12 months. Veil Al….he was a great guy…
RIP Alex – so nice that we can still hear his wonderful talent in all the recordings….will always remember him.
Hey Phil R
This is Philip Edwards here, I was the drummer with Jupiter and I always loved your band Outline, we were all fans. Sorry to hear about your keyboard player Alex, I am sure he is tinkling away somewhere up there. I didn’t see the blog re your gig this year, but would love to catch up at your next gig. Let me know when…. in the mean time you may want to have a look at this site. http://www.jupiterjazzrock.com.au
Regards
Phil Edwards
Happy days! Found this siite this morning as I saw a promo for the upcoming INXS tele series and it made me think about the old days, I thought about the time I bumped into Gary Grant at a Flaming Hands gig, he had Michael Hutchence with him and asked me to look after Michael for a while, ‘no problem Gary, my pleasure’ đ I’d looked up Gary to see what he’s up to and so it took me to Outline and found this page. Blacky, was a friend of the band, and invited them to come up the coast. It was a wild time and we took the boys to a Moondance at the upper Main Arm Hall, the local wild punk band, ‘The Gents’ were playing they were great so much energy, (if anyone knows what happened to the Gents I’d love to find out). Back to the moondance… What a night! it was a joy the spend time with Outline and meet the guys. I’m sure Blacky would love to drop a line here too. I haven’t seen him for years but I have a friend who keeps in close touch. Anyway guys, I hope you are all well and happy, I just wanted to say hi and wish you all the best
Hi Tory – it’s John from the band. Nice to hear from you…..hope all is well with you as well.
I’ve been in touch with Gary recently…….he is doing well, runs the gigs at Luna Park.
Would love to see Blacky again. We have a short Outline gig soon at the Bridge Tory (it’s on the 16th Feb I think)…..maybe you can come along and say hi đ
John
Hi John, gig will be on 15th Feb at Bridge Hotel, times to be advised. Look forward to seeing you when back in Sydney…. Stay tuned! Rosalie and Dale.
Hey Rosalie and Dale, looking forward to seeing Dale again and meeting you. I tried to contact Dale last time I was in town but the mobile number I had wasn’t correct….
I’m intending to get back sooner (20th-25th Jan) for some family stuff. Who knows, if we get the time maybe we could do a warm up gig somewhere……:-)
J
John
Hey Phil & John, how are the rehearsals sounding? Seriously thinking of flying down for the benefit concert.
If I was on a desert island and could only choose two bands to listen to forever, they would be Steely Dan and Outline.
Also, what news on the web site and possible digital issues? I played the vinyl copy of “Maybe it’s a game” to death.
Cheers
Hey Scott,
I arrive on the 4th and rehearsals start in earnest on the 6th…
Yes, we have started planning the website and plan to get stuck in after this gig. We’ve started by digitising all the material…
Thanks for the compliment btw – you put us in pretty esteemed company..:-)
Best regards,
John
Hi all you Cicadas! There is now an Outline Facebook page as of tonight! Please visit and like and invite your friends. As it is in its infancy more pics, comments etc will be added so stay tuned. If you are hanging out to see Outline “Reform to Perform” then come along to the Bridge on 15 Feb as the band will be, along with other artists, will be supporting a Benefit Concert for Kevin Stanton of Mi-Sex…
Facebook page….
https://www.facebook.com/outlinecicada?skip_nax_wizard=true
Kevin Stanton Benefit Concert details…
https://www.facebook.com/theshanghaiedproject
Rosalie
Hi Rosalie,
Fantastic!!! Thanks for sorting this out – it looks great……I might even have to sign up to facebook again so I can make comments lol!
John
Hi there John, thanks. Well come on then, get the Facey page activated. LOL. Its content is growing by the day…. I know Phil and yourself will have a fair bit to contribute too. See you when you arrive in the country…. Bit like the Blues Brothers getting back together…… Rosalie
I know – I’m so chuffed that Dale’s playing with us again……Phil and I have already written some new material and talked about the possibility of doing something with some of ye olde stuffe……exciting times ahead perhaps! đ J
Hi, I am trying to contact Gary Grant and I just happened to stumble over your
website. Gary would remember me from early INXS days.
Is there any way you could help put me in touch with him?
Regards David Clement.
Hi David, drop me an email – phil.rigger@gmail.com and I’ll pass it on to GazâŚ.cheers
Hey one and allâŚ..we are zeroing in on the gig on Saturday Night 15th at the Bridge HotelâŚ.all looking forward to it. Looking forward to catching up with a lot of people there tooâŚ.see you there!!
HI SAM AND STEVE WORKED WITH YOU GUYS AT CO DOCK AS A SPARKY , I LIVE UP IN COFFS HARBOUR NOW . LOVED OUTLINE AT THE BAYVIEW, GLADESVILLE .I REMEMBER YOU AND INXS WERE REGULARS THERE . LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS ARE UP TO NOW . CHEERS JEFF
Hi Jeff – thanks for getting in touch. Yep, they were great times and we are in the process of doing some gigs again as well as some fresh recordings…..Hope to get up to Coffs! Check the website and fb page (outlinecicada) to see what we’re up to.
Keep well,
John
Hey John. I remember jamming with you guys at the place on Gipps St. Some of the guys there went on to be great musicians. I recognize a lot of them posting. Oh well keep us informed of the status of any of the old Buds from those day’s.
Hi Gipps Street – yep, they were great days indeed. I’m not still in touch with everyone (well, a couple DID go to monasteries), Mark Madden is still in touch with Johnny Black and Dave Tucker has stuck his head into this forum.
Keep well, Johnny
Sam the Man Zagami send me your contact EMAIL ,EEK,EEK,EEK,EEK
Hey Jeff sorry haven’t kept up with reading for quite a long time how are you doing good I hope.
All the best Sam
samzagms@yahoo.com.au
Hiya looking through this brought back many fond fun times when I wore a younger mans clothes. Talk to me. BO
Gee, Hi Ya Bob! Long time no speakies…. I hope you are well mate. I also have fond memories of you playing with us in Outline….you funky MF!. Hey contact me on my email address and drop me a line….love to chat, Cheers, Phil
Living ! !
Boston Bob!!!!
Get outta here…. How are ya old mate??
Phil and I often talk about you, wondering what happened to you and such….great to hear from you.
You remain the only person I know who can sleep through the entire drive to Coffs Harbour while the rest of the band are re-enacting a Cheech and Chong movie…..priceless.
Give us the news when you get a minute m8 đ Johnny
Hi Phil R
I was in a band called Fridays Child back in the Bayview Tavern days circa 1979…your singer was Jenny and the drummer was ORSM…remember a few sessions at the place in Drummoyne I think…Phil you started to date our lead singer Lynda Rice for a bit…she was sooooo talented…like a lot of folk from our past…you go…what happened to her …or him…anyway…Outline was my favorite band back then…all the best to you cats…..
[…] Outline â Australian Music History â I remember we would go and watch Outline every week it seemed at The Pickled Parrott Gladesville. The band absolutely rocked the house every time…. […]
Outline were my favorite band as a young fella. To this day I still rate them as one of the very best live music performers to come out of this country.
Reading over all the above comments has indeed sent me reeling down memory lane.
Phil R has kindly sent me a collection of songs from the hey days that I will be powering out at our soon to be school reunion ….thanks Phil.
I continually drive him mad with “When’s the band back together”
He replies “you just never know”
What a band in a great era of Australian pub rock.
just found u guys on YouTube 2014 gig wish I’d known man I musta seen u guys 20 or 30 times mainly @ family Inn with my two tragic girl groupies Jean and Megan we loved u guys many memories …much love too all cheers Pete
Thanks for getting in touch Pete – yep, they were great days… J
oh btw listening atm to a very nice digitized version of miag I did from vinyl about 10 years ago man it sounds so good I had the double gate fold album and sold it what was I thinking lucky I kept this …….
Just saw this post. Im still playing and teaching,,after all these years. Living in Qld. Just got back from the USA yesterday . Hope your all well,,miss ya
BO
Boston Bob!!!!
Hello dude – so fabulous to hear from you. I was just up in Queensland playing at Buskers By The Creek this weekend gone. Whereabouts in Old are you?
Also i was in your home town last year. I was recording in upstate NY and took a few days off when my girlfriend came over – we drove up to Boston…….nice place to visit, but it was getting a little chilly late October (loved the clam chowder down on the docks though)
Email me Bob and let me know where you are and such……would love to catch up.
Best,
John
Hi Ya Bob, Great to hear from you mate. Long time no see…speak etc …ha ha… I hope you’ve been well. I often reflect back on the time you spent in the band with us with great affection. You funkified us and it was a great vibe having you there. I can remember a number of gigs….one in particular at War & Peace in Parramatta. You played up a storm and the band was rocking’!! Hey anytime you’re in Sydney please contact me and let me know. Love to catch up after all these years. Take care, stay well, Cheers, Phil
I had the opertunity at the time to have been part of the orditions when outline was orditioning for a new drummer at the time when John marks was leaving the band, I had been smoking in the car park at Balmain when a p player asked me where the orditions were held I pointed him in the the direction at the time I had struck up a convisation with him and his name was Mark Azzopardi,I followed him back into the town hall where the orditions has been held. It was a long drawn out day and many drummers had played when all of a sudden Mark Azzopardi starts playing he also at the time played double foot pedals at the time . As per John Marks and Mark Azzopardi had been students of Dony Sleishmen this young drummer Mark Azzopardi had blown everyone away that day and at the time he was only 17 years old and a family friend of Danny demjenobic who I found out talked Mark into orditioning for outline this kid was amazing young drummer he went on to do some amazing things.
Jesus H. Christ ………………………
I’ve noticed in a bunch of the above, people accidentally stumbling over this site.
Add my name. (Except I did Google Outline. On purpose.)
Which is Jimmy Grant.
I was (am) short, hairy and had (have) a beard, which Alex once christened âDâBeewahâ.
Mongolian to English translation : âThe Big Oneâ.
If your not overly interested, bail out now, because I tend to wax lengthily.
About a billion years ago, I played bass in âAshâ, with Mark Madden, Alex Lakajev and Garry Smith.
I also noticed that someone thought that Gary Grant played in âAshâ.
I guess that’s an amalgamation of Garry Smith and me.
Ah well, better to be remembered as half of somebody than not at all, eh ….. đ
I went to school with Gary Grant, at de La Salle, Ashfield, and as many before me have noted, he was a lovely bloke. Well, he wasn’t a bloke at school, I sâpose. But you know what I mean. And so he is.
I was also taught Maths there by Peter Bennetâs Mum.
We had a good run in âAshâ, my first real band, which grew out of a harbour cruise gig that Garry Smith rang me up about. With him, Graham Gibbs (early âForeday Ridersâ) on vocals and harps and I think Mark and Alex. I hadnât met Alex before and I can remember Graham almost ejaculating about this guy who played ‘realâ blues piano.
Meeting Graham Gibbs was good, he was also a bass player. He taught me a lot in those hours before the harbour cruise. I was pretty much only a bass player because that was the only guitar that was hanging in âMont du Pietâ (hock shop) in Ashfield. What joy there was to be had !
Sooooo much fun.
Anyway, âAshâ powered right along, mostly fuelled by Jim Pyeâs sound hire shop in Croydon. I was playing in another band (at the same time) which had a penchant for âBlack Sabbathâ and the like, and whose name wonât come to me, with Shane OâFarrell, Stuart Booth and Mick McIntyre (with whom I also went to school at De La Salle).
In âAshâ, practices were pretty much jams, and then weâd load up the âTiger Carâ (Markâs EH) and my HR and head into Frenches in Paddo, or somewhere, and hope not to get electrocuted whilst wading through the nylon/cider blend, quasi-industrial carpet.
I donât think anybody had hit 20, yet.
I think the apogee came for both bands came when âTigeâ Smith hired Five Dock scout hall and we put on our own gig.
âAshâ, for some reason had quite a âSharpieâ following. Garry Smithâs adulation of Billy Thorpe may have been responsible for this. And my other band âCanât Quite Remember âŚ..â was quite popular with this alarmingly brutal clientele, as well.
I silk-screened some posters and Mark, Alex, Garry and I, plastered the surrounding environs with home made water and flour glue and posters. Some of them were there for years.
The night itself was a resounding success, attendance-wise. Law and order-wise, not so much.
We had a very good (for those days) sound guy, a gentle soul who loved his wires and plugs and who had the shit beat out of him in Albertâs milkbar across the other side of Great North Rd. I think Albert himself, may have saved his life with a broom or something.
And neither did the scout hall itself, get away unscathed.
It was of double-fibro construction, which was just the perfect thing for your garden variety âSharpieâ to put his or her ignominious hoof through.
I can just imagine hospital wards, down the years, full of aged âSharpiesâ with asbestosis.
I guess we lost our bond.
So many names.
Blasts from multiple pasts.
I remember jamming with âBloodyâ Sammers, and Mark and Alex at Alexâs place, mindlessly dodging his stinkinâ galah (who was always on the lookout for toes) in Five Dock, when he was first getting into guitar. He was also singing a song I wrote.
I thought he had no hope. Amazing what eventuates when you do something for long enough. And you love it.
Speaking of which, the last time I saw Harry play, it blew what some have charitably called my mind. Beautiful fluid lines.
I later played with Mark again at Gipps St, with Pete Bennett (or âDoonieâ, as Mark called him), Gary Buckley and Brian Felix, who I think may have been the physical manifestation of the âKrishnaâ, the Indonesian Malaysian Hendrix-like Fender Rhodes player, mentioned way above. I donât think we actually played anywhere apart from Gipps St.
The last time I spoke with Gary Buckley, he was in Brisbane, killing it in the jazz scene there. And Brian âKrishnaâ Felix was selling whitegoods for Winnings. Which is fitting, because he stole my distortion pedal. Ah, Karma. A little extreme, though. Whitegoods ? Jesus âŚâŚâŚâŚ..
I think yâall know know the trajections of Mark, Alex, Sammers and Peter from there on.
I played with Garry Smith in a few iterations of âAirborneâ, with Steve Champion, Gary Buckley (for about 5 minutes), Wayne Broomhead, Rob Somebody (who very nearly got us a gig playing as Ray Burgessâ backing band âŚâŚ.. phew!) and Rick Mercer who later went on to be The Love Doctor, Richard Mercer on âLove Song Dedicationsâ.
Somewhere in here (not sure where) Debbie Spillane called me and asked me to stand in for somebody (?). When I showed up to the pub in Stanmore (?) where she was playing, Dave Tucker hoisted me aside to show me the songs during breaks, while he played lead guitar. Versatile, eh.
I was playing in a band called âMalfunkshunâ, in which Debbieâs husband (now eons ex), Manny Farr, played guitar. Eventually the band lived up to its name.
Which was (sort of) a great shame, especially for our young singer, Karen Leslie, who had an absolutely gorgeous voice. I did see her again, once at a set of traffic lights in Belfield, but sheâd changed her name and I lost touch. I hope it wasnât something I said.
As we moved on from each other, out guitarist, Manny, told me that another guitarist, Jimmy Langhan, was looking for a bass player. So I got in touch.
And became happily ensconced in Casablanca (mentioned upwardly in dispatches).
At that time, Casablanca was Jenny Watson, John Marks, Jimmy Langhan and me.
They were a breath of fresh air. Jennyâs crystal voice, Harpoâs one liners and astonishing drumming and Jimmy Langhanâs fastidiousness. Chord charts for everyone!
I, being a fairly âtradesman-likeâ bassist was a bit surprised to be welcomed by the aforementioned. But I didnât argue and we played together for few very pleasurable years.
I think we broke up about the time when Jennyâs (now ex-) husband, Phil, chased Jimmy Langhan down the driveway of the Wallacia Hotel (where we had just played), waving some part of a BBQ chicken in the air and yelling, âyou canât talk to my missus like that !!! â.
Well, I didnât see that coming âŚâŚâŚâŚ
Jenny and Harp went on to join some tin-pot outfit called âOutlineâ or something. And you know more about the future than me from there on.
I know that all this sounds more like my autobiography, but thatâs the only perspective Iâve got. So just a few short lines about me to finish off.
I was invited to join a band called âCrack Hardyâ with Stuart Booth, Peter Hing and Steve Clews (who had drummed in an opposition (?) band called âNexusâ). Which lasted a couple of happy years playing pubs, and slowly petered out.
When I say âpetered outâ, I cast no nasturtiums on Peter Hing. Peter was an excellent bloke who caused no ructions, was a fine guitarist, and being of venerable Chinese stock, gave a truly righteous impersonation of Les Gock. Though well shorter.
Later, I was contacted by John J Francis (friend of a friend, I guess) who was putting a band together and needed a rhythm section.
I had always loved Johnâs song âSimple Benâ featured in the surf movie âMorning of the Earthâ, so I was stoked.
I phoned the aforementioned Steve Clews and we joined John and Uly Ketcheyas in âHard Cashâ, doing Johnâs songs, which were a tad more exuberant than what Iâd expected, but the words were still beautiful and I loved it.
We recorded an albumâs worth of songs in a studio in Brookvale, the name of which Iâve long forgotten, and we kept playing.
Until my marriage imploded in an unexpectedly vicious way and I just spun out.
I havenât played since then. Termites ate my speakers and amp and drug addicts stole my bass and pissed off to Queensland.
I did however get in touch with something I tinkered with just prior to getting married.
Hang gliding.
Read into that what you will, but I embraced it and have been doing so ever since.
Itâs individual and singular and blissful. While it doesnât have the highs, the moments you get in music when all works and everyone meshes and your heart fills, it certainly tickles musicâs instep.
Iâve been living in the Blue Mountains for about 40 odd years, now.
About 20 years ago, I dove past what looked, for all the world like a giant pixie, walking hand in hand with a little boy.
This was in Woodford, near where I lived (and still do)
He looked eerily familiar (the giant pixie, not the boy) so I pulled over.
It was Alex, in green leggings and wintery looking slightly camoflagey looking shirts and coats etc.
He was a bit jittery and maybe even a little stand-offish, but he knew who I was.
He gave me a short lecture on why he was no longer Alex and was now using his true Russian name, Sasha and how to pronounce Lakajev properly. Non-plussed doesnât cover it. Scolded, maybe.
Pleasantries out of the way, he introduced me to his little boy, Nathan. Careful shy grin.
Then they were off. I wasnât sure I was welcome to follow and talk, Sash looked a bit troubled. So I didnât.
I did see him advertised in the local paper as playing at a good restaurant in Katoomba, so I went up to watch (and eat). But he wasnât there. And I never saw him after that.
A funny thing though, Iâd had an apprentice (and a Joinery), Bim, and heâd moved up the coast to Bellingen and met and co-habited with a lovely girl named Chrissy. They were up in the mountains, visiting Bimâs oldies and I was over to catch up with him.
While I was speaking to Bim and Chrissy, she mentioned that her brother-inâlaw had just died. We somehow joined a lot of disparate dots and her brother-inâlaw turned out to be Sasha. Heâd died a few days before. Shitty timing, so sad.
She told me about Sashâs family. The little boy, all grown up. And his daughter, Marli, who sang in a band called Beaten Bodies. I looked up the band and saw they had an album, so I bought it on line. Beautiful. Sashaâs daughter has a wonderful voice. I wish them well.
Anyway, back to me.
I had, and continue to have, an interlude in which I self-inflicted a spot of brain damage by smacking my head on a planet. A decent sized one. Earth to be specific. And, ironically, not by hang gliding. I just fell off something.
I have no memory of a whole year. And am now what those poor bastards around me (my family) call a tad eccentric.
I have a grandson, who makes me work out the chords in âNirvanaâ and âWhite Stripesâ songs, etc., fercrissakes âŚâŚâŚâŚ.. And it doesnât stop there. Oh, to be 15 again.
A few years ago, John (J Francis) rang me and told me that heâd put out the album we recorded, through âTwo Faced Recordsâ in the US !
Shit, eh ?!
This was THIRTY years after weâd recorded the bloody thing. Iâd forgotten all about it.
It got a couple of good reviews by well thought of pundits and promptly died in the arse.
Anyway, if you feel like a 30 year old chuckle, hereâs the link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPGUarsqs3A
Jesus, Iâm going to bed.
Peace, love and a respectable dotage to all Maddens, Lakajevs, Smiths, Sammersâs, Marksâs, Zagamis, Ladomatosâs, Tuckers, Riggers, Meads and Boulters, et al, and to Mark Gibson, who seems the local greenkeeper.
Rotsa Ruv,
Jimmy Grant
Jimmy Grant……what a fine post!
So many dots have been joined for me, (who’s erratic, dodgy memory can be attributed to head butting cars and imbibing too many toxins) but I wish you’d have done this sooner because I was living in the mountains and my amp and pedals guys are both in Woodford – I was there a lot.
So here’s something for you…..I still jam with Champs every Wednesday in Fivedock (along with Ken Burns and Jim Piper – good old Fivedock boys)! We have a lot of fun – we’ve yet to entice Smithy up to his hometown for a jam (but expect we’d have to play all his songs lol).
Wishing you well Beewah – I’m up near Lake Macquarie now and don’t get up to the mountains at all, but if you’re ever in Sydney on a Wednesday afternoon, head over to Fivedock with guitar and a bottle of red and join in the fun…..! Bloody đ
Far out Jimmy you made me cry with laughter. I had forgotten how much fun we used to have. You found us so I’m glad that’s out of the way. I will get back to you about those songs. I haven’t forgotten, life always seems to get in the way.
Love you Jim x
Jimmy Grant
Far out Jimmy you made me cry with laughter. I had forgotten how much fun we used to have. You found us so I’m glad that’s out of the way. I will get back to you about those songs. I haven’t forgotten, life always seems to get in the way.
Love you Jim x
Nice one Jimmy!
Heh all.
I accidently stumbled on this site yesterday. Im an old Five Dock boy and this has brought back so many memories. I remember Outline at the Civic. And “The Teddy Bears Picnic” Bexley North.
Back in the day I was pretty heavily involved with Five Dock Methodist. So too were the Lakejev boys Alex and Nick. Went to High school with Nick, amazing Clarinet player even in his young years. Sad to hear about Alex. My older sister, Dian, and Alex use to help the Friday night church youth group. I recall one time there were just a few teens show up so they brought them down to our house in East St.
Alex took most of the panels off the family piano/pianola and belted out some amazing music. I have that Pianola in the frontbroom down here in Camden Park.
Also see a comment here from Debbie B. How are you Deb. Long time since Five Dock primary school.
Great memories of a wonderful period.
Hello Bloody Sammers !
Lovely to hear from you.
You seem to have had an interesting life.
Nicely done.
While Iâve got you, do you or anybody on this blog have contact details for Jenny and John.
Marks, that is.
I have their old home number, which doesnât seem to be in use anymore. Iâm guessing that mobiles have taken over from things with wires.
Anyway, any assistance would be appreciated.
Iâm also looking for a bar fridge, a dog, my keys (and/or glasses), an old bass and directions back to my house.
RâoâR to any and all,
Jimmy