Johnny Dole & The Scabs
Short and Sweet! – This probably best describes the life of Johnny Dole & The Scabs. Johnny Dole & The Scabs were one of the first Punk Rock bands in Australia, they played live and recorded in Sydney during 1977 – 1979. THE BEGINNING In early January 1977, The Strays were looking for a new…
Read MoreDutch Tilders – Master Bluesman
Dutch Tilders was worthy of his status as “Master Bluesman”. Soon after arriving in Australia from The Netherlands as a fourteen year old, he was performing. And for the next fifty-odd years he kept performing. It was only the pain from the cancer that eventually killed him that stopped him as his manager reported here…
Read MoreJock Bain has passed away
I’ve heard the sad news from a few industry folks over the past few days that Robert “Jock” Bain had passed away. Tony Wilde has written a short piece in tribute. “Jock started off working for bands in Melbourne with acts such as The Ferrets in the late 70’s. Thru the 80’s he did many…
Read MoreRoss Wilson
There is a great line over at Ross Wilson’s home page that says he “is probably the only person in Australian rock music who can’t make a comeback simply because he’s never been away” and that’s true. It isn’t really a surprise though, as he is one of the finest musicians/ songwriters/ producers/ performers that…
Read MoreAustralian Singles Chart For 1983
These are the songs that Australians were listening to in 1983. Here is the Australian Singles Chart for 1983 based on sales. Top Australian Singles “Australiana” – Austen Tayshus “Bop Girl” – Pat Wilson “Reckless” – Australian Crawl “I Was Only 19” – Redgum “Rain” – Dragon Top selling singles in Australia for 1983 *Denotes…
Read MoreWTF Is That?
I think it was feb’80 when Mad Gorilla went to Adelaide for 2 weeks ( I’m sure someone has a better memory than me & will correct me ) Anyhow we were staying at a pub in a place called Paradise & whoever named it had a bloody good sense of humour. Don’t get me…
Read MoreMondo Rock
Mondo Rock was formed around 1976/77 by Ross Wilson who had made his name in Daddy Cool. It’s been said that Ross wanted a slightly more commercial sound that would have a better chance of international success & that’s exactly the sound they achieved. Although they didn’t quite receive the international success they wanted, they were certainly…
Read MoreStars “Live At Bombay Rock” Re-Released
Stars must be one of the most requested bands in my time working on this site. I get a large number of people asking “Where can I get Paradise Or Land Of Fortune etc”. Up until now the only suggestion I’ve been able to give is to search the 2nd hand stores as they’ve been…
Read MoreDead Roo’s & Red Dust
Have a quick look on Google earth and you’ll see that Cobar is a bloody long way from Sydney. So in his infinite wisdom the booking agent organised a gig out west the night before we were supposed to play Cobar golf club. Can’t remember which pub but it was out Windsor way, I think…
Read More