Steel City Sound
I received an email this week from Warren Wheeler asking me to check out his new blog, Steel City Sound which deals with the history of the Wollongong music scene.
In his own words:
“Steel City Sound is an online archive of the Wollongong (NSW, Australia) independent music scene from the 60’s to now. The recordings, video footage, flyers, gig posters, zines, press-clippings and information you find here all culminate in our city’s rich and diverse musical culture. Where possible, Steel City Sound seeks and gains authorisation from copyright holders to post audio download. I am always looking to make contact with people involved in the scene past and present. If you have information or memories from the scene, or have anything that you’d be willing to loan or donate to the project, please contact me (Warren Wheeler) “.
I have an afinity with the Wollongong area as I work there and I’ve had a great time going through some of the area’s musical history on Steel City Sound. Head on over there and check it out for yourself.
G/Day Warren, I was an Original member of the “Cast” and “Tin Pan Alley” and was in the “Vicars” at the change over to “Tin Pan Alley”, thanks for doing all this promo stuff, it was a great era in Wollongong in the 60’s, including Wonderland, Zondraes, and the Headland Hotel and Windang Hotel, fond memories. I will get in touch with Tony Kappen from the Vicars and let him know what is going on. Please keep in touch if you have any questions. I’m in Lismore Victoria now and I believe Tony is in Qld, sadly Dave (Rev Black) passed away, but most of the boys are still in the Gong, cheers, hope to get down there, regards Stuart Bedford.
http://www.freewebs.com/revblack
andtherockinvicars
I remember Rev Black and the Rocking Vicars . I was the singer for Mystic Eyes. Zondrae was our manager when I joined the group. Playing at Zondraes of course, Pioneer Hall, Charles Hotel at Fairy Meadow, pubs in and around Wollongong.. Played Zondraes with The Loved Ones..
I remember some of the regulars.. Dianne ‘Bubbles Downes.. a great girl, and always smiling. A good, fun bunch of patrons there always.
Hi Jack. Yes, I remember you well. I was the Drummer with the Mystic Eyes. Wow, what days they were. I played with various bands after you guys, such as The Syndicate. The last band I played with was The Difference Band. They were resident at the Wollongong Exservices Club (now the Citty Diggers Club) foe over 30 years, I was with them for 14years. We were totally a backing band. We backed 1000’s of artists from interstate and overseas. It was quite challenging at times but I really loved it. I left them in 1998, but ended up going back there in 2000 to work as the Club Sound Technician which I really enjoyed. Due to heath reasons I left in 2022, I now only do a little bit of Drumming and also Sound work at a local Church I go too, It’s something I suppose. Hope you are well. I’m 73 now. Yikes. Cheers, Phil.
Hello Jack. It’s been a long time! Over 50 years. If I have the same Jack that used to wear jeans with ‘prisoners’ arrows painted on them, well I mist certainly remember you. I was a keyboard player fir bands in the Wollongong region during the 60’s, before it was ‘fashionable’ for females to be part of the music scene. Loved coming into Zondrae’s on Thursday nights after work to see the Mystic Eyes. My husband of 51 years, David, was a guitarist with the band, along with Zac, Con and Peter. How have you been throughout the years Jack? Would like to hear from you when you get the chance. Happy New Year 2021. Cheers, Anne
Hi ‘Gongers’. I am stiΔΊl ‘alive and kicking’, and so is David! We were guitarist and keyboardist in ‘West End’ Wollongong ’60’ – 80’s. We moved to the Northern Rivers region 2009.
We kept playing from 1966 to 2019 (Dave’s health), but ‘jam’ every day.
How our you, our ‘muso’ friends from Wollong doing in your lives now? Would love to hear from you! Good health, stay safe, light and love to you all πββοΈππ
Hi Jack πββοΈ. How are you these days. It has been many years since our paths crossed near the upper Crown Street Post Office! Actually, it was the day prior to my wedding, 31st October 1969.
Kind regards
Anne (still married – 54 years in Nov. 2023