The Exiles – Vision
The Exiles were a Brisbane based band formed in early 1966 by rhythm guitarist Bert Mullemeister and drummer David Elias. They were joined by lead guitarist Lindsay Basing, Ray Suckling on bass and vocalist Barry McLean.
The group played at various dances, hotels and disco’s in and around Brisbane supporting southern bands like the Easybeats at the Bowl in South Brisbane and The Scene in the city. They increased their coverage to take in Ipswich, where they featured at the In Scene and the Bowl, before regular gigs at Gympie and the Sunshine Coast where they had a regular spot at the Pearl Hotel, Caloundra and the Alexandra Headlands Surf Club. Bookings also came from the Gold Coast where the group played at various hotels, on the beach venues at Greenmount and Burleigh Heads and Danceland, Coolangatta where they backed artists such as Dinah Lee.
In mid 1967 Bert Mullemeister and David Elias left the band and were replaced by Clive Dunham on keyboards and guitar and Bruce Fraser on drums. Bruce suggested a name change and the band became known as Vision.
Some months passed and Barry moved on being replaced by vocalist, guitarist Mike Preston. They continued to play basically the same circuit with the odd Battle of the Bands thrown in and in early 1968 Lindsay left being replaced by Brian Hanson on lead guitar. Midway through that same year Ray Suckling left to further his career and was replaced by Dave Aust on bass. The band continued in that format until 1969 when they decided to go their seperate ways with Mike persuing a successful solo career.
Even though in the early days the band wrote and performed some of their own material, no recordings were ever made.
Images
Members
- Bert Mullemeister – Guitar
- David Elias – Drums
- Lindsay Basing – Guitar
- Ray Suckling – Bass
- Barry McLean – Vocals
- Clive Dunham – Keyboards, Guitar
- Bruce Fraser – Drums
- Mike Preston – Vocals, Guitar
- Brian Hanson – Guitar
[…] Over to Peter… Hi Mark, Terrific job you are doing with the site, congratulations indeed. Fantastic to hear about inclusion in Pandora (heard through a friend Ray Suckling – from 60s band Exiles). […]
Hi Ray, loved your site. How can I contact you?
Hi Ray Suckling…..
How can I contact you
The First time I have seen this. Great to remember. I am still rocking on around the traps after stints in London and USA.
Hi Mike,
Glad you found the site, I still play once a week with some other retired musicians. If you would like to get in touch my email is rwsuckling@gmail.com would be great to hear from you.
Ray………..
Happy to see this sight bought back some great memories of good times.will be in touch Lindsay
Hi Lindsay, glad you found the site, will be good to hear from you.
Hello Lindsay, I have recent reconnected with Ray and Mike and trying to contact any other Ex members , I have plans to gather past history, and maybe get a reunion underway. Any input is welcome , or contacts with past members , VISION kept going into the 70 s with other new members .
Hi Lindsay, my sister found this site about the band. My brother Glen and I used to travel around with you and the band way back when we were kids really. Then we found out Barry McLean was our cousin, very excited we were. Great band, good times. Dont know if this will get to you but just wanted to say hello. Cheers Dianne (Tyack)
December 2017
Bruce Fraser arranged a reunion of ex Vision members Mike Preston and Ray Suckling along with Laurie Thompson. It was like old times with some great sounds rockin’ through the afternoon.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Brian and Clive…………….