Band regroups for good cause

Warrnambool Standard 29th July1999 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 1999.

CLAD in tight-fitting checkered shirts and sporting big hair-styles, this 1980s Warrnambool rock band was as popular as the blowwaves and legwarmers of the era. Granny’s Grave, a southern-country swing group, was formed in the city in 1978 and quickly became one of the most sought-after local groups ever to grace the stages of Warrnambool. After a 15-year break from the scene, members of Granny’s Grave are planning to re-form and will test their ‘80s appeal with the more diverse pub scene of the ‘90s. The band, consisting of Eric Read (drums), Proph Walters (bass) and lead guitarists John Maroniti and Tim Netherway, has re-formed and will make its debut performance at the Grand Hotel this Sunday in the name of charity. Maroniti’s stepson Christopher Pyke is undergoing extensive treatments for a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia and the band will perform to raise money for travelling and medical costs for the family. Read said yesterday the band would also perform at a fund-raiser in memory of country singer Hank Williams at the Criterion Hotel next month. Read said inspiration for the band’s name came from the historical Warrnambool landmark, which was also a popular hangout for youth during the 1960s. “Back in the 60s the pubs would be shut by 10pm and everyone would head down to the grave — it was a party scene,” he said. “We played together for about eight years and then Johnny left to form the Motorvators and I left on the same day. The other two auditioned for more band members and it kept going for a few years after that.” Read said the band was a regular performer at the Lady Bay’s Zoo night as well as at district functions. He said the decision to re-form had been “purely for fun”. After the charity events, the group would look into performing at Sunday sessions at local hotels, he said. The four have remained involved in the musical scene, Maroniti with the Motorvators, Netherway with gigs at the RSL and Walters with Sound Advice. Read has enjoyed a four-year break from performing. “We just wanted to help Johnny out.We’ve all been friends for ages and it really is just for fun,” Read said. The group plays both originals and cover songs from bands such as America and The Amazing Rhythm Aces. Sunday’s afternoon session at the Grand Hotel will kick off at noon. It will also feature Lost in Suberbia [sic], Motorvators and Boyd and Trevor.