Sunday, May 7, 2017
Behind the Mike
A Warrnambool band active in the late 1990s and early 2000s featuring guitar, keyboards, flute, accordion and vocals. Recipients of "Most promising act" and "Junior encouragement" awards at the Mortlake buskers festival, the trio presented music from the 50s to the 90s, as well as some original material, in a variety of environments including festivals, restaurants, hotels and parties. Members Hannah Schack, Rebecca Schack, and Michael Schack.
Photos from Farewell to Lady Bay Warrnambool concert Feb. 25th 2001
Tim Netherway and John Maroniti in Granny's Grave
John Maroniti, Eric Read and Prof. Walters in Granny's Grave
Phil Lawrence, Peter Bird and Murray McDowell in Nevada
Trevor McKenzie, Phil Lawrence, Garry Price, Peter Bird, Murray McDowell - Nevada
Battle of the Bands
Four bands will earn their stripes during the National Campus Band Competition country regional final at Warrnambool's Deakin University Student Union Bar on Wednesday. Warrnambool band Piffen Yonnies and the Funstoppers worked their way through the local play-off on August 12 and will feature at the final against Crave from Deakin Geelong, and an undecided Ballarat band. The winner will join successful bands from other play-offs in six regions across Victoria to vie for the state champion honor. To be eligible for the contest, a band had to have at least one band member at Tafe or university. Piffen Yonnies from South West Institute of Tafe is one of the latest bands to join Warrnambool's diverse music scene. An original outfit, the group has an unconventional line-up of drums (Matt Willis), bass (Henry Bird) and tenor sax (Matt Hewson. The Funstoppers, born from the ashes of local bands Project Artichoke, Head Chuck and Hoedown 5, consists of Ben Funstopper (drums), Dan Funstopper (guitar), and Goodtime Funstopper (bass and vocals).
Regional bands set to do battle -- Warrnambool Standard 26th August 1999 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 1999. All rights reserved
WA R R N A M B O O L bands S.I.R. and Agenda 140 are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Piffen Yonnies and Tukan Sam by reaching the state finals of the Push Battle of the Bands.The groups came first and second respectively at last week’s Warrnambool heat, and will fight it out with other south-west bands at the regional final in October. Regional winners will perform at Pushover in Melbourne in November for the chance to win time in the recording studio. Last week’s heat was the second crack at the battle for S.I.R., which has been playing around Warrnambool for the past 18 months. Guitarist and singer Sam Grayson said the band had progressed a lot since last year’s outing, a fact obviously recognised by the judges.The three-piece, which includes bassist Joel Goodman and drummer Matt Murphy, describe their sound as "alternative punk". S.I.R. has tentative plans to make it into the recording studio by the end of this year but for the moment the focus is on rehearsing for the Push gig. The past success of bands from the region is an encouraging sign for the band but the trio is not overconfident. "We’re not really sure what we’re up against," Grayson said. Meanwhile, the members of Agenda 140 are stoked about their success in the heat, which was only the band’s third gig. Singer and bassist Robert Allen says the trio, which includes Matthew Lamb on guitar and Aaron Toohey on drums, played their first gig in July after forming about five months ago. Allen says the main aim of music for the pop punk outfit is to have a great time doing what they do. "The lyrics are basically all about girls, it’s not really deep music — it’s fun music, we like to have fun on stage." Agenda 140 hopes to capitalise on its early success, with plans to head into the studio in the next two months to start recording its debut release. Stay tuned for details of the regional final.
Bands competing for regional pride --Warrnambool Standard 10th August 2000 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2000 All rights reserved
WINNERS of last night’s Warrnambool campus band competition will go on to compete a regional final. As this page went to press, six bands were giving the competition their best shot at Warrnambool’s Deakin University student union bar. The Warrnambool campus band competition incorporates South West TAFE and Deakin University. TAFE was represented by local bands Fingerboard, 21st Century Ox, Kozar Blip and Atmospheric, while Deakin bands competing were Mercury and Endoscope. The campus band competition sees bands given 30 minutes to impress the judges, who mark on originality, stage performance, professionalism and musicianship. The regional final will be held at Deakin University’s Warrnambool campus on August 31 with winners from Warrnambool competing against winners from Ballarat and Bendigo TAFE colleges and universities for regional honors.
Groups take honors -- Warrnambool Standard 24th Aug 2000 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2000 All rights reserved
Endoscope
Warrnambool bands Endoscope and FingerBoard took out honors in the local round the National Campus Band Competition. Endoscope won the Deakin University section and FingerBoard claimed the TAFE section of the band competition. Activities officer for Deakin University Warrnambool Students’ Association, David Murton, said a variety of music was covered by the five bands competing. Deakin was represented by Endoscope and Mercury. Fingerboard, 21st Century Ox and Kozar Blip competed the TAFE section. "Endoscope entertained with bizarre white suits accompanying their interesting live improvisation. 21st Century Ox provided an energetic yet rhythmic set of originals and a few cover songs," Murton said. He said Kozar Blip pleased the crowd with their pop/rock melodies, Fingerboard had them jumping with their quirky and engaging performance solid and powerful. The winning bands will compete at a regional final at Deakin Warrnambool’s SUB onAugust 31. They’ll come up against bands from Bendigo and Geelong and will contest one of eight positions in the state final to be held at the Corner Hotel, Melbourne, on September 14.
Battle steps up a level -- Warrnambool Standard 16th Aug. 2001 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2001 All rights reserved
Local campus bands Tane and 21st Century Ox will take on regional competition in the next round of the national campus band competition. Six bands took part in the local uni and TAFE heats held at Deakin University on Wednes-day, August 8. Tane won the Deakin heat and 21st Century Ox the South West TAFE competition. The two bands will receive paid gigs at South West TAFE and Deakin University and will perform in the regional final to be held at Deakin’s SUB bar on August 22. They’ll be joined by Mr Feenjeen from Ballarat University and It from Deakin University’s Geelong campus. The bands will compete for one of eight positions in the state final to be held at the Corner Hotel, Melbourne on September 20.
Penguin pop: canine guardians inspire song
Warrnambool Standard January 10th, 2009 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2009. All rights reserved
By TINA LlPTAI
AN artist can find his muse in many places but looking out to the ocean one day a Warrnambool songwriter found some unusual inspiration on Middle Island. The penguin-protecting skills of Maremma dogs have amazed young and old alike and now the gentle guardians are the subject of the latest song by children's entertainer Barry Peters. Peters, who often includes environmental themes in his writing, said he'd always been interested in the island's little penguin population, which was threatened by predators such as foxes and stray dogs. "I live just around the corner and to see the penguins disappear was just horrible," he said. "I love the fact that penguins are so faithful to one another and that the dogs want to protect them from harm." With an upbeat reggae groove, Peters' song tells the Maremma's version of their life-saving duties. "The moment I started writing I knew it would work," he said. "The penguins are just gorgeous and having the dogs on the island was just a really great concept to work with." I just tried to write about what the dogs might be thinking about their role on the island." The new song They Call Me Maremma will be launched as part of Peters' show at Wunta in February. Footage of the performance will be used as part of the film clip for the song. The musician said he encouraged children to come dressed as penguins for a chance to be part of the filming. "Hopefully there will be lots of little dancing penguins that we can use in the film clip" he said. The interactive show will also feature dancers from Melissa's Hip Hop Dance Elements. They will also join Peters on stage at the Port Fairy Folk Festival and the Apollo Bay Music Festival.
By TINA LlPTAI
AN artist can find his muse in many places but looking out to the ocean one day a Warrnambool songwriter found some unusual inspiration on Middle Island. The penguin-protecting skills of Maremma dogs have amazed young and old alike and now the gentle guardians are the subject of the latest song by children's entertainer Barry Peters. Peters, who often includes environmental themes in his writing, said he'd always been interested in the island's little penguin population, which was threatened by predators such as foxes and stray dogs. "I live just around the corner and to see the penguins disappear was just horrible," he said. "I love the fact that penguins are so faithful to one another and that the dogs want to protect them from harm." With an upbeat reggae groove, Peters' song tells the Maremma's version of their life-saving duties. "The moment I started writing I knew it would work," he said. "The penguins are just gorgeous and having the dogs on the island was just a really great concept to work with." I just tried to write about what the dogs might be thinking about their role on the island." The new song They Call Me Maremma will be launched as part of Peters' show at Wunta in February. Footage of the performance will be used as part of the film clip for the song. The musician said he encouraged children to come dressed as penguins for a chance to be part of the filming. "Hopefully there will be lots of little dancing penguins that we can use in the film clip" he said. The interactive show will also feature dancers from Melissa's Hip Hop Dance Elements. They will also join Peters on stage at the Port Fairy Folk Festival and the Apollo Bay Music Festival.
Barry Galbraith
When Barry Galbraith goes to work he gets to do something that he has enjoyed doing since the age of 13 – play the drums. Mr Galbraith runs Drum Drum, a training facility dedicated to teaching potential percussionists the tricks of the trade. The Lava Street business is a progression of the lessons he ran from home and at Brauer College during his 25 years as an accredited teacher. "I wanted to see how it went and expand it into more of a commercial venture," Mr Galbraith said. "I was teaching 15 students at home three nights a week. I’ve got 86…. And I’m aiming at 100." With help of fellow teachers Bruce Corrin and Jon Emry, Drum Drum teaches a range of drumming styles. An electric group of people learn jazz, Latin, rock, hip-hop, funk and metal drumming, at flexible times. "It’s a real mixed bag," Mr Galbraith said. "I’ve got a shift worker who’s a chef and a transport driver and a shift worker too. We get Deakin University students and TAFE students. There’s a jeweller who comes in for a lunchtime lesson and we get primary school kids coming down from (Warrnambool Primary School) for lessons at 3.30pm." Mr Galbraith said he is constantly diversifying to meet demand. He runs Percussion sessions for groups and even teaches basic snare technique to a group of six-to-ten-year-olds. "We’re starting to cater for younger kinds who are physically too small for a drum kit," he explained. He has also expanded into offering drum tuning, customising and re-covering services, plus any equipment advice a potential drummer could need. "The music business is very hard but if you diversify, you can have success," he said.
"Drumroll please" -- Warrnambool Standard Business News supplement June 2003 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2003.
When Barry Galbraith opened the doors to his percussion training school Drum Drum two years ago, it marked the latest chapter in a career based almost entirely on drums. Apart from a brief period as a bank teller, Barry has made his living from either playing, teaching or retailing percussion instruments for the best part of 30 years. "I live, eat and breathe drums" says Barry from the central Warrnambool house that now houses his drumming school. Here Barry and two part-time teachers instruct 86 students in the art of drumming and other percussion instruments that include congos [sic], shakers and bells. He's already closing in on his goal to reach the magic 100 students, and given the growing interest in drums, Barry's confident he is within striking distance. "In recent times drumming has gained a lot of credibility and its just been steadily building up" he said. Although the majority of his students are male secondary students, at least a dozen girls have joined this traditionally male-dominated domain. Other adult students, such as shift workers and tertiary students, often use their time off during the day to drop in for a practice session. Barry taught percussion for Brauer College for about 14 years, and on and off from home for about 20 years, but Drum Drum is his first dedicated school. It has also provided a base from which to expand into areas of customising and repair work, and more recently, retailing. His other current project is to develop a Drum Drum certificate as a qualification for his students. Although they can also undertake the Australian Music Examination Board assessment, he says the Drum Drum certificate will give them another option. His students also include several VCE students who are studying Drum kit as part of their certificate. Although its a job he enjoys, for Barry, like most music teachers, the job evolved from the need to support his passion for playing. From when he was a little boy and came across a set of his father's old drumsticks he played with in the Hamilton City Band, drums seem to have been in Barry's destiny. Music was, after all, in his blood. He had an Uncle who taught trumpet and coronet, and both his grandparents were music teachers. Among his grandmother's singing students was a young boy by the name of Barry Crocker. By 13, Barry Galbraith was playing in the school band. By 14 he was part of a successful young pop group called Stompin' Mallee Grubs, which took part in the regional Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds competition two years in a row. It would be the first of a succession of bands for Barry over the years, perhaps the most successful and musically satisfying of which was the 90s blues outfit Blue Heat with Marco Goldsmith. There were critically acclaimed albums, concert tours, a headline act at the Byron Bay Blues Festival and interest from the United States. Their last gig was playing support for B.B. King at the tennis centre 5 years ago. The toll on the families of band members, and the effort required to move to the next level, Barry said, was more than they were prepared to make. "Musically they were some of the best results of my life. I needed to experience that. It was just my time and I got such a buzz out of it", he recalls of the time. When he's not teaching these days Barry indulges his passion for playing a little closer to home. He's involved in a couple of local cover bands and a jazz ensemble.
Banjo's parting
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| Paul Kelly Performs |
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| Lee Morgan performs |
by PAT CONNELLY. Warrnambool Standard 21st Mar 2000 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2000 All rights reserved
HUNDREDS of people yesterday attended the funeral service of Aboriginal elder Banjo Clarke, who was buried at what he called "the pretty place" on his tribal land at Framlingham.
The life of the 77-year-old, who died last Tuesday, was celebrated in song, story and speech, culminating in an
interment amid blackwood and wattle on a high bank overlooking the Hopkins River.
The crowd was so large that a traffic jam developed after the turnoff to the forested property which Mr Clarke
loved. The marquee erected could not hold the turnout - his son Len said organisers were catering for 1000.
One notable absentee was the deceased man's most famous relative, one-time world bantamweight boxing champion Lionel Rose, who could not be contacted.
Many others who could not be there sent messages. One, from former prime minister Malcolm Fraser and his wife Tamie, was read by master of ceremonies Derek Guille. It said, in part: "He was greatly respected by all those who knew him and knew of him. His counsel will be sadly missed."
The eulogy was delivered by David Fligelman, 25, who had been an infant when he met Mr Clarke.
As well as detailing Mr Clarke's life, Mr Fligelman told how it had affected his own. Mr Fligelman related an eerie
experience when he and his girlfriend Eliza were holidaying in Mexico in 1998.
"Banjo was having dreams at this time; his house would be filling with water, rushing in the doors and windows. He'd
wake up from these nightmares and think of me," Mr Fligelman said.
"One night he watched a documentary on the TV about natural disasters and immediately after rang up Camilla my
Mum and said `David has to come home this minute.'"
During that night, the van occupied by Mr Fligelman and Eliza was swept into the sea in a flash flood. Eliza was
drowned in the heavy seas, but when he himself was almost spent, he recalled Banjo's parting advice: "just close
your eyes and I'll be with you."
Mr Fligelman said he closed his eyes and was inspired to make one last effort to reach shore. "I had no doubt Banjo
saved my life."
In one of several other heartfelt tributes, Warrnambool mayor David Atkinson said "Banjo was a special person to
each of those he met. He clearly developed a very special interaction and rapport with everyone.
"To me, Banjo always appeared to be at ease with the young as well as with the not so young. He always eager to
bring the real history of the Koorie history to all, particularly the children."
State Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Keith Hamilton, said that after speaking with Mr Clarke last year he realised
"one didn't talk to Uncle Banjo, such was his presence that one listened because if you didn't listen you could not
absorb the wisdom and the spirit of this great man."
Prominent Aborigine Alf Bamblett paid his respects to the Gunditjmara and Kirrae Whurrong people whose land
they were all on. He said the attendance of people from so many walks of life was a favorable judgement on the life
of Banjo.
Other speakers included the secretary of the South West Trades and Labour Council, Dave Brabender; Wal
Saunders, whose clan has long-standing links to the Clarkes; and Helen Perkins and Graham Hassall of the Baha'i
Faith, which Banjo followed.
Music and song were provided by Andrew Alberts, Shane Howard, Alan Harris Tristan, Lee Morgan and Felicity, Rebecca Martin, Neil Murray, Archie Roach and David Arden. The Kuyang Yandaa Dance Group also performed
Axle home for hall gig
Warrnambool Standard April 30th, 2009 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2009. All rights reserved
By TINA LlPTA
PROVING you can't take the country out of the boy, Woolsthorpe's Axle Whitehead might be making it big in Sydney but says his heart is still at home. "I've really come here to work but the lifestyle I like is in western Victoria and any chance to get back is great," the newly-crowned Cleo Bachelor of the Year said. "I have a big photo of the farm sitting on my TV here, it's great to have that to look at to remind me." Whitehead will be heading back to the region next week for a live acoustic performance in Dunkeld, as part of a fund-raiser for the town's new community hall. "I'm looking forward to getting down there," he said. "A dear friend of mine came up with the concept and there is a great committee of local people working their butts off for this and I'm really happy to be involved. "It's had really great support from everyone, so it's all coming together really well. "I hope people can come along, it's for a great cause." The Dunkeld community Hall redevelopment requires a community fund-raising effort of$300,000 before the project, which includes medical and child-care facilities and a business and meeting centre can start. While his new acting role on Home & Away is taking up most of his time, the former Hamilton College student said he always enjoyed coming home. "I try and do it about four or five times a year, living in Sydney can drain the soul a bit," he said. "I'll bring the guitar home and sit on the veranda with a stubbie for sure, it's a great way to spend your time." Though he spends a lot of his time away, Whitehead confessed he hasn't forgotten the fine ladies of the southwest and while he enjoyed the novelty cheque and trophy that came with his bachelor of the year title, he was now hoping to find love." I might have to go looking in the country, there might be some lady in the south-west for sure," he said. "Good country values are the best." Whitehead will perform acoustic tunes from his debut album Losing Sleep for an intimate crowd of 300 at the Mt Sturgeon Woolshed, Dunkeld, on Saturday, May 2. The night will also include Hamilton favourite Phil Holmes and DJ Brendan from Dunkeld. Tickets for the event are available from Arcadia Records in Hamilton and the Dunkeld Newsagency. All of the proceeds from the benefit gig will be donated to the Dunkeld Community Hall redevelopment.
By TINA LlPTA
Ausmusic week 1999 Warrnambool
All-Aussie gigs for seven days
Warrnambool Standard 30th Sept. 1999 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 1999. All rights reserved
NEXT week is Ausmusic week, and the Warrnambool musical fraternity is planning to celebrate with several gigs around town. On Wednesday night, the Jazz Blues Restaurant will be rocking with Andy Shirtcliffe, Danny Grigg, Cherie Amor, Greg Logan and Jean Fenn on stage. Piffen Yonnies will return to the south-west on Thursday night for a gig at the Whaler’s Inn, with support from Stain.
Dogfish, Motorvators and Agenda 140 are all in the line-up at the Gallery Night-club on Thursday night. Throughout the week, 3WAY FM will play all-Australian tracks and interviews with district musicians in honor of Ausmusic week.
Get down to the Whaler’s Inn in Warrnambool tonight for what promises to be a great gig in honor of Ausmusic Week. Melbourne band 28 Days heads the line-up, joined by former local trio Piffen Yonnies and Cause and Effect. This is the first Warrnambool gig for 28 Days, whose latest EP Kid Indestructable has received a heap of attention from Melbourne alter-native radio. The band combines an array of musical influences to create its sound, from hip-hop to punk and hardcore.
Live shows by 28 Days have also met with acclaim and the band has played support gigs with The Living End and Frenzal Rhomb as well as touring in Japan. The evening will also be a good chance to welcome home for the night the Piffen Yonnies, who have been enjoying success in Melbourne since making the big move there.
Warrnambool Standard 30th Sept. 1999 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 1999. All rights reserved
NEXT week is Ausmusic week, and the Warrnambool musical fraternity is planning to celebrate with several gigs around town. On Wednesday night, the Jazz Blues Restaurant will be rocking with Andy Shirtcliffe, Danny Grigg, Cherie Amor, Greg Logan and Jean Fenn on stage. Piffen Yonnies will return to the south-west on Thursday night for a gig at the Whaler’s Inn, with support from Stain.
Dogfish, Motorvators and Agenda 140 are all in the line-up at the Gallery Night-club on Thursday night. Throughout the week, 3WAY FM will play all-Australian tracks and interviews with district musicians in honor of Ausmusic week.
Piffen Yonnies
Gig honors Ausmusic
Warrnambool Standard 07 Oct.1999 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 1999. All rights reservedGet down to the Whaler’s Inn in Warrnambool tonight for what promises to be a great gig in honor of Ausmusic Week. Melbourne band 28 Days heads the line-up, joined by former local trio Piffen Yonnies and Cause and Effect. This is the first Warrnambool gig for 28 Days, whose latest EP Kid Indestructable has received a heap of attention from Melbourne alter-native radio. The band combines an array of musical influences to create its sound, from hip-hop to punk and hardcore.
Live shows by 28 Days have also met with acclaim and the band has played support gigs with The Living End and Frenzal Rhomb as well as touring in Japan. The evening will also be a good chance to welcome home for the night the Piffen Yonnies, who have been enjoying success in Melbourne since making the big move there.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Guitarist hits it big, first time
By Bradley Green. Warrnambool Standard 29th Oct. 2002 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2002 All rights reserved
Androids fan Jason Bull (of Wbool) gets in early for a copy of the band's top-selling debut CD from Sanity store manager Sharna Cunningham (Photo: Leanne Gourley)
A Warrnambool guitarist and his band The Androids are on the verge of national stardom following unprecedented demand for their debut single released yesterday.
The song, "Do It With Madonna", went on sale Australia-wide yesterday with the band's record company, Festival Mushroom, tipping sales of more than 100,000.
Festival Mushroom promotions manager Frank Varrasso believes the single will rocket into the national top 10 within a week.
"It's going to be massive," Mr Varrasso said. "We expect it to go platinum quite easily and I believe it will debut in the top 10 when the charts are released next Monday."
Warrnambool bass player Sam Grayson said he had been amazed by the amount of interest the song had generated.
He said the band, which also includes Tim Henwood, Marty Grech and Matt Tomlinson, would spend the week promoting the song, including playing a national television appearance tonight on Channel 10 program Rove Live.
"It's been huge," Sam said yesterday.
"When we had a gig last Friday night at the (Crown Casino) Mercury Lounge, the place was packed.
"I hear there's been a big pre-order of it (the single) already down at Capricorn Records in Warrnambool.
"We've been told it is the second most-added song to Australian radio ever behind Kylie Minogue's Can't Get You Out Of My Head, so that's unreal."
Capricorn Records manager Tim Rantall said sales of the single had gone very well since it went on sale in the Warrnambool outlet on Sunday.
Sanity Warrnambool manager Sharna Cunningham said she expected strong sales of the single.
"Heaps of people have been in asking for it and ordering it," Ms Cunningham said.
Mr Varrasso said since the song was first aired a fortnight ago it had become the fifth most-played tune on Australian radio.
"As a debut Australian act, I can't recall anyone coming out and making an impact like this with a song for a long, long time," he declared.
"To come out of the blocks like this is quite remarkable.
"There aren't too many young Australian bands who achieve such notoriety in such a short space of time."
Artichoke to disband
Artichoke to disband
Warrnambool Standard 8th January 1998 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 1998. All rights reserved.
HARDCORE group Project Artichoke of Warrnambool will hit ther road for a final stint of gigs before disbanding in February. The popular five-piece group formed in March last year, and Project Artichoke singeradopted stage names Warren Getts (vocals), Gaseous Clay (guitar), Seymour Butts (guitar), Rock 'n' Roll Minole (bass) and Major Tom Tom (drums), to keep their true identities a secret. 'Mum and Dad wouldn't like it if they knew I played in a band,' said vocalist, Warren Getts. During their brief career the band members have snared gigs at popular venues in Melbourne and Adelaide by playing their fast-paced, original songs as well as covers by bands including Minor Threat, Gang Green, Subversion and Beastie Boys. The group describe its style as 'light and sassy hardcore", citing 80s hardcore as their main influence as well as Melbourne hardcore bands, Beanflipper and Damaged and Boston groups Gang Green and Siege. "Our songs are about hatred based on things people can't help, censorship, conformity and rabbits" said guitarist Gaseous Glay. The group will travel to Adelaide and Melbourne over January and return for its final gig in Warrnambool on the first weekend of February at a venue still to be announced.
Warrnambool Standard 8th January 1998 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 1998. All rights reserved.
HARDCORE group Project Artichoke of Warrnambool will hit ther road for a final stint of gigs before disbanding in February. The popular five-piece group formed in March last year, and Project Artichoke singeradopted stage names Warren Getts (vocals), Gaseous Clay (guitar), Seymour Butts (guitar), Rock 'n' Roll Minole (bass) and Major Tom Tom (drums), to keep their true identities a secret. 'Mum and Dad wouldn't like it if they knew I played in a band,' said vocalist, Warren Getts. During their brief career the band members have snared gigs at popular venues in Melbourne and Adelaide by playing their fast-paced, original songs as well as covers by bands including Minor Threat, Gang Green, Subversion and Beastie Boys. The group describe its style as 'light and sassy hardcore", citing 80s hardcore as their main influence as well as Melbourne hardcore bands, Beanflipper and Damaged and Boston groups Gang Green and Siege. "Our songs are about hatred based on things people can't help, censorship, conformity and rabbits" said guitarist Gaseous Glay. The group will travel to Adelaide and Melbourne over January and return for its final gig in Warrnambool on the first weekend of February at a venue still to be announced.
Atom Splitters
Atom Splitters drummer Miles O'Flaherty
RIP Warrnambool country music star Kevin Durdin
Published in the Warrnambool Standard 2nd May 2017
WARRNAMBOOL country music icon and long-serving umpire Kevin Durdin passed away on Monday, aged 85.
Mr Durdin performed alongside his wife Joyce as The Durdins, enjoying a lengthy career in music that culminated in their induction into the Australian Country Music Hands of Fame at Tamworth in 2003, joining the likes of Slim Dusty, Smoky Dawson and Lee Kernaghan.
The Durdins married in 1951 and began their musical career a few years later. A BTV6 talent contest win helped spur their career on and the couple regularly traveled to Adelaide to appear on the Reg Lindsay Show.
They signed with influential country label Hadley Records in 1968, releasing a number of singles, including their biggest hit The Mini Skirt, which was co-written with Ken Smith. Based in Cobden at the time, their recording sessions were held in the cabaret room of the Epping Hotel in Melbourne’s north.
In the ‘70s they performed at Aboriginal missions across the Northern Territory and Western Australia, and also played in the US and New Zealand. They were still performing occasionally around the south-west.
Mr Durdin was also well known for his involvement and passion for local football, perhaps stemming from growing up in Footscray behind the Western Oval and playing junior football against Ted Whitten.
He played reserves in Cobden, and occasionally filled in as central umpire in the seniors.
After later moving to Warrnambool, he became involved with the Warrnambool and District Football Umpires Association (WDFUA), first as a central umpire until triple bypass surgery in 1994 restricted him to the goal square, before finishing his career as an interchange steward.
Mr Durdin had four children, 12 grand children, 17 great grandchildren, and in recent years welcomed two great great grandchildren.
Granddaughter Alana Kenzler said the family was fortunate they had been able to spend time with Mr Durdin recently at his daughter Rose’s 60th birthday party in Bundaberg.
Mr Durdin performed alongside his wife Joyce as The Durdins, enjoying a lengthy career in music that culminated in their induction into the Australian Country Music Hands of Fame at Tamworth in 2003, joining the likes of Slim Dusty, Smoky Dawson and Lee Kernaghan.
The Durdins married in 1951 and began their musical career a few years later. A BTV6 talent contest win helped spur their career on and the couple regularly traveled to Adelaide to appear on the Reg Lindsay Show.
They signed with influential country label Hadley Records in 1968, releasing a number of singles, including their biggest hit The Mini Skirt, which was co-written with Ken Smith. Based in Cobden at the time, their recording sessions were held in the cabaret room of the Epping Hotel in Melbourne’s north.
In the ‘70s they performed at Aboriginal missions across the Northern Territory and Western Australia, and also played in the US and New Zealand. They were still performing occasionally around the south-west.
Mr Durdin was also well known for his involvement and passion for local football, perhaps stemming from growing up in Footscray behind the Western Oval and playing junior football against Ted Whitten.
He played reserves in Cobden, and occasionally filled in as central umpire in the seniors.
After later moving to Warrnambool, he became involved with the Warrnambool and District Football Umpires Association (WDFUA), first as a central umpire until triple bypass surgery in 1994 restricted him to the goal square, before finishing his career as an interchange steward.
Mr Durdin had four children, 12 grand children, 17 great grandchildren, and in recent years welcomed two great great grandchildren.
Granddaughter Alana Kenzler said the family was fortunate they had been able to spend time with Mr Durdin recently at his daughter Rose’s 60th birthday party in Bundaberg.
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