RUMOURS

Rip It Up, Issue 20, 1 March 1979, Page 4

RUMOURS

In Australia, New Zealand bands continue to make an impression. Mi-Sex as you can read elsewhere in this issue, have rapidly established themselves as one of Sydney’s top bands. Split Enz are reportedly doing extremely well on their Australian tour: they're playing to packed houses and both their new single, "I See Red”, and album, Frenzy, are picking up strong airplay there. Enz begin a lengthy NZ tour in late March.

Dragon, after returning to Australia from their American tour as support act for Johnny Winter, have lost lead singer Marc Hunter and replaced him with Richard Lee, Melbourne vocalist, guitarist and electric violinist. At this point it’s unknown whether Hunter’s departure is connected with Portrait Records’ apparent dissatisfaction with his performance on the American tour. It's reported that Hunter's behaviour at their Dallas gig caused a riot among the audience. The Scavengers, now known as Marching Girls, are now based in Melbourne and managed by NZers Wally Wilkinson and Dave Russell. Striking fear into Australian womanhood, they’re threatening to conquer the world but intend to start with Melbourne. Progress will be monitored here. Further afield, Red Alert are now based in San Francisco and report that they’ve now played all but the most prestigious of the inner city suburbs and are averaging three to four nights work a week. When the northern spring arrives, Red Alert intend to move further easy possible to Nashville, Boston or New Orleans.

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