BANDS FILE

Rip It Up, Issue 26, 1 September 1979, Page 12

BANDS FILE

The Steroids originally met in a short lived band called Vortex. A chance encounter at Dept of Labour led to three ex-Vortex members deciding to get together for a jam. This jam,

held in a condemned MOW building, was the birth of the Steroids. The band performs originals and covers, has opened for CB & Th’Dudes, are apparently working regularly around Wellington and plan to tour NZ arriving in Auckland in November. Lest we forget, Andrew and Robbie's fav NZ band is Toy Love, Alan’s fav is the Wonders and Andrew Dray played for two years in Wellington's pioneer new wave band, 52.

Founded in February 1978, Reel to Real worked for the rest of the year in the Wellington region, venturing to the South Island and Waihi’s Nambassa Festival in January. In April

’79 lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist left the band. In June, James Cameron (lead vocals, ex-Stiletto) and Peter Allison (keyboards) joined, and the new line-up successfully debuted at the Last Resort in July. The band recorded tvyo demos at Marmalade Studios in August, and they’re busy working out of Wellington in September, wandering as far north as Hamilton.

Formed in October 1978, Good Cookin’ includes ex-Redeye members John O'Connor

and Frits Stigter (Redeye's bassist). Usually resident at St George Hotel, the band enjoy playing rock, jazz and originals. They aim to record their own -album and “remain progressive”, "leaving 1950’s rock’n’roll to 'three chord’ freaks," says Pritchard. Members of the band are keen to see more learning opportunities develop in NZ, for musicians working in the pop, jazz and rock fields.

Founded in September 1978, and playing mostly covers they gigged at Chez Paree (Mind Shaft). Split up in December while two members overseas, reforming in March with

their third drummer. The band plays ninety percent originals and has recorded three songs in Radio NZ studios “Bananas”, “Suburbanite" and “Anorexia Nervosa”. The Normals are now in the process of establishing themselves in Auckland.

The Normals face the big issues the band? “Not to be normal." * Disco? “Very ’76”. *TV? “A good thing to get close to.” * Fluoride? "We use it (we’re hip).”

The band was formed in February/March ’79. Powles, Leighton Hunt and Charles (all from previous band) were joined by Alan Grantham (“songwriter-in-chief”) and Mike Tait (exWhite heat). Grantham’s songs were arranged for the band, new tunes were written and a

dozen • covers were added. In May Medusa entered and won 2ZM’s Battle of the Bands competition and won recording time in Radio NZ studios. They recorded 4 tracks, produced by Dennis O’Brien. Medusa have recently supported Dr. Feelgood and Citizen Band and played with Bon Marche and the Swingers in a 3ZM Christchurch Town Hall Concert. What about the big issues? Medusa have lots of aims, love NZ, hate disco, are trying to get to Auckland and they don’t have time to watch television.