TABBRON TRIO

Circa:1969
Home town: Bulawayo
Members:

• Alan Garrity - Vocals

• Jeff Tabbron -

• Eva Tabbron - later recorded as Eva Wells

(See also Alan Garrity under SOLOS)

TAKE FIVE (Added 09/05/06)

Circa:
Home town:
Members:

• Joe Le Roux

• Lappies Labuschagne - Rhythm guitar
• Nico Meyer - Bass
• Riddick ?? - Drums

TAKKIE (Added 09/05/06)

Circa:  1977

Participated in the Texan Rock Band Competition at Trade Fair Rhodesia in 1977.

TALISMAN 

Circa:
Home town:
Members:

• Greg Glover (formerly of Bloemfontein band, "Lilac Rose") - Lead vocals

• Rob Milne - Keyboards

• Frank Reynolds - Drums

• Clive Dellow - Bass

• Andy McGibbon (formerly of Bulawayo's "Short Circuit Guavas") - Guitar

• Tony Baldwin (also formerly of  "Lilac Rose") - Guitar & keyboards

Greg and Tony subsequently went on to form a band called G & T and performed on the Cape Town circuit.  Greg now resides in the United Kingdom whilst Tony remains in the Cape.  Frank Reynolds still lives in Zimbabwe.

TALL BOYS

Circa: 1965
Home town: Bulawayo
Members:

• Henry Ross - Drums

• Martin Patrick - Trumpet & vocals

• Dave Ronald - Lead guitar

• Adrian King - Guitar

• Jock Cameron - Bass

Jock Cameron (Bass) - Martin Patrick (Vocals) - Ronnie "Bungi" Robshaw (Drummer)

Adrian King and Jock Cameron went on to join the COLLECTION upon leaving the Tall Boys.

TELSTARS  

Circa: 1965
Home town:  Salisbury
Members:
The original line-up comprised:

• Gavin Godfrey Pretorius - Lead vocals

• Ian "Hubcap" Davis - Lead guitar & vocals

• Gary Crouch (also replaced Ernie Mindry on bass when Mindry departed the band) - Rhythm guitar & vocals

•  Ernie Mindry (1962 - 1965) - Bass & vocals

•  Seymour Smith - Drums

In due course, the following musicians replaced those who left the band:

• Bruce Edward replaced Seymour Smith on drums in 1967.

• Martin Taylor - Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist

• Ed Westergaard - Lead vocals

• Brian Colbert - Rhythm & vocals

• Steve "Lofty" Hughes - Vocals.  Steve replaced Ed Westergaard and his strong and dynamic rock voice increased the band's following.  Such were his vocal skills that he was able to perform a wider range of music thereby appealing to a wider audience.  Steve was with the band for about a year. 

• Alistair "Ali" Easton - vocals.  Steve Hughes was replaced by Ali Easton who took the band's ratings to even greater unprecedented highs, thanks to his vocal abilities.

• Dan Varkevisser - Rhythm guitar (1964 -1966)

THE TELSTARS

From left to right:  Bruce Edward, Brian Colbert, Ian Davis, Ed Westergaard & Gary Crouch 

The TELSTARS had some extremely exciting incidents in their early years, none more so than the occasion when, whilst playing at the Palace Theatre, Ian Davis took a severe shock from a microphone which had short-circuited.   Such was the force of the jolt that Ian ended up on his back, basically unconscious in front of a full house of fans who thought it was the greatest stage act they'd ever seen!  Thankfully, Ian was successfully resuscitated whilst the victim and helpers were drowned by appreciative cries from the audience:  "Hey, great trick, what a lekker big shower of sparks!!  How can we do it at home - stick a screwdriver in the wall socket?  Oh, Man, what a band!".  Could it be said that the TELSTARS were the first Rhodie band to use pyrotechnics as a part of their love stage act?  (Eat your heart out KISS!!).

The group played in most of Salisbury's popular venues, including the Catholic Centre, the Salisbury Sports Club and Harry Margolis Hall.  They were also not scared to venture further afield and did Easter appearances at Hot Springs, as well as a monthly contract at the Sinoia Caves Hotel.  Back home they did a six week stint at La Boheme whilst the resident band, the GENTLEMEN, were away.

The TELSTARS didn't fare that well, however, in their only appearance in the Texan Rock Band Contest where they didn't feature beyond the preliminary rounds.  They took consolation in the fact, however, that the ETONIANS won it that year blowing everyone away with their rendition of the Beatles' "Help!".  

The band made a couple of appearances on local television in Martin Locke's "Teentime" and "Stairway To The Stars".    They did, however, act as the backing band to a number of other performers, including ERIC DIVARIS and GAIL GOATCHER.  These appearances included a turn on the Mayor's Christmas Cheer Show in aid of the Forces.  Here, in 1968, they were able to share the spotlight with other luminaries like the DOMINOES and WREX TARR. 

The band's practice room was in Manica Road above the Flower Pot and close to the EXECUTIVES' rehearsal venue.  At that time the EXECUTIVES included BARNEY HELSDINGER and ERNIE MINDRY.  On one occasion the band put out the word that they would be practicing in the open-air courtyard on a particular Saturday lunchtime.  The response was huge and fans packed into the venue to enjoy the music and full bar facilities.  Two weeks later the Fire Department closed the sessions down pointing to the fact that 600 people in such a confined space definitely constituted a fire hazard!

The band members themselves would probably say that their Best Gig was a New Year's Eve bash at the Triangle Country Club.  There was a huge (for such a venue) turnout and the cheque the band received was a generous one, equating to about tuppence per second from 20:00 - 04:00.  As if this wasn't enough, the hat was still passed around to top up their princely earnings and the band felt that they were on the brink of retiring as extremely rich people!  Problem was, no more cheques of that size came their way!

The TELSTARS at the Caves Motel

Their "Biggest Flop" of a gig was, undoubtedly, staged in Bulawayo when the band were lured there by a gentleman who promised to "make them a fortune".  This individual put posters up all over the town, did radio ads and hired the large City Hall to "pack 'em in".  In due course the band set up for what they anticipated to be the Saturday gig of their lives and eagerly awaited for the throngs to pour into the hall.  Things started off slowly with only two attendees having presented themselves after an hour!  And it didn't get better.  The band duly found out that a top class act - someone like The PLEBS - were in town for the night and that's where the audience had gone!  Rather amazingly, the band didn't get paid for this gig!!

The band broke up in 1970.  Since then the following developments have occurred:

• Gary Crouch - Killed in action not long after leaving the band.

• Ed Westergaard - Turned professional in Durban and later died tragically.

• Ed Mindry - Presently living in England, having returned to SA from England in 1987.  In 1996 he returned to England but is no longer actively playing.

• Ian "Hubcap" Davis - Also moved to Durban.  Present whereabouts unknown.

• Brian Colbert - Believed to be in Gauteng.

• Lofty Hughes - Believed to be in the Umhlanga area.

• Ali Easton - Working and residing in the Pinetown area with his family.

• Bruce Edward - Continued to gig with various musos including DAVE "SQUEEGE" LEWIS and TONY HULLEY.  Today, he is working and residing in the Pinetown area.
  

TEN TONS OF JOY  

Circa:  1968 - 1969
Home town:  Salisbury
Members:

• Sam Halfon - Lead vocals

• Ray Codron - Lead guitar

• Ilan Zagoria - Guitar/flute & vocals

• Pete Calderpotts - Bass

• Kim Holland - Drums

The band was formed as a result of a mutual appreciation of blues which was fairly taboo in those days - particularly for a band that did Bar Mitvahs and birthdays for teenagers!  The band performed at various socials organised by the Betar Youth Movement (Harry Margolis Hall,  Youth Hall in the same complex).  They also did a few sessions at the Avondale Scout Hall and Alex Park sports club.  The band found that it was tough competing against the more established bands due to lack of funding and promotion/marketing resources.  Their material was heavily influenced by groups like Canned Heat, Chicken Shack, Blues Breakers and Muddy Waters.  They also experimented with some jazz/rock material with influences from artists such as Herbie Mann.

THATCH 

Circa:  1970
Home town:  Fort Victoria
Members:

• Jim Dawson - Guitar & vocals

• Paul ??? - Bass

• Penny Demitriou - Keyboards

• Graham Mondo - Drums

The band played frequently on the local scene, covering all the hits of the day.  The band dissolved largely through Jim's reluctance to continue to play pop music - he was searching for something a little heavier!  

(See also NOCTURNAL CREATURE, BESERK and ANVIL)

THE BROAKE (Updated 15/06/2009)

Circa:  Mid 70's
Home town:  Gwelo
Members:

• Steve "Lofty" Hughes - Vocals

• Jerry Parker - (Later replaced by Paul Stromsoe)

• Ryk De Kok - Lead guitar

• Pete Badenhorst - Bass

• Roger Cowling - drums (Later replaced by Joey De Kok)

ALL BROKE UP? 

The Broake in 1967 At The Bata Club On Valentine's Day

(From left to right: Pete Badenhorst, Lofty Hughes, Roger Cowling & Ryk De Kok)

The Broake emerged from what originally started out, in 1962, as The Strangers and was made up of members of the Rhodesian Air Force based at Thornhill in Gwelo.  Roger Cowling recalls his somewhat novel entry into the band occurring after he had been interrupted "playing knitting needles in his Thornhill billet!" by Pete Badenhorst.  Pete asked if he played drums and, when he replied that he did, he was invited to a practice and was immediately hired.  Roger had not had any formal training but had inherited a love of music from his Father, a double bass player who had performed for Reps and the Salisbury Orchestra, as well as undertaking various gigs in the surrounding districts.

The band's material relied, mainly, on covers with a sprinkling of original songs here and there.  Their circuit included Wings' Balls, passing out parade celebratory functions, lunchtime sessions at the Midlands hotel, gigs at the Hotel Vic in Fort Victoria, RISCO at Redcliff, the Salisbury Agricultural show's rock band contest (where they were placed a creditable 6th!), Rhodesia Television in Bulawayo and a number of appearances at various sports clubs and town halls.

Of the band members subsequent fortunes, Paul Stromsoe, sadly, passed away in England in recent years.  The other members remain on contact although they live in various countries.  Roger Cowling's son, Rob, is a director of Sheer Sound in Johannesburg.

See also the ESTABLISHMENT and the NEW ESTABLISHMENT.

THE NEW IMAGE

Circa:  1970
Home town:  Salisbury
Members:

• Dave "Squeege" Lewis (ex-ETONIANS) - Bass, harp & vocals

• Tony Hulley (ex-DIAMONDS) - Rhythm, trumpet & vocals

• Maurice Fresco (ex-DIAMONDS) - Drums

• Barney Heldsinger (ex-EXECUTIVES) - Guitar & vocals

• Johnny Kreuger (ex-DYNAMICS from Zambia) - Drums.  Replaced Maurice Fresco

• Phil Arioza (ex-HEXAGONS) - Vocals

• 3 female singers, all ex-HEXAGONS. (Anyone remember their names? - Ed.) Backing vocals. 

New Image were Rhodesia's first truly multi-racial group (at one stage with 4 caucasian and 4 coloured personnel).  They were arguably Rhodesia's first Supergroup with members made up from other successful bands (Diamonds, Etonians etc.).  New Image played regularly at the Elizabeth Hotel, "The Lighthouse" and "The Discotheque" (under the Rhodes Cinema).

THE NEW IMAGE

Back row, L-to-R:  Barney Heldsinger (Guitar & vocals), Tony Hulley (Rhythm guitar, trumpet & vocals), Johnny Kreuger (Drums)

Front pair, L-to-R:  Phil Arioza (Vocals) & Squeege (Bass, harp & vocals)

THE PROOF (Updated 07/12/08)
Circa:
Home town: Harare
Members:

• Nigel Dams - Vocals & guitar

• Mike Jansen - Vocals & guitar

• Jules Parsons - Bass

• Paul Smith - Drums

The band, originally billed as “99 Proof”, specialised in guitar-driven rock and played many gigs at the Hangar and Archipelago clubs. One particular memory is of an occasion when they set out to play a gig in Karoi in Jules' truck which was furnished with "typical Zimbo" tyres. That means that the grooves and so were not quite up to scratch. As a result, they found themselves stranded at the roadside with all their gear. This required a rescue mission to be sent from Karoi, incorporating a convoy of pick-up trucks. As a result they arrived at 9 pm, missing their planned 6 pm soundcheck by some hours. Passing their gear over the heads of party-goers, they got established and duly rocked the patient audience well into the night. Playing in front of thousands at the Rhinofest is also a special memory.
 

THEMME THYNGES (Updated 11/10/06)

Circa: Mid-60's
Home town: Salisbury
Members:

• Vic Hastings - Vocals & guitar

• Frank Dolaghan - Lead guitar & vocals

• Rusty Northcote - Bass & vocals

• Mark Robins - Drums

Additional members:

• Digby Baillie - Vocals & guitar.  (Replaced Dolaghan when he went on to form A VACANT LOT.

THEMME THYNGES
Rockin' the Texan Rock Band Contest!

From Left to Right:  Digby Baillie/Vic Hastings (guitar & vocals)/Rusty Northcote (bass) & Mark Robins (drums).

This was a high school band at Cranborne.  Vic Hastings had a remarkable voice, not dissimilar to that in quality and range of Tom Jones.  The band came second in both the 1967 and 1968  Texan Rock Band Competitions.  In 1967 they were beaten into second place by the EXECUTIVES and, in 1968, by the GENTLEMEN.  In both instances, despite only landing the silver medal, they picked up most of the individual awards and prizes that were on offer.  In 1967 Vic Hastings won the Best Vocalist , Rusty Northcote Best Bass, Digby Baillie Best Rhythm Guitarist and Mark Robbins, the Best Drummer accolades.  In 1968 Vic Hastings again won Best Vocalist, Digby Baillie Best Rhythm Guitar and Mark Robbins, Best Drums.  Pete Wright and John Hodgekinson of the GENTLEMEN claimed the accolades for Best Bass and Best Lead, respectively. 

In due course Vic and Rusty relocated to South Africa where they formed a band called THE FIRST ACQUAINTANCE whilst Mark Robins went on to join THE DRIFTERS.  Frank Dolaghan formed A VACANT LOT upon leaving THEMME THYNGES.  Digby Baillie joined the GENTLEMEN when brother Pete was transferred to Bulawayo.  Digby stayed with the GENTLEMEN until 1970 when he, too, relocated to South Africa where he joined an outfit called RUBBER STORM.  The line-up included Sid Meyer (ex-Johnny Collini and the Crew), as well as Earnie Mindry who had been with a number of successful bands.  The band did a six month stint in Cape Town and Johannesburg before returning to Salisbury to open a new section of the Golden Dragon Chinese restaurant.  At this stage the band's drummer was Graham Guthrie.  The venue thrived for some while before a change of management brought a change of atmosphere and this "good thing" came to an end.  Pete Baillie then returned to Salisbury and, in due course, MOTHER NATURE'S SUN was born.

THEMME THYNGES ROCKIN' TO SILVER! 

Venue:  Harry Margolis Hall 1967.

(Winning Ways: Pete Hastings and Digby Baillie cut a study in concentration)

(See also DRIFTERS/HOLY BLACK & DADDY LONG LEGS)

THEMME THINGS

Circa:
Home town:
Members:

• Dennis Scott - Rhythm guitar & vocals

• Billy Toone - Drums

3 G'S (Added 18/07/06)

Circa:
Home town:  Bulawayo
Members:

• Sandra Langberg

• Camilla Richardson

• George Lambert-Porter

• Rob Cushman

Shortly Rob Cushman joined this band they changed their name to the MOTETS.

THORNHILLIANS

Circa: 1974
Home town: Gwelo
Members:

• Murray Woodfield

• Mossie Hill

• Rainier Thiel

• David Boothroyd

The band were active before being disrupted by military call-ups. During their time together they played a Bata New Year Dance at the Fairmile Motel and at a club in Seventh Street, the name of which can no longer be recalled!

THROB

Circa: 1966
Home town:
Members:

• George ??? - Lead guitar

• Alan Vale - Bass

• Soxy ??? - Guitar/vocalist/brass (Was replaced by Bill Gemel in 1967)

• Bill Gemel - Lead/rythmn

• Ian Van Someran - Drums

TIDBURY PARISH COUNCIL 

Circa:
Home town: Salisbury
Members:

• Roger Bunting

TPC played regularly at the Harry Margolis Hall on Moffat Street as well as at a local Marlborough hall. 

TREND SETTERS

Circa: 1965
Home town: Bulawayo
Members:

• Trevor Fourie - Piano

• Steve Spiller - Guitar

• Chris Parker - Saxophone

• Graham Kerr - Drums

TRIBAL SUICIDE 

Circa:
Home town:
Members:

• Jeff Dix - Guitar

• Trevor Short - Bass

• Patrick van Rensburg - Drums