| The
Correspondence page
|
| I've
been getting bugger-all interesting emails of late - most correspondence
has defaulted to the instant gratification of Facebook. However,
it seems a shame not to share what I've got over the years with
you, so now we have an official Correspondence page. I'll only
print the most complimentary, the most abusive, or the most
bizarre, (and the occasional lame one from somebody famous),
so knock yourselves out. Scroll down for some famous Xmas greetings,
raves on Spectrum records of all vintages and some nice things
on the website itself. (The most recent offerings are at the
top). |
|
| The
Guitar Horror page |
| There
was an item in Stop Press earlier in 2005 featuring
correspondence about one or two of my old guitars that have
since moved on or are deceased. It seems to be an ongoing saga,
so you guitar afficienados should make an effort to check out
the Guitar
Horror page. |
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| |
| |
| |
Wod
| Stuart
Beatty reminds me that I'm not the only one tottering towards
oblivion.. |
Hi
Mike.
Your newsletter inspired me to relate a couple of amusing (?)
tales.
Some months ago my rock ’n’ roll band, The Delmatics,
had a gig in, I think Barham. In the last 3 years we’ve
been getting lots of gigs in RSL clubs just over the Murray
in NSW. They’re huge clubs in towns with no people, so
they hold rock ’n’ roll weekends, and grey-haired
rockers come from all over the place, all dressed up, and dancing
fantastically!
Accomodation, good fun gigs, well paid, but lots of driving!
Anyway, upon arriving at the motel in Barham and unpacking the
car, I discovered that I’d forgotten my amp! I sort of
understand why. Local gigs, everything is in the same place
in the car every time. For an “away” gig I pack
a suitcase and esky. So the car looked full.
Panic. Fortunately our drummer was also in one of the other
bands, and they had arrived early, so I borrowed an amp. All
good.
Then a couple of weeks ago we had a gig in Coburg. An hour before
we were to start I turned my amp on and blew a fuse. Who knew
it had a fuse? No spares obviously.
Panic. Fortunately I remembered that a friend lived about 20
minutes away, so I hurtled off in the pouring rain, borrowed
his amp, and got back with 5 minutes to spare. Unfortunately,
due to the panic and the rain, I had lifted his amp into my
car badly and hurt my back. Still not better.
And now to the exciting finale of this.
Last weekend we had a gig in Deniliquin. I’ve learnt my
lesson. Spare fuses. Take a spare amp!
5 minutes out of Deniliquin I realise that I’ve forgotten….
my amp.
No panic, because I had brought the spare amp. Phew. But panic
a bit, because, fuck, I’m losing it! Ha ha!
To try to see a positive side, I guess this stuff keeps us on
our toes. On the other hand, my toes hurt if I stand too long,
so that’s not ideal.
All the best, and good to hear that Broc’s on the mend.
Cheers, from one old fart to another,
Stuart
Stuart
Beatty 29.1.20 |
|
| |
The
Suits are recognised from the floor at Alan Kemp's 70th
Mike
Rudd's Three-Piece Suit is available to play at your party.
Go to the Booking
page |
Mate,
thank you so much for a great afternoon. Even with the brief
precipitation event, and the uncooperative circuit breaker,
the sound was great as was the music. Jamaican Farewell an absolute
treat for me.
On behalf of myself and Heather my wife, thank you so much.
Ian Alexander
29.10.19 |
|
| |
A
meditation on Bill the Beautiful
A
timely reminder of the ways and wisdom of the Putt |
Hi
Mike
I hope time finds you well. I
was going through some photos and found this one. Bill on guitar
and a Mike Rudd singing outside the door of the Barking Dog
Geelong. This was on a sunday afternoon
around aug sept of 2011.I took
my thirteen year old daughter at the time to the gig. I told
here she was going to see two Australian legends.
Great memory’s for me.
I first saw you guys in 1980's at the commercial hotel Horsham.
I rang my brother who was in Melbourne and told him I saw this
amazing band. It was then he told he use to do your Lighting
at times back in the early 70's. His out fit was the Lemonade
Light Show. He used lots of projectors. He told me that you
were a sensational guitarist. He plays and thinks Angus young
is crap.
I moved to melbourne in 1981 as 19 year old and saw you guys
at the armidale hotel several times. Then in the last years
at the lime light Geelong.
At one of those gigs Bill came in late to do the next set and
you were a little annoyed at him for being late, you made some
comment about him being down at 7/11. :) The truth was he was
late as he was outside talking to me. He telling me about traveling
in Europe and having 20k worth of gear knocked off, His marshal
arts and the Massage therapy stuff he did. He also had great
admiration for you as you had some pretty harsh life advertises
dealt to you. He was a really nice person and was instrumental
for me becoming a vegetarian.
Some times we never get to hear about the nice things people
say about us. Anyway sorry
for the war and peace. I would like to say thank you to you
for the enjoyment your music has given me over he years.
Kind Regards
P.S When are you down
geelong, torquay way next?
John
Cross 6.8.19 |
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| |
What
are the odds?
Michael Holmes muses on the perception of perpetual
Rudd on the radio - in Qld.. |
Dear
Mike,
Firstly , thankyou for your wonderful and timeless contribution.
Secondly, i don’t write these sort of e mails.. a first.
Thirdly, the reason i am doing it. Driving home to Brisbane
from Noosa where we own a surf business today , we listened
to ‘I’ll be gone ‘ on 104.9 fm and as we were
nearing Brisbane the signal faded in the last verse and we changed
to 100.3 fm... and picked up the song from the first verse.
I don’t know if its possible to put odds on it being on
two completely different stations at the same time?!
Simply remarkable.I hope you are smiling that 45 years on in
a crowded world of music that Spectrum can achieve that extraordinary
feat. Keep on Rocking,
PS - But wait... there
is more. Precceding your iconic song on the sunshine coast station,
they played a song about a girl called Esmeraleda from a band
with an odd name who were clearly a a poor rip off of the great
Spectrum. I guess imitation is form of flattery and you shouldn’t
be too offended.....
The announcer also referenced seeing you play in Toowoomba a
few years ago.
I remember when i was young, i surely do( thanks Matt) .
With tongue in cheek my best regards
Michael
Holmes 30.5.19 |
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| |
1st
BASE at the German Club 2017
Chris
Osborne went to the 1st BASE show at the Adelaide Fringe. |
I
went along to your gig a few weeks back at the German Club.
Wow! What a great night! I loved it! You guys were tight, motivated,
enjoying yourselves and sounded great! My ears weren't ringing
afterwards but I heard every word! And we all had a great time.
I went along with my wife of 30 odd years who is from the USA.
She had never heard of Mike Rudd, Spectrum, Ariel, Murtceps
etc. and she thoroughly enjoyed it as well. .
Chris
Osborne 29.3.17 |
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| |
Stephen
Scott waxes lyrical after steamy SA gig..
The
heat was on during our recent SA tour with Matt Taylor's Chain |
It
was great to meet you, and to hear some of those songs again…especially
my personal Spectrum favourite, The Sideways Saga,
as well as the Murtceps tunes. Seeing you guys up their with
Matt and Chain was a highlight, and I know many in the audience
were equally delighted. Didn’t see any CD’s though.
Perhaps it was the heat…
I’ll put some video on Facebook for Warwick to see. He
may become a fan…
Sometimes I like to write silly rhymes…this one dedicated
to Spectrum, and all your fellow warriors of the 70’s
and beyond.
How many years it has been since we last heard those chords
In the heat and the crush of your worshiping hordes
In pubs and clubs, and under the great southern sun
Your tunes were our joy; with you we were one
Decades passed quickly, our time on the move
It just got too hard to remain in the groove
We made way for disco and glamorous kings
Giddy love anthems sung by pretty young things
We grew wise, we grew sensible, then we grew grey
But that majestic music aged not one single day
We place the needle on vinyl and relive the times
Discos and parties, dressed to the nines
We drift back to our past, when life was a blast
When your music was loud and the future was vast
We connected, we related, by your words unbound
From a world turning sour; it was more than just sound
It was binding and aligning with those of our kind
Through the gift of your talent they were easy to find
They stood next to me as you played on the stage
The sound of your songs now the sound of that age
And you still play on when our time is not long
Soon to be summonsed to sing the last song
As the reaper drags me kicking towards death’s morbid
doors
I hope you wont mind if I go singing yours…
Stephen
Scott (SA) 24.2.15 |
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| |
What
was that again..?
Nije shares
some thoughts on failing hearing.. |
Your
observation about hearing aids and devices is of great interest.
This is something that has become a point of discussion and
scrutiny in the High End Hi Fi industry. Many of us are involved
in the business of selling, playing with and listening to the
world’s finest state of the art audio componentry. It
is always worth $thousands and more frequently $tens and $hundreds
of thousands as we strive to recreate recorded music as perfectly
as possible.
Inevitably the greatest proportion of traditional audiophiles
willing to invest in this equipment are predominantly male and
of an age where they can remember when there was only one form
of cricket and were quite able to produce flowing running writing
using a pen with a knib and ink in an ink well accompanied by
blotting paper.
Blokes of our age who are, as you say, requesting that their
partners repeat everything 3 times.
One of the concerns of this group is the ability to listen to
$50k - $100k loudspeakers driven by magnificent $$20k - $50k
amplifiers through hearing aids that sound like shite.
Plenty of potential for future work to be done by our smart
young consumer electronics designers and technicians to make
the ultimate High End audiophile hearing aid
Former
Ariel drummer, Nigel Macara 16.1.15 |
|
| |
| The
answer to everything..
a response to the Quo Vadis P&W (May 2014)
|
Dear
Friend,
Firstly, there is no such thing as 'universal.' This is an archaic
term, once used to denote everything in the world. Monsewer
Gatezz would like to own or control, it, enough said.
Secondly, perhaps the correct term is "Cosmos" or
"Cosmic." Some erudite entities might consider the
term "Cosmologic or Cosmologically" or even worse
"Astro-."
Third, there be already a "Cosmic language," this
arrr me hearties is Beer or to use another term alcohol, arrr.
Fourth, it is a known constant, the most prevalent molecule
in "The Cosmos," is "Alcohol."
Fifth, If there was no beer their would be no civilisation,
no pyramids, no great wall, no relief from the media, who most
certainly arrr high on their own astro-gender, as it were.
Sixth, As an adjunct there might not even be any "Pink
Floyd."
Your humble servant,
The Mahatma
of the Cosmos. 20.5.14 |
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| back
to the top |
| A
painful commission from Laurie.. |
I
was intrigued by your recent recount of you visit to the proctologist.
(I love that word. Can you please put it in a new song ?.....what
would rhyme with that ?) Now I hope you asked him to use two
fingers. It doesn't hurt to get a second opinion !!! Oh wait.....maybe
in this case it would.
You know, never in my wildest dreams, would I have thought at
18, I would one day be listening to Mike Rudd discussing a rectal
examination. It just goes to show that life is best understood
back to front, but we have to live it front to back. Anyhow,
please keep us all informed about the state of your prostate
(pictures will help), and if you are at all interested, I can
let you know about mine, and the doctor with very short fingers.
Your Bum bling correspondent
Laurie Tunnicliffe
20.4.14 |
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| Rock
& Roll Scars passes the longevity test.. |
For the
1 millionth time I am listening to Rock and Roll Scars, and
I regard this as one of the great albums from a band, not only
Australian, but anywhere. The production and engineering are
absolutely fantastic. The music, unique, and wonderful. I worked
at EMI Studios in Sydney in the 70's, listened to this album,
always, and I am always amazed that this does not get the recognition
it deserves. I actually had the privilege of working some gigs
where you performed (sound mixing and general roadie work) and
the memory of Ariel is ever present. I did a bit of work for
Sherbet and thought Harvey was a legend, but it his work on
Rock and Roll Scars that shows how good he really was. Bill
Putt, such a beautiful bass player, and you, a great song writer,
with an amazing guitar style that is so unique, something that
all guitarists aspire to, uniqueness. I bump into Nigel Macara
every now and then and reminisce, "no you did not write
that song, but perhaps wish you had", although a bit MOR
for you, about the great days of Aussie rock in the 70's...
Anyway, just words of appreciation from a long time fan. I use
the drum sound at the beginning of "I'll be Gone"
to test speakers and amps, because it is such a great sound.
On day I would love to know how you came up with your chord
progressions.
Again, so unique, so you, and I try to work them out but can
never capture the same bite that you get. Thanks for your contribution
to Australian music.
David
Carey 10.4.14 |
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| |
| Glenn's
Disco Dilemma partially
resolved |
Hi
Mike,
We had another enjoyable night at the Vesbar on Saturday night
with you guys. As opposed to your first gig there this set was
much more blues oriented which was good. We had hoped to hear
Red Hot Momma and Heidy Ho (?) but with such
a large catalogue of tunes it must be nice to mix it up.
As promised, here are the photos I took of you and Ariel at
Dallas Brooks Hall back in 1977. I borrowed my dad’s Voigtlander
camera and snapped a few at the gig. I also have some of the
support band but I can’t recall who they were. I was surprised
that I actually found them as I thought they would be loose
in one of my many old photo packs. They had in fact been placed
‘properly’ in an album!
I always thought that they were taken at the farewell concert
bu#1E1E1Et in looking at the shots on the Aloha and
More From before LP’s this can’t be the
case. Perhaps it was during the Goodnight Fiona album
tour.
Anyway, hope you enjoy them. I wish they were a bit clearer
but for an amateur 15 year old using a ‘proper’
camera they’re probably not too bad.
All the best, hope to see you at the Vesbar again sometime in
the future.
Glenn
Lamb 13.1.14 |
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| The
Caravan Club with Ross Wilson |
Hi
Mike
Great show on Sunday. It was great to hear you out front of
Ross Wilson's band - the sound was fantastic as was the song
selection. The blues numbers featuring Ross Wilson were outstanding
- great to hear you exchanging guitar licks with Eric McCusker.
Thoroughly enjoyed hearing The Party Machine numbers played
live - hope you get another opportunity to do a similar show
with Ross in the future. Also admired your shoe selection -
I had been to Rivers during the week and just happened to be
wearing my red boat shoes! I'm sure if there were more men in
the world wearing red shoes the world would be a less confusing
and more harmonious place! All the best!
Andrew Smith
Krome Plated Yabby Show 99.3FM 3NRG Sunbury 6.11.13 |
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| back
to the top |
| A
former Lost Soul reminisces.. |
I
offer my condolences to you and Bill’s loved ones over
his recent untimely death.
I was genuinely shocked and upset when I heard the news…
all my old memories of him really came flooding back. A few
I would like to share with you I hope you will find interesting.
I met Bill in grade 5 at the Springvale primary school. For
some reason we clicked and became best friends… we did
all those things that 11 year olds do with their best mates..
riding bikes, playing footy (yes Bill did play a couple of game)
etc.
Somehow we decided it would be a good idea to learn to play
the guitar, so our families bought us a cheap acoustic guitar
each and we started lessons at the Victorian Banjo club in Oakleigh.
It was initially a struggle but we persevered and we got a few
chords under our belt. The VBC put on a talent quest so Bill
and I decided to enter as a duo. We learnt an old Johnny Horton
song, “The Mansion you stole”. We picked the one
because it was on the B side of the “North to Alaska”
45 that Bill had and it was slow enough that our chord changes
would not be too diabolical.
We actually won that talent quest and a couple of others with
that song.
I can proudly say that I was there for Bill’s first public
appearances.
We both went to the Noble Park Technical school and hung out
for a couple of years (still learning those ratty old guitars)
until Bill started his panel beating apprenticeship and I stayed
on at school. I lost track of him for a couple of years.
During this period we both were involved in bands unbeknown
to each other. We caught up one Saturday afternoon, when we
were both going to gigs. In those days everyone in a band had
a small cardboard sign in the back window of their cars. We
spotted each other and pulled over and had a conversation. He
was playing Bass in his band and I was playing the guitar, badly.
One thing led to another and Bill turned up to gig we had in
Clayton. He stood there and watched us for a while then disappeared.
I thought we must be bad.
The following Monday Bill appeared at my door insisting that
we needed a lead guitarist and that he was going to be it. You
could never argue with him and because none of us knew what
we were doing it sounded like a good idea.
So Bill, Robert Woff, Les Wilkins, Alan Gregory and I started
our journey as the “Lost Souls”. It was Bill that
provided the glue for this band.
We got better at it and started gigging regularly, won a Battle
of the Sounds, recorded our one and only 45. They were exciting
times and Bill grew musically throughout this period. It was
obvious to me (probably in hindsight) that he had the drive
and temperament to succeed.
Bill and I lasted through two iterations of the “Lost
Souls” until it came to an end around 1968. After that
you know the Bill Putt story better than anyone.
I caught up with Bill from time to time over the years, even
went to some of Spectrum’s shows. Whenever me met it was
just like old times the conversations were resumed. Bill had
that knack.
He was a gentleman, had a wicked sense of humour and became
a fine musician.
I will sorely miss him, even though I haven’t seen him
for a while. He will always be my friend.
Thank you for being there for him for the last 40 odd years.
Terry Paul 18.8.13 |
|
| |
| Georgican
farewell |
Dear
Rosemary, family and friends
I'm writing this from Georgica in the Northern Rivers in New
South Wales, and regret that I'm unable to be present to pay
my respects in person. I was privileged to know Bill in the
early 70s and even more lucky to play with him - albeit briefly-
in those heady days in Melbourne.
Just like Bill's musical soul mate and life long friend Mike,
I'm an extremely rusty Kiwi. But some things stick with you,
no matter how long it is since you've been 'home'.
In New Zealand, there is a wonderful and evocative Maori expression
called 'Mana'.
Mana refers to personal qualities such as honesty, integrity,
wisdom, fearlessness, strength of character, compassion and
power. Mana cannot be assumed: it is by comment assent that
individuals and the wider community agree that a person possesses
'mana' and confer this honour on him or her.
Bill had 'mana' in spades.
In my mind's eye I picture him now as a gentle Forest Giant
- which would be Eucalyptus grandis in botanical terms, I believe.
That seems apt.
I choose to believe that, as in life, Bill is towering over
us with a wry smile and a gleam in his eye. He is much loved,
hugely respected and will be sorely missed.
Go well, Bill Stephen Nelson
14.8.13
|
|
| |
| Bill
Putt -
Laurie speaks for a lot of us.. |
I
didn't get to speak at your funeral, or even attend. If I had,
this is what I would have said.
I was around 14 when my adult awakening, and
more importantly my musical awakening, happened. I had watched
"Herb Alpett"on TV when I was about 10 and started
learning the trumpet, ascending to the lofty heights of Victorian
junior trumpet champion (under 12 division) in the brass band
eistedfed, but when reaching adolescence, realised that "chicks
dig the bass player" more than they did the trumpet player.
So of course I switched to bass guitar.
It was around this time that Springvale town hall held a concert
for the local high schools featuring Spectrum/Murtceps. This
was a revelation for me. Probably the first time I saw live
music from what was the coolest band in the world. Bill, you
immediately became my hero, and Spectrum my obsession. I collected
all the albums, and started reading GoSet, and watching GTK.
I saved all my money from working in a petrol station after
school to buy a bass guitar and a Strauss valve bass amp advertised
in the Trading Post. Of course my gear HAD to look like yours
Bill, so I built a replica of the Strauss 2X15 JBL box you had,
and some cheap copy speakers. They HAD to have the silver dome
dust caps because yours looked SOOO cool. I would drag the amp
and speakers from my bedroom into the lounge room every afternoon
after school and put on a Spectrum album on my Fathers AWA stereogram
and I learnt to play all your bass lines.
As I got closer to 18 and pub age, I was able to see more of
Spectrum/Ariel and attended more gigs. I remember seeing the
"strange fantastic dream" Ariel, and I creamed my
musical jeans. Satin costumes, smoke machines, pyrotecnics and
stupendus music and lyrics. Bill, for me you where an Icon.
If god made the perfect human to wear a fender precision bass,
you would be the prototype. Nothing shouted bass player more
than you, wearing satin flares, a woodgrain 60's precision bass,
and a Strauss valve amp with 2X15 JBL's. I stood in front of
the mirror for hours with my bass, just trying to look like
this. To me this image of you IS art.
Of course Ariel 1.0 broke up and when I was reading the local
paper I came across an advert for bass guitar lessons by who
else but Bill Putt. Do you think I wasted any time booking in
for that !!! So Bill, for a short while we did cross paths,
and I was able meet my hero. You were living in Paxton st Caulfield
I think, with Mal Logan (from every band at the time) Shortly
after, I played you a demo tape of the garage band I was playing
with, that include Gavin Robinson who you worked with as a panel
beater in your early days. You "kind of" said we were
going nowhere, and put me onto a carlton band that needed a
bass player (Bleeding Hearts). So not only did you inspire me,
but you coached me, and help me find my first "real"
gig.
Of course as soon as I could afford a proper bass, I bought
a genuine fender precision, stripped the paint off, and stained
it wood grain. I have owned a number of basses, and all have
been stripped and stained...."just like yours" I spoke
to you not too long ago at the Mulgrave country club, were you
told me the story of your new, old wood grain precision bass.
The serial number was only a few digits away from the one you
played in Spectrum. That must be karma? To this day, I have
not recaptured the feeling of that first time seeing Spectrum
live, and seeing Bill Putt the perfect bass player. You have
affected my time on this planet and I wish you the best for
whats next for you. Laurie
Tunnicliffe - 12.8.13 |
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| |
| The
other, other Mike on Spectrum at the Burrinja Café |
Hi
Mike
Just to say it was a great show last night and I know everyone
really enjoyed it.
Playing with Bill for 45 years does shine through.
It was an interesting journey through some of Australia's music
history.
It was funny you talking about the wizard at Sunbury as I was
there and remember it so clearly.
I had never known the real reason they talked about the wizard
flying to New Zealand...now I know.
I've often thought that you and Bill must hold the record for
the most number of gigs played in Australia...do you think that's
true?
Look forward to catching up again soon
Mike
Swan (Low Rent) 27.7.13 |
|
| back
to the top |
| Woody
gets the CDs and relates a couple of pertinent stories |
Hi Mike,
Your
CD's arrived Thursday, thanks.
I have 2 stories for you if you don't mind.
My wife and I drove to Adelaide on Friday to attend our first
grandsons christening, an enjoyable trip as it turned out. At
07.00 on the Monash freeway I put Milesago disk 1 in
the player and turned it up. To my surprise I sang along with
every song, it was the same with disk 2! and it was fantastic.
My wife and I worked it out I have not listened to that album
for around 35 years ( the reason for that is another story).
This raises 2 interesting points the 1st being, I remembered
all the words and the riffs to all the songs, so this proves
I haven't killed off too many brain cells, and 2, how much your
music influenced me through out my musical career. R&R
Scars was the next to be played and I was suddenly 18 again,
I had to ask the wife to drive.
I can now see why I have liked and studied Pink Floyd for many
years.
When we arrived in Adelaide the kids took us to Rundle Mall
for dinner and we passes a record shop, so we dropped in. The
first thing I asked for was Warts up Your Nose and
to my surprise he pointed and said its very rare. I followed
his gaze and saw a originally packaged copy of the record. It
was $150.00, I didn't buy it, but I had a good look at it and
it looked in good condition, only one small blemish on side
1.
So all in all I had a very Spectrum day. I'm pleased I walked
past the Vesbar that cold and wet day and saw your poster..
Martin
'Woody' Woodward 8.6.13 |
|
| |
| An
appreciation of Mike & Bill's show at The Courthouse |
Hi
guys,
just want to say thankyou to you both, Mike and Bill for taking
the time to remember us country folk and coming down to play
at Auburn in the Clare Valley last night. It was a fabulous
performance and it seems you two just get better and better..
Hope you come back another time!!
Kindest regards
Rod and Judith Dawson.
(I actually wrote this as I sat listening to you guys that night!)
Auburn evening observations....
Timeless magic of the night
All else slips away
By miracle of blues and candlelight
Dawn of reborn day
Sounds rise enfolding wrapping holding
Ether composed of
Subtle mystery
Essence seeps from stirring strings
As Rudd and Putt find things
Not lost
But unknown to common man
Defining delicacies of the night
Revealing things unplanned
The heartbeat of this evening,
Living now
Once breathless,
Languid air now finding life
Stretching out
In sounds of beach and sand and peace
In gentle hands
Waves slap on strings
Holding back but
Even more,
Revealing things.
Judith
Dawson 25.4.13 |
|
| |
| Kieron
waxes lyrical re' St Andrews |
Hi
Mike,
I saw Spectrum at St. Andrew's this arvo. I'm the bloke with
short grey hair who said I had not seen Spectrum since the '70's
just before you set up your gear for the gig. I have to say
it was a blast!!!!! Anyway on the way home I was reflecting
on Spectrum 1970's and Spectrum 2013 and I came to the realisation
that today was the first time I was sober at one of your gigs.
Sure I'd heard of some of your recordings but the real deal
is in the flesh and it helps if yer not off ya face too.
So any attempt at a comparison is pointless. Suffice it to say
today was thoroughly enjoyable with a good mix of old, more
recent and the blues set. I particularly enjoyed your tribute
song to Max Merritt. Max and the Meteors were the first rock
group I ever saw live. I was about 12 y.o.They were playing
at the Melbourne Show in the late '60's and they became one
of my favourite Oz groups along with Thorpie and the Aztecs
and Spectrum.
Thanks to Spectrum for a memorable afternoon.
Kieron
Lynch 10.2.13 |
|
| |
| Nancy
drove a Wolseley too.. |
Just
noticed you had the Wolseley emblem on your home page. The first
car I drove was a 1958 Wolseley (one of my brother's lent it
to me when I first got my licence) lovely wooden dash and when
you went around a corner it felt like it was going to roll over.
I complained about this and it was taken away and it come back
all hotted up, better suspension, a Mazda motor under the bonnet,
mag wheels, and a very long plastic (?) radio antenna.
Nancy Robertson
28.11.12 |
|
| back
to the top |
| Terry
remembers a magic interlude |
Hi
Mike,
Just a note to say that I enjoy your ‘Pith and Wind’
column. Very much so. I always read it in full and it always
makes me smile, sometimes in a sad way. You have quite a way
with words.
A few months ago I turned 60 and I suddenly realized that life
is not going to roll on forever. I like the way you touch on
this notion in your column.
Anyway, I used to go to Sebastian’s every Friday and Saturday
night during 1970 and 1971. Typically I’d meet up with
friends at the nearby Inter (international) pub on the corner
nearby. You remember it? We’d sit around for a few hours
getting sloshed, then make out way up the gentle rise to the
front door of the club. If Spectrum (and later Murtceps) were
playing it was ‘must get in’ night. And if ‘Daddy
Cool were also on the same bill (and they frequently were) it
was a night not to be missed. Absolutely.
Usually we’d (a few male friends of mine always looking
for girls) make our way up those narrow, rickety stairs to the
top floor and try to find somewhere to sit and get a coffee.
Then after a while we’d go our separate ways and I’d
head back down to the music on the ground floor. I was always
more interested in the music than my mates.
I’d stand at the back watching Karvas Jute or Tamman Shud
or Healing Force for what seemed like an eternity. Then they’d
finish (at last) and the roadies would go to work. Man, those
guys were fit and fast. They’d have the stage cleared
in 10 minutes and be bringing in Spectrum’s gear in a
flash. Gaffer tape was liberally taped onto everything in sight,
and at last, Spectrum would suddenly appear on stage.
Some unknown and unseen party would turn the volume up several
notches and that Leslie speaker would start spinning. So would
my head. And the gig would commence and then I was truly in
rock heaven.
Long, tall Bill would mooch around in the background all arms
and walrus moustache, Mark Kennedy would attack the drums with
great touch and finesse (later Ray Arnott); the older looking
balding guy on the organ who’s name I’ve never quite
remembered (Lee?) would put his head down and go to work and
Rudd would stand proud and centre striking his sunburst Strat
with robot-like precision. The operatic vocals would fill the
room then the lead break would come and that Strat would pierce
my booze fug and penetrate my brain. Ecstasy. So loud. So beautiful.
I was mesmerized. It was my way to get high every weekend without
taking drugs (which I never have, incidentally).
I’d go home, usually alone, and usually in a taxi which
always seemed far quieter than normal cars; I’d hear the
whoosh of tyres on the tarmac but that Stratocaster would still
be buzzing in my brain.
I did this twice a week for two years and then it, one day,
suddenly, it was over.
Terry (Elwood)
27.11.12 |
|
| |
| Some
reflections from Batemans Bay |
Hey
Mike, Bill and Robbo,
Thanks for the welcome and thanks for a great night and I agree
it was a pity there was not a bigger audience to enjoy the fine
tunes of the evening, sadly with a bit more promo from the local
guy I feel it would have got a few more in. But hey I want to
stay positive as I personally was chuffed and just to get the
opportunity to be up close in a small room was just fantastic,not
to mention gettin a few piccys and a handshake. Having been
a fan since I was a teenager(now 55) I was just wishing that
my buddies of those days were there with me on the night as
they would have been just as stoked as me I'm sure.
We used to party on like we all did back then with adjusted
brains and no cares and put on " warts up ya nose"and
"testimonial"albums and jive along to songs like,"
be my honey" " homesick valium blues" and crack
up over, "excuse me just one minute", and " in
the bog", what a trip. Cant thank you enough for those
tunes back then. You can sure write em Mike .
Anyway fantastic memories and Im still a fan,its just great
to see you guys play. With mileage comes a polished performance,
I listened to a couple of young guys talking and they were commenting
on the musicianship I reckon they dug it too.This is the real
legacy of your influence on aussie music, Its great to see a
new young legion of fans enjoying real music unlike some of
the crap they serve up today,Crikey, there I go sounding again
and old goat again. Anyway thanks again and I am glad I made
it and I will make the next opportunity too. Keep on playin.
Tom Marsh
24.10.12 |
|
| |
| Andrew
Purdam at The Brassey |
Thank
you all for such a fun gig. I arrived late (trying to get stuff
finished before a NZ visit starting this Wednesday) so only
got the last two songs of the first set (I joined my brother
on the front centre table - I think we'll be in one or two of
your photos of the audience. He chatted to you about digitising
Terminal Buzz). I liked that "You play the guitar
like you make love" one (jiggling the whammy bar so much
conjures up interesting images!)
Was such a nostalgic trip to hear all the old tunes again in
the second set. I sang along to all of them (never knew the
"yeah yeah yeah yeah" in Jamaican Farewell was
so bloody high!), hope you didn't mind. I was sorry you didn't
do the whole Terminal Buzz spiel for Going Home,
but I guess that would blow the piece out another five minutes,
and it probably needs a more concert audience than a pub audience.
(Nice crowd by the way. Apart from the kids, I think I was the
youngest there!)
Nice to hear the bluesy set too. Was fun to see you go to town
on - agh! I've forgotten which song it was. Near the end. Some
very nice harp playing. I really like the sound of your lower
pitched ones.
Was listening to Sp Part One later that evening, and
wondered whether Fiddling Fool would be a fun addition
to the trio. There's that big Mark Kennedy build up that Robbo
could really go to town on. Of course, would benefit from having
keys.
Well, better get to work now.
Thanks again for visiting Canberra.
Andrew
(and my brother, Craig) Purdam 22.10.12 |
|
| |
| A
heart-warming gig review - from WA!
|
Hi
Mike, Bill and boys
Just have to drop you a quick note to say a HUGE thankyou for
a cracker of an afternoon of music (still bringing a nostalgic
tear to my eye a week later!!) at the quite special venue of
St. Andrews Hotel.
As a boy raised in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne my formative
and wayward years included Saturday night bludging a lift to
various venues(remember Piccadilly at Ringwood Town Hall) to
follow Spectrum/Murtceps and Ariel and up until recently, all
I had were distant memories of great times, the ability to play
8 chords quite poorly and original vinyls of the farewell "Terminal
Buzz" and Ariel "Aloha" to remind me of those
heady times (here come those tears again....sniff!)
Then by chance, we happened to see Mike on ''RocKwiz" playing
a solo "I'll be gone" and followed up with that outstanding
duet with the gorgeous Jess Cornelius !!
Well the pilot light of Spectrum memories was now a raging flame.
A few emails to and from Mike (thanks!), and a check of the
latest gig guide suggested that if you boys were not coming
to Perth, then we would come to you!!
Fast forward 6 weeks (and a 5 hour flight) and on Sunday 10th
June we sauntered into the bar at St Andrews Hotel (hiding my
copy of 'Terminal Buzz' that I desperately wanted signed - like
the nervous little groupie I was!!), ordered the appropriate
sustenance (fine,cold Melbourne beer and superb steak sandwich)
and perched ourselves very comfortably a few metres from the
stage. The crowd was a real mixture.We spoke to quite a few
as if old neighbours or schoolmates and shared a few ''did you
ever go to?" stories.
The venue was also a real treat. Couple of log fires, busy but
not packed, great view of the band from almost all points, sound
quality was very good I thought....and a dance floor!!
And the music!! I might check how old you guys really are!!
You started just after 3pm and were still going strong after
6pm with only one break!!
As the famous song goes "...there's always one more customer
to go... and where she gets the strength from, I don't know".....seems
appropriate!!
REALLY enjoyed the mixture of old and not so old. And did you
notice how many of us knew the words?? Plenty of nostalgia and
delivered so tight and so smooth that you make look so easy
and yet we all know that's 'cos you guys are soooooooooo damn
good. To get so many (relatively sober) people on the dance
floor at 5pm the afternoon....... you must be good!!
And then you finish us off with some old blues standards....and
then some Cream (including "Strange Brew") and Fleetwood
Mac.
Full dance floor, pub is jumping and very, very happy punters.
You still got it in spades!!
But wait there's more... you must have been pretty buggered
after the drive from Warracknabeal in the morning and the afternoon
show, and you STILL made the time to chat to us, sign my vinyl
and take a few photos!! Thank you so much. Great end to a wonderful
afternoon. And even if you don't come to Perth (you have our
address!!), we look forward to seeing you again soon wherever
we find you.
Enjoy your 4 weeks break, stay well and ......Yes..... you ARE
Indelible ....we know !!
Peter
de Groot and Marie Leggat 18.6.12 |
|
| back
to the top |
| Stuart
sends some feeeeeedback - and a dissenting view |
Well,
you said you liked feedback, so
SCREEEEEEEEEEEEE
Oh. Sorry.
What I meant to say was, enjoyed your pith and wind (hmmm, now
that I've said that, I'm not sure that I DO want to say it...).
Anyway, I've just started reading a book called "Guitar
Zero", which is by a cognitive psychologist called Gary
Marcus who, at the age of 40, decided that despite a life-long
lack of musical ability, he was DETERMINED to learn the guitar.
So of course he used himself as a guinea-pig and wrote a book
on the psychology of learning in general, and, more specifically,
learning a musical instrument later in life.
I find it fascinating (as obviously he did) that despite, in
my case, not hopeless, but nonetheless limited ability, some
of us just can't NOT play music. These days, possibly more than
ever, it's simply the most important and enjoyable thing in
my life.
I really do wish I'd had the balls in my teens to say "no,
I'm not going to give up playing guitar to concentrate on my
"studies" and go to fucking uni!" But I didn't.
And I lasted a year at uni, hating it. Spent most of my time
depressed, sleeping, playing guitar and going to see incredible
bands, such as Spectrum (heard of them? Might be before your
time), Daddy Cool, Max Merritt, etc. at the union nights. So
was uni useful? Nup (except to introduce a county kid to amazing
bands and foreign fillums). Am I still playing guitar? Yup.
Oops, got side-tracked there with pointless lost opportunity
regrets prompted by getting old(er).
The point of this email - what I actually wanted to say - was
that one of the reviews on the back cover of the book says,
in part, that the book "...reveals that the fountain of
youth very well may be made of wood and have six strings".
(Not sure where that leaves bass players...). Sounds good to
me. And believable.
So keep on rocking and rolling!
(Although that did briefly conjure up images of rocking- and
wheel-chairs)
It's doing you good. But you know that.
Cheers,
Stuart ps I LOVED Hugo. I thought it was a fabulous modern example
of the magic of film, which is what the film was about. Best
use of 3D I've seen (well, apart from Avatar). And just gorgeously,
sumptuously beautiful! I did think that Sacha Baron Cohen was
the weakest thing in the film. But I blame the director... I
don't really think that Martin Scorsese gets humour.
Stuart
Beatty 9.2.12 |
|
| |
| Some
feedback on Breathing Space As Well |
Hi
Mike
Just to let you know I've received the CD thank you.
Absolutely love it. I'm possibly going to wear it out before
November though, I've played it 4 times already this evening.
Good to hear Max, and about time Bill put his Jenwah to CD.
Keep up the good work and look forward to not only catching
you guys in November, but also the next Breathing Space.
Stephen Rees
11.10.11 |
|
Dear
Mike and Bill.,
Like all good trilogys (Star wars, Lord of the Rings, Revenge
of the Nerds) the third is the most anticipated and the best.
And in your case that is well true !.
What a great great album. The only negative is that its too
short.( But I will put the three onto my iphone as one album!!!!!!)
Sounds more spectrummy to my ears than the other two as well!
I will play it continuously unDedication for no
resulttil you release the fourth installment of
the trilogy.
Warm regards
Ken
Murdoch 22.9.11 |
|
Hi
Mike,
It's fabulous !
Four stars from me !
Seriously - it has a much more produced sound - with the added
instruments voices etc, but also in the sparse instrumental
sounds as well (you know I love a cool instrumental)
I have only heard it once (and a half spin) as yet.
I hope it goes well and wish you all the best with it.
Roger Pyke
14.9.11 |
|
Hi
Mike,
got the e.p.
Another job well done. Disparate output indeed. And why wouldn't
you? If you're not playing what you love why bother? What else
is there to do in life? Lots of sax these days. Great! I was
wondering what happened to the recorder and then comes along
a song with it or is it flute?
..Keep up the great work.
Larry Hoofs
9.9.11 |
|
Hi
Mike & Bill,
Just to let you know I love the new EP (ordered it straight
away!). It sounds great and has a great feel to it - I definitely
won't tire of it.
Jan M.
9.9.11 |
|
| |
| Some
thoughts on Spectrum at the Myeloma benefit
|
Hi
Mike and Bill.
I was at the Jim Keays Myeloma benefit last night (18th) at
the Hi Fi bar. I just wanted to say you guys were the clear
highlight of the evening, really a breath of fresh air. I did
enjoy Madder Lake, Daryl Braithwaite was inexcusable, Russell
Morris and Jim kind of massacred their songs. But you guys were
just exceptionally clean, simple, fresh and I have to say, blew
me away with how great the songs are. I do remember a few from
way back but haven't sought you out since then. More fool me,
the songs are just so good. I loved Second Coming and will be
ordering some CD's from you ASAP. I wish you'd played more.
I am 53 y.o. and have Myeloma myself. Treatment etc. has been
pretty awful at times but I have enough energy to get back into
playing some music myself (used to play in the 80's). My wife
plays drums and we have been playing 70's covers etc. at country
halls in Gippsland for a few years. So much fun and we don't
even have to be good ;-) Anyway, as a guitarist myself I really
enjoyed the way you played Mike, love your technique. OK I will
be hunting you down next time you play live near the Northern
Suburbs. I want more ! thanks again for making the night for
me, -
Peter Webb
- 19.8.11 |
|
| back
to the top |
| Tim
takes the kids to The Lomond |
Bill and
Mike - caught you at the Lomond Hotel last Saturday. An awesome
night of music. We were able to introduce our daughters and
their boyfriends to your work. You have another generation of
fans. Your skill, sound and integrity are much appreciated .
Tim
Tim White
- 16.8.11 |
|
| |
| Harvey |
dear
mike,
words r inadequate. i had the absolute joy of being just feet
away from two of the four guys i worshipped in the 70s when
u played semaphore in december. i was scared to go, cos i attended
dom polski as a kid when u said "the tide is coming in
and my feet are getting wet" before tony slavic went crazy
on keyboard.
as an adolescent, u, bill, harvey and john helped me through
those confusing early years; helped me understand; helped me
be. how could you still "have it"? Well, you are even
better. yeah, i was the idiot in the front row who knew all
the words..... but returning to the past,,, when i was a teenager,
i saved enough money to buy a stereo. i also bought rocknroll
scars.
you guys let me sing "not much fuck'n use" at the
top of my voice, in the name of art.
so then i bought all i could afford, backwards and forwards
from the ariel/spectrum discovery point, and agreed with the
question "mumma, did jesus wear makeup?" and was equally
challenged by the riddle of putting "my precious cat out
with a bucket full of sand", as the time seesaw did its
thing. i also didn't get why radio stations and so called music
lovers DIDNT get it; but it was, and is, what it is.
"i'll be gone" will be played at my funeral, with
john asking whether "does anyone want a count in?".
when i looked up at the tv on the weekend and saw the SHERBET
clip of HOWZAT.. i was initially excited, screaming "look
Harvey's on TV!!!!!!!" then they said he was dead. part
of me died. i named my first car after harvey. it was called
harvey. we carried our amps and guitars and pizza and shit in
that damned volkswagon, which snapped clutch cables and ran
out of fuel.
ignorant, idiot me didnt event know he was sick. i looked on
your website today and saw harvey's benefit gig pictures. this
disease sucks giant dogs' balls. i'm raving on, but you and
bill were such refreshingly good people at the semaphore gig
to a middle-aged tragic who's young son is still talking about
"how good was spectrum?" and he will always, i just
wanted to say. thanks and oh heavy hearts for a great musician.
we were actually listening to the abbey road album in the car
on the day harvey left us, without even knowing it.
harvey james was my favourite guitarist and always will be.
i cannot begin to imagine how much you and bill must be gutted
to the core. my heart and ariel soul goes out to u. to quote
a dear friend who died from leukemia last year, "that's
all".
Mark
Smith - 18.1.11 |
|
| |
| A
New Year's message from Addlebrain |
It
was most enjoyable having you at our place again and I had to
pinch myself mentally about the opportunity of having two blokes
over who have been a part of the scene for so many years - you
know.... rock stars!
I didn't think I'd have the chance to catch you playing and
was most pleasantly surprised when the leave pass was granted.
From the moment you started playing I was transported straight
back to my darkened bedroom where I would play along to your
vinyls over and over again and the reason for my initial interest
became patently obvious - it's the bloody music! (surprise surprise!)
The structure, rhythm, weird chords, storytelling, silliness,
solid delivery.......on and on!
All power to ya for writing the stuff, keeping up with the technology
(I particularly enjoyed the gig at the Bridgeway (when Tony
F was playing with the Heaters and you interviewed punters as
they came through the door with the camera equivilent of the
brick mobile phone and playing the tapes back during breaks
- brilliant), keeping your own marketing going, keeping on the
road, and keeping sane (I presume!).
Onya!
Geoff
Miller 1.1.11 |
|
| |
| The
scent of Sebastians recalled |
In
1970 I used to go to Sebastians every Friday and Saturday night.
I was 18 then. When Spectrum played it was always a good night.
The big white Ford Transit van would arrive and park right out
front and I knew we'd be in for a great night of EXTRA LOUD
music.
I remember sweaty bodies cramped in that tiny downstairs room
and the piercing sound of the hammond organ and strat guitar,
you couldn't hear yourself think. It was bliss to my drunken
brain.
What I remember most about Sebastians is the smell. A heady,
extoic mix of sweat, coffee, smoke, marihuana and petulia oil.
Man, those were the days, eh?
Terry
(Elwood) 23.7.10 |
|
| |
| The
Sunbury generation |
G'day
Mike,
I am glad that South Oz was a great success and I must thank
you for the "Some Good Advice" dedication to me at
Sunbury. It was very nice and much appreciated.
Since your email below I have dome a lot of navel gazing and
annoyed the shit out of friends, fire brigade members work bods
and a huge array of acquaintances including ambushing people
at the two funerals I attended with the last weeks. After your
comments about the formula not being right
for the Sunbury thing I must now add that this formula was only
maybe 70% of the issue. Price would have been a good slice of
the rest.
"Why pay $85 to sit in a paddock to see these bands?''.
You were right about this as well.
People like me that just are musically minded and like a vast
array of music and prepared to make sacrifices to ensure I get
my fill of the best music in the world which is our own local
home grown music, I have now learnt are increasingly rare.
Chain, Madder Lake Spectrum on the one bill too me is great
to miss. Many I canvassed (Harassed) just have the ' Oh yea,
I could just put the cd's on and were there' attitude.
One of the things I asked was whom would drag you out?. The
array of replies was Unbelievable. From The Stones to Led Zeppelin
to The Eagles. ( Billy Thorpe was a big one on the list. Doh!).
The big surprise also to me was the radio stations that these
punters listen to and what music they tune to...... Stuff me,
3AW!, nothing else?. A little Gold FM. maybe. (groan!)
I have now learnt that we baby boomers the upholders of the
right, economy, keeping our kids afloat and grandchildren now
have become lazy whinging T V sooks!.
I have travelled widely and appreciate the very high quality
of talent that we have here but when I asked about newer music
apart from 'golden oldies'
"No it is shit, won't last, No beat or words and poor quality".
Well, How good is that young bloke Jarrah Thompson at Sunbury?.
There in the "If its' to loud - your too old" club.
Even my dear wife now dislikes going out to a venue now unless
it is someone she really likes like Doug Parkinson. She is just
not interested anymore and so are her friends. " Just put
on the CD dear".
So I have had my rant and am at a loss for my withering age
group ( I did go to two funerals as mentioned). Loosing their
perspective of talent and gaining a certain loss of perspective
in their own lives on just how to have a good time.
My late Grandfather always said 'time is the most precious thing
you have, your here for a good time, not a long time'. The older
I get at 57 years I can see he was certainly right. Pity about
the rest of our age group.
Any how I hope this all makes sense.
Regards,.
Mick
Newman 28.4.10 |
|
| back
to the top |
Some
interesting feedback from northern Italy
I got
an order for A Strange Fantastic Dream from Euro Isersi and
asked how he'd come across Ariel |
I'm
a collector of psych-prog-hard and heavy music of the 70's with
particular regard to Vertigo and Harvest label stuff.Since the
Ariel was issued originally on Harvest I was curious to know
what it sounded like and searched for infos online.When it came
out that Ariel was an aussie rockband I told myself "I'm
gonna get it".I really freak out for downunder rock! With
the engine search I came across your nice site and the game
was made! .Here in this part of northern Italy there are many
freaks about KAHVAS JUTE, BLACKFEATHER, BAKERY, BAND OF LIGHT
and others (not to mention the huge RADIO BIRDMAN and related
side projects, with fan clubs and fanzines).Got the picture?
..and then later..
By the way I saw on the "Dreams,fantasies and nightmares"
book of Vernon Joynson that you were the guitarist (along with
the great Tim Gaze) and vocals of Ariel, so is a pleasure for
me to be in touch with you."Il giardino dei Finzi Contini",
I remember that movie of italian master Luchino Visconti, and
you all made a nice choice for a song title.If you have two
minutes I would like to make you know that, in the small town
of Chiuduno from the mid-80's till 2000 there was a strong core
of aussie rock die hard fans,with a monthly fanzine (mainly
focused on 80's bands) named "ROLLIN' DOWN FROM AYERS ROCK".Those
people were so loud (I was one of them) that the australian
bands on tour in Italy at those times (Celibate Rifles, Lime
Spiders, Hoodoo Gurus, Lipstick Killers, New Christs, Screaming
Tribesmen, Howling Commandos etc.), becoming aware of such a
scene, all came to play in the small clubs around here.After
those crazy days the fanclub called it a day, but the love for
aussie rock never faded. And never will...
......and right now I saw, on the booklets of Spectrum-Part
one and Milesago that you both were the driving force of this
great band. I'm absolutely astonished!
Euro
Isersi - Bergamo Italy 10-13.3.10 |
|
| |
| An
Ariel fan says thanks - from France.. |
Hi
Mike,
It is a real pleasure a privilege for me to receive a message
from one of my heroes. I cherish since a long time the Spectrum
records you created and I have tried for years to find the Ariel
ones - impossible to get them in France or Europe in general,
even in the record Collectors conventions. Therefore, I was
even happier to see that I can purchase them from the artist
directly and avoid paying bootleggers or persons who will never
return a part of the money to the real creators of the music.
I know very vell the stylistic difference between the Spectrum
and the Ariel sound but one of my friends who lived for a while
in Australia made me listen the vinyls and I loved them too.
I am delighted to have my own official CD copies now. If I'm
not wrong, there are also other Ariel records which are still
not available in CD format; if so, you maight find a remedy
to this.
Thank you for your message and lots of luck,
Keep the fire burning.
Mihail -
Gentilly France 8.2.10 |
|
| |
| We've
still got it.. |
Hi
Mike/Bill,
Thank you for a wonderful, intimate evening at Minya. I was
a Spectrum virgin, so to speak, as I had not seen you play live
prior to that night, even though “I’ll Be Gone”
is an all time favorite of mine.
Had it not been for my gorgeous brother and sister-in-law presenting
my partner and I with tickets as a Christmas gift, I would not
have known that you playing down this way.
Hopefully it won’t be the last.
Again thank you……just brilliant
Kind regards
Sandy Wemyss
28.1.10 |
|
| |
| Identity
theft? |
Hi
Mike/bill.
I've been browsing the interweb thingy and discovered midoztouch.com
that has mp3 of 70's rock. Now a bit of background......as Ive
mentioned to you before, everyone knows that music reached its
zenith by the end of the 70's and I stopped listening (married
with children) about that time (rock and roll scars was when
I tuned out). Well I discovered and downloaded a band called
"mike rudd and the heaters The unrealist". Now Mike
I hope you are sitting down because I have to tell you that
these guys are using your name to sell themselves. I hope you
download this and contact your "people" immediately
because its a disgrace that this 80's electro-pop group is trading
on your name. This group obviously set the drum machine to 120
beats per minute and recorded one long song with all the typical
synth/keyboard sounds/lines, and carved it up into 12 tracks.
This so called Mike Rudd could only muster "I want a head
job" as a hook and I know that could not possibly be you
since you have a wit far exceeding this. And I know it cant
be Bill on bass as all I could here is those chromatic runs
using octaves like Ive heard in so many disco tunes. If I were
you mike I would contact your lawyers straight away and see
if you can get this "feckless gorm" mascarading as
you off this website before people think its actually you. I
can only imagine that these guys listened to some record company
executive who told them to "move with the times",
"disco the new thing", "get the punters dancing","Ill
make you big stars". I know the real Mike Rudd makes real
music with light and shade, humour/wit, mood and intelligence
so Im convinced this cannot possibly be you. I dont think I
heard a guitar on this impostors record so it cant be you. Anyway
I hope Ive alerted you to this travasty of justice and you can
take the appropriate action. see you at a gig sometime.
Laurie Tunnicliffe
15.8.09 |
|
vback
to the top |
| Why
don't we do it in the road? |
Hi
Mike and Bill,
Do not take the above literally, unless you really want to (but
you'll be on your own). Now after such a tasteful start, I would
like to continue with some Beatles thoughts and observations
- you're a man after my own heart Mr. Rudd!
Without trying to sound a bit on the you-know-what side, one
of the earliest concerts I remember going to was in fact The
Beatles at the old Centennial Hall in Adelaide. As my father
was the manager of Radio 5AD, we obviously went to many, many
shows plus he knew Ken Brodziak fairly well, so the rest is
history!
That concert, if I remember correctly, was on a Friday and we
later went down to the airport on the Sunday to see the Fab
Four off, my father doing a live cross etc. George Harrison
actually took a photo of a few of us and, after getting some
details, finally sent a copy some months later (alas, I know
not where mine is...). And as fate would have it, I formally
met George some 20 years later at the Adelaide F1 Grand Prix:
I was working for Shell and lived with the McLaren Team for
some 5 days each year, with George being their special touring
guest. He was a lovely man, wonderfully dry sense of humour
and on several occasions we sat down for a 4 hour lunch mainly
talking about music ( he surely hadn't always been dealt the
best hand by messrs. Lennon & McCartney - however, when
you listen to his "All Things Must Pass" album, the
picture becomes much clearer).
And just to really make it a family affair, my mother actually
spent an afternoon at Apple records in Saville Row while the
"Let It Be" film was still in the can. She was given
a private showing by the cameramen plus Michael Lindsay-Hogg
in Apple's theatrette, 'ran' into George H. in the lift and
came back with a dozen or so Beatles and all the solo albums
released at that time - you can imagine how thrilled I was!
So, that's little bit of inside information about my family's
'association' with the Beatles with the conclusion being that
all of my adult children have the whole Beatles catalogue on
their iPods (as do Adrienne and I). If I ever get on to Rockwiz,
you now know what my favourite topic would be! (By the way,
I do realise that you guys recorded at Abbey Road and that is
a BIG achievement!)
...See you whenever and glad the EP is heading to a second pressing
- see, you're never too old!
Richard Moore 22.8.09 |
|
|
| The
Beatles rule! |
Hi
Mike.
Read your Beatles article, which I enjoyed. The Beatles got
me into music at 13, and kept me enthralled all through my teens,
as they continually changed and progressed in huge leaps and
bounds, which wasn't the norm for pop bands.
Then spent many years not listening to them - bit sick of it
- but recently have listened to all the albums again on my iPod,
and thoroughly enjoyed them.
By the way, U2 played Beatles over the PA before the show when
I saw them, and it worked really well. I can't really remember,
but I'd guess it was the earlier poppy stuff. Had a great energy.
And Oasis' latest album is slathered in blatant Beatles influences
(as, apparently, all their stuff is). I love it.
Stuart
Beatty 20.8.09 |
|
|
| Breathing
Space thirty years too late? |
G'day
Mike,
I just read your P & W from your site and I think Matt Croke
himself is thirty years still wet behind the ears!. As you know
I dearly love your music and I have always been a fan and I
have a deep passion for good music particularly live.
Since our last meeting almost a month ago I have seen Joe Camilary,
Lucinda Williams, Russel Morris, The Who, last tuesday night
was a guest at the Ultimate Tribute show at the Palm Room Crown
casino, and this arvo Phil Manning. I got drowned on the way
home!
The amount of young faces that are right into the Who last week
and in 2004 is simply amazing. Like Spectrum, they take a lot
of care to present to the punters a very polished professional
sound not nessesarily as per the recordings either as like you
have learnt to diversify arrangements. I even remember telling
you once after a gig at the TF Much ball room that your sound
was out that night. You did not give a shit!. I do remember
your grumpy attitude at times. (maybee it was related to you
fuzzy beard!).
Spectrum and a number of bands could come up with a string of
potential No 1 hits next week and as you know would hardly get
airplay. I think this situation will change as the hard core
buying public (not the kidds that get free stuff that is gone
forever within 30 days), are slowly having an influence on radio
and cd sales. Getting back to Matts coments, If it is anything
like Breathing Space it will be as fresh and exciting to hear
like "living on a Volcano" which I think was way ahead
of time. It is a fickle market as you say but people remember
the good stuff and the trashy stuff will be well gone into oblivion
in thirty years.
I would think the Ep would be better called "More Breathing
Space".
Sorry for the rant, but I see a little envy there somewhere.
I look forward to catching up and I also have pulled out my
'" The Unrealist" album for you to sign if you would
not mind. Yep you still had fuzz on your face!!!.
Regards,.Mick N.
P. S. I wonder what Ed Nimmer will think about the new Ep??.
Mick Newman 4.4.09 |
|
|
| Japanese
feedback for The Studio gig of the year |
Dear
Mike and Spectrum,
Hope you had a great Christmas! Just received a letter from
our Japanese exchange student, Momoko who we took to your concert
at The Studio , Geelong. She writes
'' Dear Miller Family, I really had a good time with you. Above
all, I was so moved when you took us to Live concert. I have
never listened to such beautiful music before''
So, we knew she enjoyed herself , but obviously you were the
highlight of her trip above Sydney Harbour , Melbourne Zoo etc
etc. Have you ever performed in Japan? They seem to be crazy
for the 70's. Our previous student was mad on Jimmy Cliff (Reggae)
So there you are. Have a great New Year and hope to catch your
concerts in 2009
Judy & Andrew Miller 29.12.08 |
|
|
| Dedication
for no result |
Dear
Mike,
I was so disappointed and very sad that I was unable to get
to your gig on Saturday night at the Lomond Hotel. See, I went
to see the marvellous MSO at Hamer Hall with my girlfriend,
and thoroughly enjoyed it. This concert finished at 10pm, so
I thought we would zip up to East Brunswick and see the remainder
of your performance, which would've been the perfect cap to
an excellent day. Unsure of the address we rang my girlfriend's
mum to look it up, which was all very well and we got on the
96 tram up Nicholson St with our faces pressed to the black
windows counting up to 225. We overshot it and got off at about
415, then walked back down to find the right place. I was brimming
with excitement as we approached 231, 229, 227, 225 oh shit
where's the hotel! Number 225 Nicholson St was a house!! I thought
the address must be wrong, so we called my girlfriend's mum
again to doublecheck with the same result. Frustrated and upset
we walked up and down the street aimlessly, until we jumped
on the next tram back to the city. I had to console myself with
iPod Spectrum.
Investigations the following day showed me that indeed the address
was correct, but some smart bottomed person had cleverly numbered
the lots in Nicholson St up to about 900 and then started again
back at 1 when the suburb changed from Fitzroy to Brunswick
East!! We had stupidly assumed that numbers along the same road
remain consistent between suburbs, maybe something to do with
past experience. We also hadn't realised that we were indeed
in Fitzroy and not Brunswick East, I can't tell the difference
and thought it would've been irrelevant anyway. Either way I
was sorely disappointed at our seeming incompetence and the
fact that I've only been able to get to one of your lauded gigs
(empty Royal Park Hotel), and I haven't got my girlfriend along
to any, and it was the last one for the year that you have listed
that we would be able to get to. Next year will be a much more
effortful Spectrum-gig-going time for me I think.
I hope you enjoyed the show as much as we weren't able to.
I'm sorry for writing you such a long uninterestingly verbose
email, but I feel obliged to perform tautologous acts and take
up your time. After all, that's what fans are for!
Sincerely in fanity
Craig
Mattingley 13.12.08 |
|
back
to the top |
| Global
Spectrum - A Spanish Milesago fan tells his story |
Hi
there,
Thanks again for the reply, it's a privilege. I´ll wait
for the albums to come, though I´m so anxious to listen
the restored material. "Warts" in particular is one
of the highest favourites of mine. And when "Milesago"
and the others arrive, I´ll let you my feedback, if that
helps a little. All this is very exciting to me: the great,
timeless Spectrum/Murtceps personally at the other end of the
line! I just can't beleive it.
Finally: no, I´ve never been in Australia. But I've been
a r'n'r freak since my childhood. In 1973, I spent a couple
of months in Cambridge, England, learning english. There I met
a hippie in his twenties, another music lover, who showed me
the likes of completely unknow bands in Spain, like Curved Air,
Skin Alley...and an Aussie prog-psych outfit that was his primal
atraction by then, with an album just released called "Milesago".
I got relly impressed, and he recorded for me a C-60 tape that
didn´t take the whole album. I listened to that till it
got literally demolished. I wonder now what that guy thought
of a skinny, beardless, spectacled 14 year bloke that showed
him the Grateful Dead for the first time and came from the land
of the bullfights and the paella...
In the 80's the search of the original albums came -they never
were released in Europe, except some in England I think, let
alone Spain-, which proved to be a cumbersome task, years before
the internet. And some of them cost me a little fortune. But
all of it was worth the effort.
Sorry about this long chat, I just let myself go . We´ll
talk soon again. And I want to get into the Ariel stuff, which
I don't know.
Thanks to you and Bill for keeping the flame burning!
All the best
Francisco
Escolano (Madrid) 14.10.08 |
|
|
| Morning
of the Earth -
a couple of reactions |
G'day
Mike,
I want to let you know how much i enjoyed the Morning of
the Earth gig. It's been 3 days since i was there now and
i think i've managed (in my mind) to edit this email down from
what was probably going to be about 10 pages of gushing adoration
of yours and the rest of the musicians performances that night.
Friday night at the Palais was one of the most moving experiences
of my life. Being in my late 40's now i often feel like i'm
fast heading for 'over the hill'. Friday night had me re-experiencing
some of the best days of my life in a very real way, i genuinely
felt (and still do to some extent) like i did back in the 70's
and i must say it's been quite an emotional time since then.
The mixture of feeling oldish but young at the same time is
strange in a way. Feeling 16 but knowing i'm 47 and that i can
never be 16 again feels sad but at the same time anything that
can make me feel 16 again must be good and is like gold to me.
This is all due to the quality of the concert. EVERYTHING about
it was exceptional. Every note was perfect, i was mesmerized
from start to finish.
Your vocals fitted in so well it was as if you were in the original
recordings and Lior and Old Man River seemed to understand the
feeling of it all even though (i imagine) they weren't even
born when it was originally made, and their performances (like
yours) also conveyed a passion for what they were singing.
On Saturday morning a couple of the surf report websites mentioned
the gig in their surf reports and the good turnout and high
quality of the night. Everyone i've spoked to who was there
was equally impressed. You guys have certainly set the surfing
world abuzz.
I was wondering how it would turn out with so few of the original
artists there but the quality of Australian composing and performance
shone through again. It is at least the equal of anything from
around the world.
Thank you Mike for one of the best nights of my 'old' life.
I'd like to send this to each person who performed but i guess
you'll be able to pass on the general message.
Karl Thielmann 6.10.08 |
|
Good Morning
Mike !!!
Congratulations !! What a fucking Show and What a Fine performance
from YOU ……………I’ll bet your
cock was that hard you could’ve cracked fleas on it after
the Show…………..Sarah and I were in the
third row……We caught up with lots of old faces……….The
love and respect between you and Geeeee Wayne singing together
at the end was….. Mwaaaa Magnificent…….This
show certainly made up for the ONE song at Long Way To the
Top………….Mate you were like the
cat that ate a shitload of Cream……….When you
walked off stage each time after you performed a song ……….Head
down ……..Beaming with Pride ………..Sarah
and I just looked at each other ……….It brought
a tear to the eye……………..And Congratulations
on the Hawks for kicking the crap out of the “Fat Head
Cats”…………One flag is enough for
them, for now
Stephen Ramsay
6.10.08 |
|
|
| Cobblers
-
this P&W was made to last.. |
Hey
Mike,
Advice from a former shoe repairer, get
Topy soles put on your leather soled footwear. Protects the
leather sole, much better wearing, better grip, and none of
the disadvantages of "plates", tips we used to call
'em in the trade. Might be wise to get a price first though,
gotta weigh up cost versus benefit. You're right about shoe
repairing being a dying trade, that's one of the reasons I'm
no longer in the trade.
Reg Loe 24.7.08 |
|
..Read
the latest P&W. A cobbler has enabled my famous Blue Suede
Shoes to last 20 years. I had him cover the original soles with
something more long wearing - not that I wear them everyday!!
My grandfather made shoes that were like diving boots - very
heavy soles, built to last, but not exactly foot friendly. Ah!
They don't make 'em like they used to!
Ray Hogan
17.7.08 |
|
|
| Life
on other planets - Mike cops it suite.. |
Mike.
re: probability of other planets.Let X be the probability of
other life. Let y be the estimate of the number of other planets.
Then X*Y is the actual number of other planets. Now even if
Y is very large, say approaching infinity, if X is very very
small then there is likely no life. Now if we integrate the
equation and do a double derivative setting the result to zero
and add the einstein cosmological constant, as long as we allow
for the hysenberg uncertanty modifier then the resultant equation
PROVES that if there was other life, that they would be in a
parallel universe with 11 dimensions.......I think you can see
where im heading with this and by now you will have jumped ahead
to include the angular momentum of the universe as a whole to
the resultant poly-othorgonal function.
Athiest ???? "There are no Athiests in fox holes"
Regards
Laurie.
P.S. Why are all the people in the photo pages so old ???
Laurie
Tunnicliffe 8.3.08 |
|
back
to the top |
| From
the audience at The Soundgarden |
Dear
Mike and the boys,.
As always your performance was very enjoyable even though it
was rather rowdy from people towards the rear of the venue.
I have never been there before even though I only live 15 mins
away. I have been a 'fan' of Spectrum / Murtceps from the beginning
and I live your unique music ability's. During your first break
I was talking to a 20 year old that came as his old man had
told him what a great band Spectrum is and he came to see. He
seemed disappointed as he did not know any of the tunes. I have
seen him at the Willy RSL before. I told him just to relax and
listen to the music and don't have a pre conceived thought about
the band.
I told him in the early days in the festival eara that you guys
would be on stage for an hour and a half and only play three
numbers. he was amazed, so I convinced him to get down to basement
discs and grab some of the earlier cd's.
Anyhow thank you for the email and I really enjoyed the show
including some "out of tightness" parts which was
a good larf and enjoyable. I look forward to the new cd as well.
Mick
Newman 4.3.08 |
|
|
| Bill's
bass guitar story resonates.. |
Hi
Bill and Mike,
Great to catch up and read the latest on your site.
I just had to write and say how great it is to see that Bill
and Paul caught up after so many years and re united Bill with
the old P Bass. I sold it to Paul way, way back and its great
to see that its looking like it should once more.(see story
in Guitar
Horror)
I wish I had been at the Manhatten to see Bill playing the old
girl again....maybe next time.
Take care guys
Gary
Newman 22.12.07 |
|
|
| Sam
McNally has some things to say about
Spectrum -
from China |
My
Spectrum experience. As
a young man and semi-professional musician in 1971, I had a
short-list of fave and “most influenced by” bands
and artists of the day. There were the giants like Purple, Tull,
Zeppelin, the Allmans and a few others, but on home turf in
Melbourne, Spectrum reigned supreme in my mind as the penultimate
Australian group.
With Spectrum, it was about the mood of the music, the way that
4 players played together like one great machine, the perfection
of the arrangements, the slightly haunting melancholy of Mike
Rudd’s voice and songs. A certain simplicity. But, depth
and subtlety as well. At one time I remember, whilst still being
at school, having managed to see Spectrum 13 times in a year.
I knew Spectrum better than any other group. I totally ‘got’
what they were on about.
The shock departure of organist/pianist Lee Neale created a
vacancy in the keyboard chair. I was brave enough to put my
hand up for the audition process and I remember arriving home
one day to see “Mike Rudd 80 2576” on the telephone
pad. Mike had returned my call, regarding an audition. The excitement
/ fear was palpable. I do not, now, remember the conversation
we had, but I was left with the understanding that I was “too
young”, at 17.
Should I have lied? Plenty of folks have blustered their way
into situations with bravado, forgetting the truth along the
way, to later arrive at some very successful position or situation.
It wasn’t my way to work like that. I’ll never know
if I may have “nailed it” had I gotten that audition,
but I know my musical instincts and ability well enough to know
that, had my nerves been under control, I would have at least
gotten pretty close. I’d never even played a real Hammond
then, but I was already good with the electric piano and I had
such a love for the genre, such a love for Spectrum’s
music, such a studied understanding of
“what was needed”, plus an ability to simply copy
what Lee Neal had already done, anyway, and with ‘feel’.
I believe I could have made an impression, at least. It would
have been a pivotal moment in my musical growth.
26 years later I’m sitting in an apartment in Shenzhen,
China listening to the beautifully re-mastered, re-packaged
“Spectrum Part One”, that same album I gazed at,
at “Lee’s Sound Lounge”, Mentone, in 1971.
It was a “strange fantastic” experience listening
to it thru headphones. The sound, by todays’ standards,
was as basic as an FE Holden, but wonderful as well, charming
in its simplicity and yet richness of ideas. Well recorded on
analog tape naturally, but “simple”. The power and
majesty of the songs was still there. Hearing that album all
these many years later was some very unusual experience.
Mike and Bill are still doing their thing, to their great credit.
So much has changed, but thanks to the enthusiasm of a small
group of good people, it’s now possible to get re-mastered
re-issues of those landmark Australian pop rock albums such
as Spectrum’s. This is music, this is art, that is outside
the mainstream by a long margin. And yet, thanks largely to
the unique stroke of luck “I’ll Be Gone”,
Spectrum were and are known as a major Australian rock group
of the 70’s. IBG was perhaps the exception to Spectrum’s
rule, but what a fortunate freak song it was - and remains.
Mike Rudd insisted on leaving I.B.G. OFF that album when it
was released! Which says lots about the mood of the times -
the hippy ethos of ‘protecting the art at all costs’,
including what any sensible record company exec would consider
utter lunacy. That uncompromising attitude was part of why Spectrum
were as great and unique as they were, like the times themselves.
Sam
McNally, keybpard-player/producer - 6.12.07 |
|
|
| It's
been a long time comin'..
but persistence pays off in the end |
Mike
& Bill,
I have been searching for your material for a
long time. I used to (attend) NSW Uni in Sydney and used to
see the Murtceps performing in the Round House at lunch times
- Sensational. No one ever used a recorder. (That) was when
you had Ray Arnott I think it was on either keyboards or drums.
I had all of your Vinyls including Milesago, Cortinas, Warts,
Part 1, Strange Fantastic Dream, Rock & Roll Scars and the
others.
Unfortunately the vinyls have been well & truly lost. What
a shame. Warts was the only Vinyl I had with a brown paper bag
sleeve. We also saw you & Bill at Long Way to the Top. I
saw you as Ariel in Hyde Park in the 70's when Jamaican Farewell
was charting and Tim Gaze was with you.
We now live in Dubbo, and one day the Bushwackers came through
.
I played in the support band for the Bushwackers at the Zoo
with the Far Cry Bush Band (a bit of a Graeme Kennedy). Dobe
was a pot head but his brother in law was a detective in Dubbo.
He let it be known over the PA that his brother in law had the
best drugs in town.
Anyway when I saw the Bushwackers perform again at the Macquarie
Inn, I watched their guitar player and realised that it was
Tim Gaze from his style. I saw him in a break and told him that
I had seen him playing in Ariel with you & Bill. He was
amazed that anyone would recognise him, particularly in Dubbo.
I also told him that he used to play with Francis Butler &
the 69'ers. I was in a Sydney band that one night supported
Francis Butler. Stevie Wright, the main act never showed - he
was too stoned, so we all had to do additional sets. I asked
Tim whether he still had his pure white custom double cutaway
SG Gibsonwith triple pickups and gold plated hardware. He said
'Hey Man where have you come from. I even forgot that I owned
that guitar'.
Anyway, all that I have been able to find from your past career
was a few bad downloads of a couple of songs, so I am pleased
to find your early releases and some of the material that I
have never heard. Could you keep me on your database and if
you ever release more of your earlier material, please let me
know. Warts up your Nose, Milesago and Garden of the Frenzied
Cortinas would be nice but I know what major recording companies
are like and the battle you go through to get this material
out there. John
Cook, Dubbo 17.9.07
|
|
|
| An
unmemorable night in Castlemaine 1997 -
Heckler one, Mike zero.. |
Dear
Mike
Long ago I had a dual autographed copy of Living on a Volcano
but a marriage break-up saw the ex get the album. I would love
a new one but am having trouble getting one. If you could Email
me with some details of how to get one, that would be great.
I met you and Bill in Simpatico's restaurant in Castlemaine
where you signed my old vinyl copy of Strange Fantastic Dream.
Haven't seen you since the Northern Hotel in Castlemaine about
1997. It was an interesting night with a very small crowd and
it ended with a classic scene from a heckler. You might even
remember.
Heckler says, "Play some blues."
You say, "Gonna play one of my own."
You play, "I'll be Gone."
At the end he says, "Thought you were gonna play one of
your own."
You look over at me and my ex as if to say, "Just what's
a fella gotta do in this town to get some recognition."
Then start packing up without even acknowledging the heckler.
It still makes me laugh. Hope you've done better since.
All the best to you and Bill. Hope to hear from you soon.
Peter
Howell
25.2.07 |
|
back
to the top |
| I
resign! - we get about
one person a month politely peeling off the e-mail list - this
is my fave.. |
Mike
I hate you so sotp sending me emails because i am not interested
in you so buger off !!!
Lewis
McCabe 2.1.07
|
|
|
| Some
LWTTT Chrissie messages -
well, I had to write to them first.. |
You're
very thoughtful!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Best Wishes and Love to you and yours.
Little Pattie 24.12.06 |
|
HI
MIKE AND GUYS,
HAVE A GREAT XMAS AND NEW YEAR. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON 2007.
Thorpie (shouting
as always) 22.12.06
|
|
Reciprocal
Greetings for Xmas & New Year, Mike
All the best
Love
Margret
Margret RoadKnight 21.12.06 |
|
Thank
guys, a lovely thought!
The same back to you. All you wish yourselves.
Lotsa love,
Suzanne
and Lonnie Lee 22.12.06 |
|
Mike
Mrry blah blah and happy blah blah to you and the lads too as
well
also....
John
Schumann 19.12.06 |
|
Hi
Mike 'n Bill
and a very merry chrissie to you all too .
about those elves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paul
Wheeler 22.12.06 |
|
| |
| Ash
Wednesday makes contact |
Hey
Mike, glad to see you on Sunday. and musically, Darryl's keys
did provide an 'authentic' sound to the Spectrum tunes. I was
pleased that you had elected to leave these songs more or less
intact - and still captured the spirit. have spent most of the
evening delving through your archives and the related milesago
database - fascinating stuff! Melbourne was the faraway tree
for me back in the days of the TF Much Ballroom and the likes
- I used to watch it on TV (Happening 70 and Go show) and read
GoSet. I'm from Adelaide - but, I was at the Myponga Festival
- just reminiscing over that one - wow, what a line-up. And
I saw as many Spectrum concerts as I could - Adelaide Uni lunchtimes
and similar - when Mark was playing drums. Underground music
was very important to me then, still is. Anyway.. don't know
how much space I have here so I'll give you my virtual contact
details take a look www.ash-wednesday.com www.myspace.com/ashwednesday2006
and hopefully communique soon and hi to Bill, although we've
never met adios for now Ash
Ash Wednesday
1.11.06 |
|
| |
| Rock
& Roll Scars - some
thoughts inspired by Nicky Campbell's reminiscences |
Dear
mycrudd,
Where to start?? Firstly, Rock n Roll Scars received in tact
by Aussie Post today 14/09/06 with thanks. A mutual acquaintance
of ours, namely Nick "Curley" Campbell e mailed me
your web address last week, which enabled me to browse RuddPutt
history and products available. You would probably have wondered
who and where on earth did an order for the album come from??
Growing up in Melbourne's eastern suburbs 1/2 mile from the
Matthew Flinders Hotel, the early seventies were a smorgasbord
of great bands, musos and music. I decided to get amongst it
and went to a lot of gigs in '72, and 73.
I got my start as a roadie after a gig at Festival Hall in Melb,
not unlike the notes on the album sleeve by Ian McFarlane. Sherbet
were on the gig as part of their Slipstream tour, Road Manager
Jim Murrie called me over to give him a hand while i was hanging
around some chicks chasing autographs.
That day was the start of a 12 year stint as a "roadie",
with, and for some of the best people I've ever known, a lot
of who, are today still my friends, and still stay in touch.
eg Nick Campbell. I noted back then many Melb bands in those
days used Strauss Audio amps and Nova PA's, so i went there
looking for a part time gig, to learn the ropes and maybe set
myself up for a full time gig after i left school in Nov 75,
The guys at Nova,
Al Butler, Merton Ciddor, Rick Brown, Jim Mac and Jim V were
very accepting of my inexperience and taught me shit that helped
me hold my own. I remember the B404 Bass amp and new reflex
bin (with red trim) Nova built for Bill Putt, and i was fortunate
enough to be on hand the day he came in to give it
a work out. Ariel were back from the UK to "tour"
and promote Rock N Roll Scars. An offer by Billy "Clover"
Rowe and Mick Wickow one day at Nova, to join the Bloodshed
Crew ensued. You may not recall me as a young 17 year old lugging
Ernie Roses' red PA boxes around and helping set up and pack
up at Ariel gigs, but i was there, during the summer of 74,
75 Ariel did a
lot of gigs, including the dreaded triples on Saturdays, say
Matthew Flinders in the arvo, Sth Side 6 in the evening and
then Hard Rock Cafe late, and that would've been on top of a
double on Friday night. Billy Rowe and Mick Wickow were doing
plenty of other gigs with Ernies' PA as well, which added to
the learning curve, i was like a sponge, i couldn't get enough
gigs, Billy and Mick, treated me with dignity and gave me a
great start, I still have my Powewart tour "T" shirt,
you Mike, Bill, Harvey and John were always accepting of me,
and said Gidday, which i appreciated very much.
Sunbury 75 is a stand out in my memory as Ariel played there
on Friday night in the rain, did a double from Sunbury into
the Croxton Park i think, and were back at Sunbury on Monday
at lunchtime, to welcome the sun and play the anthem (I'll be
gone) to open the set to the thousands of drowned rats who
had persisted through "Launching Place" like conditions
all weekend, standing side of stage hearing the harp folding
back off the ridge top, and seeing all those mud-caked music
freaks appearing from under their soaking shelters was something
i'll never forget, the reception for Ariel was phenomenal. I
graduated roadies school during summer 75, 76, and tackled all
forte's of the road crews brief at one time or another during
my career, FOH, monitors, stage, lights, rigger, both PA and
Lights, truck driver etc,.
Mycrudd? you say, i worked for Sherbet in 1976 and of course
came face to face with Harvey at rehearsals prior to Howzat,
a reunion of sorts. I noticed that the words, "Hi Harvey"
or something similar, "Mycrudd" had been written in
texta on the side of the pantec of Sherbets' truck one day at
a gig, i'm sure it was at Festival Hall, brought a smile to
my face.
There is too much to tell here, but i attended the funeral of
my old friend Gerry Georgettis in Melb in February this year
and caught up with a lot of the old firm of road dogs, all drawn
together by a common bond, to pay tribute to GG. I traveled
down and back to Melb from Newcastle with Nicky
Campbell, who i have known since 1975, we met when he was working
for Ron Blackmore. He called in to visit me a few weeks ago
on his way home to Coffs Harbour from a trip to Sydney, as usual
we had plenty of "road raging" to do, and said our
see you laters' with a hug and a tear in our eyes. He is a legend,
a true gentleman, and it is an honour to know him, and it was
a real buzz to see his life and times acknowledged on your web
site, he also, along with many others taught me values that
have been the cornerstones of my life's experiences. Ariel,
Spectrum, Murtceps etc havebeen a part of my life for the best
part of 35 years now, and i am enjoying your music as much today
as i ever did. Not a day passes when i don't recall
a roadie mate, a gig, a muso or band, or even a tune from that
"golden era" of my time on the road. Old roadies never
die, they just do other gigs.
Mike, it's been great to receive the cd, dribble some shit,
and give the album a spin a few times while writing this e mail,
i will be ordering some more stuff in the near future.
Mark
Edwards - 14.9.06 |
|
| back
to the top |
| The
Lobby Benefit |
G'day
Mike,
What a night, what a night, eh? I trekked down from Canberra
for the night and was damn glad I was there. Man, if they do
put the show on up in Sydney I'm definitely going back for a
second bite of the Wild Cherry, and this time I think I'll fork
out the $200.
You're right about the crowding (glad I'd found myself a hole
up n the balcony, although see of the action was blocked by
a bloody mirror ball) and the sometimes unnecessary volume,
which in some cases detracted from some of the performances
I reckon. Good to see Spectrum put in a good solid small set
and I look forward to catching up with you when
you're down in the nation's capital early next month.
take care David
Le Roy 3.9.06 |
|
hello
mike&bill,
i read your write up on the lobby loyde, night and i certainly
have to agree with you some of the bands were very loud and
yes the smoke was terrible.myself and diane was right up the
front and when rose tattoo played we couldnt understand a word
angry, was singing or barnsey for that matter because simply
too loud.chain,brian cadd,the maters,russell morris,wendy saddington
and spectrum,were my pick for the night.see you at st andrews
in a couple of weeks mike.
Vince Smith 2.9.06 |
|
..I
was privileged to hear I'll Be Gone Like A Fly Without It's
Wings at the Lobby thing. Nice to hear thinking musicians who
play within the limitations of the PA instead of going at it
like it was Sunbury in the 70s. I'm afraid it was not a pleasant
experience being treated like a sardine - heated and smoked
and constantly being buffeted by other, sometimes drunken, sardines
on their way to/from the bar/toilet...
Ray Hogan
31.8.06 |
|
WOW
Man what a fuckin Night!!!!!!
and you 3 were shit hot. Spectrum had a much better sound then
at Long Way To The Top, Even allowing for the fact that the
"little fella" had the PA tuned for the Aztecs. You
just did not sound like a three-piece.*
The masters need to change their name to the Masters and the
Apprentice (Wheatly give it a rest its time to retire- but good
on him for paying his dues).
So the question on most peoples lips is ............ Was Jack
Thompson in character or was that not an act the audience was
getting from him?
Thanks again to you Bill & Robbo for what I believe was
Spectrums BEST EVER Performance. Lets hope the three of you
never require a night like that, but rest assured the same people
will be there with the same amount of love in the air should
it be required.
My respect to you all for helping out my old neighbour.
Peace, Love Happiness and Good Health to each of you
Mal Leishman
31.8.06
*I should
point out that we were in fact a four-piece on the night, but
Mal's view of the stage may well have been obscured.. |
|
| |
| Colin
Talbot and Alana Galea on 20 to 1 |
mike
i was absolutely compelled to pen this diatribe(or letter) when
i saw the top 20 songs list from channel 9...they didnt have
'i'll be gone' so i'll be buggered. at least i didnt see it.....should
have been about number---oh, 12...
plus they had kylie singing locomotion which is not an aussie
song and it's a cover yo boot and they had i honestly love you
which i think was john farrar so that's all right but it was
kind of an american production thing i think but i let that
pass, and they had you're the voice by JF but that was written
by the procul harem guy which is..debatable.. and they had '
good in bed' by skyhooks which wasnt even one of s/hooks better
songs.
luckily the show was pretty stupid so it didnt really matter...
still, it makes one think there should be a real list.
well, i guess i've really made you think. it made me think when
i remembered seeing party machine in 1968 by windsor railway
station in a joint in a parking lot with 'youve all got to go'
and some song about animals, and you i read was in the band...sorry,
were in the band.
there you go.
as i always say (or will try to from now on) keep on rockin
snf hi to bill.
Colin
Talbot 3.6.06 |
|
|
Hi
Uncle Mike
After
seeing your little article on the 20 to 1 compilation of Australian
songs I thought I'd send you the article posted on my website.
Let me know what you think of it and enjoy the reading..
I watched “20 To 1” last night, and
although it was a nice try, it was obviously compiled without
as much consideration as it should have been given. All in all,
I consider 11 songs to be correctly placed and I have no complaints
about their inclusion. However 11 out of twenty is a bit pathetic,
to say the least. At number 20 was placed “Shout”
by Johnny O’Keefe and “Bye Bye Baby” by Col
Joy. This is the first of many misplacings. It shows contempt
for Johnny O’Keefe and Col Joy’s contribution to
Australian music. These are the grandfathers of Australian music
and should be placed below a lot of the artists considering
what they have given and how good their songs were. In the words
of Peter Garrett “Shout” is “the spirit of
Australian Rock” and the spirit of our own brand of music
deserves to be placed lower than a cover song sang by an actress
on a TV show, otherwise, we’re just dismissing the very
thing we are trying to celebrate – Australian Music. read
more
Alana Galea 26.5.06 |
|
| |
| Excuse
Me Just One Moment While I... Ray
Hogan's back with a gig review! |
The
refurbished turntable has now proved to have magical properties.
No sooner had I completed a play through of the Spectrum/Indelible
Murtceps catalogue than up pops an email message from Mike Rudd
himself advising of a gig to be played by Spectrum Plays The
Blues at 5.30. pm on Friday 19.5.06 at the famous Broadbeach
Blues Festival. Less than two day's notice to find the blue
suede shoes.
And what a gig it was!
read
more
Ray Hogan
19.5.06 |
|
| back
to the top |
| Wild
Thymers |
ONYA
Mike!
Gaby and I had a great time, a truly memorable night. I'm taken
aback that you guys thought it was a special night, too. Aren't
they always like that or was the night different to your normal
gigs??
We drove around Warburton yesterday listening to the CDs and
reliving the music from Saturday night. Whatever it was that
delivered you guys to Wild Thyme we are grateful. We reckon
you guys are fair dinkum legends! Darcy
06 |
|
| |
| LWTTT
lives on |
My
older brother, John, who is a genuine fan of many years (and
apparently just a few days ago watched your contribution on
the "Long Way To The Top" DVD, having also seen it
live in Melbourne) is in town next weekend so I reckon we'll
come and see you again when you play at the Lomond Hotel.
Looking through your website, it is a gem, congratulations.
Very straight up and honest.
Thanks again and I look forward to the 'bootleg' edition of
the Volcano CD in due course.
regards-->Mal
Mal Padgett
16.4.06 |
|
| |
| Love
to hate - some thoughts
inspired by the April Pith & Wind |
Hi
Mike,
Great to read your latest musings re'
fear & love. I think there are different types of both -
surely the 'useful' types of fear are the ones that preserve
our life when confronted by mortal danger etc. - in contrast
to the fear of the unknown or poorly understood (as in Howard's
view of the world).
For me the sustaining version of love (as well as companionship)
is the sort you just let happen; that is, I have to sweep aside
all my baggage and prejudices and remind myself of how we are
all connected.
An ongoing debate!
Regards,
Dave.
David
Hicks (occasional Spectrum drummer) 9.4.06 - check
out Dave's excellent drum tutor book at www.tarahall.com.au/stickfigures |
|
Hi
Mike,
I'm up early writing an assignment on families and mental health
and your comments on depression were timely. Globally one in
two will suffer from it and I wonder how we address the fastest
growing illness in the world. Maybe reconnecting with music
and art, poetry and literature will take us back to the that
mystical experience without drug affecting fog.
The tour with Max and co would be amazing. I had to laugh as
I went to a Catholic girls school in Heidelberg and we convinced
the head nun that a lovely band would play at our school formal
in 1973. We knew if we got Chain we'd have all the hot boys
from the surrounding secondary schools. (Catholic of course
as the protestants would have contaminated us as was the awful
culture of the day.)
It was so incredible that we had multiple gatecrashers from
the local skinhead group, the police and girls getting caught
having sex in a cubby hole under the stage! We were banned from
organising another Social and the head nun's final comment was"They
were NOT just like the Seekers, Karen."
They rocked the hall and our world and it remains a pivotal
point in my life as I had my first kiss!
Music and memories of time, people and place. Maybe that is
our problem, not enough time to consistently connect with that
ethereal feeling in our heads or in reality. We rely on substances
to transport us. On the discussion with Max; you all look happy
and enthused-transport that passion for your music and magic
happens for all of us.
The rest of the "Do what you do do well" song is,
I think, "feed your love and honour your heart". My
Dad sang it to us but I can't remember any more. Good enough
anyway. Have a great day.
Karen
Karren
Burgess 7.4.06 |
|
| |
| Big,
bad brother |
Gambling
is great isn't it? A state sanctioned activity that makes addicts
of thousands of people many of whom can least afford it. Problem
is the state itself is now addicted. Anyone who did Psych 1
in the early 70s would know poker machines operate on the strongest
reinforcement schedule (the most addictive) - variable ratio.
Is it any bloody wonder they're a blight on society? Radars,
speed cameras and other devices used in the game of chance the
state calls road safety are just different tools in yet another
revenue raising enterprise. I look forward to the day all the
radars and speed cameras are inside the pubs and clubs and we
motorists can enjoy the odd win from the occasional roadside
poker machine as we sail past at the correct speed.
Ray Hogan 17.3.06 |
|
| |
| And,
this is why you do it.. |
Dear
Mike,
...I have been a huge Spectrum/Murtceps/Ariel fan since I saw
'What the World Needs.......... on GTK in 1971, and saw Ariel
when they supported Deep Purple at the Hordern Pavillion in
Sydney and also at the 2JJ Studio at Clapton St. I don't know
where you rate Disco Dilemma amongst your many great songs,
but I just loved the melody and lyrics, as they were so relevant
to me and a lot of other guys at that time. I should also tell
you that I recently saw Mondo Rock in Sydney and after the concert
had finished, the DJ played 'I'll Be Gone'. It was great to
see and hear the whole crowd break into song and remain in the
hall until the song had finished. Maybe you guys should come
to Sydney.
I look forward to the release of the two live albums (I have
'More from Before') as I particularly enjoyed that line up.
The inclusion of Glyn Mason and Tony Slavich seemed to the song
writing and live performances. Glyn is another one of my favourite
musicians. Anyway, I hope that you and Bill continue to do what
you are doing and hope to see you in Sydney in the near future.
All the best,
Jeremy
van Reyk 26.11.05 |
|
I
read some article this week. It was about 50 things you should
do to make you happy, or something like that. "Write to
someone who inspired you" was one of them. So that is why
I'am writing to you. You inspired me to play and write music.
You had a great influence on me. The first band I formed played
your songs. I was 15 at the time. And I'm still 15 now. Thank
you.
Ross
Bowen 21.10.05 |
|
| back
to the top |
| Observant
Ross |
how'd
you do dat?
pics of 14/9 & 12/9 on your news page - you have EXACTLY
the same expression & head tilt !!!
Ross
Wilson 30.9.05 |
|
| |
| Kevin
Bloody Borich |
Hi
Mike,
Seeing you with Kevin reminded me of the times we had to get
him down from the roof of a block of flats in Bondi Junction
- he was convinced he could fly in the sixties. Once he told
me he could fly across the road and land on 'that roof' (police
station). Fortunately they were blissfully unaware of his intentions,(or
his existence,probably). A lot of great times otherwise, with
him and Phil. He never did return my Traffic and Small Faces
records either.
I hope you will work with John Schumann - long story, I'll tell
you another day.
Do you know your demographic? My five year old grandson, Jake,
visiting from the Gold Coast, came shopping with me. He said
'Ah, that's better Nan' when I put Spill on, 'Much
better than Dad's music'(hip-hop & rap). Long way in a car
for a child with good taste in music.
Other end of the spectrum,(clever eh ?), my eighty two year
old mother wouldn't let me turn the car off because Summertime
was half-way through. When it finished she just said 'Wow'.
When she gets her breath back I might let her listen to Manuela!
Cheers Pam.
Pam Cleary
8.4.05 |
|
| |
| Tsunami
concert |
Hey
Mike,
I read your report on the Tsunami Benefit on your site and felt
compelled to write to ya.
I saw the show and loved it and have been subsequently raving
about delighting in Thorpie's ebullient spirit. I really appreciated
his including Phil Manning in proceedings (and PM played like
a man 're-possessed'), and I loved that he incorporated you
and Bill into the set, in what was a tribute to the halcyon
daze of Oz Rock. He has such generosity of spirit, or spirit
of generosity, ....whatever it is, Thorpie's got it like no-one
else. Which is kinda unusual for someone with Thorpie's own
ego (or level of self-confidence, or self-assuredness), I reckon.
Anyway I'm reminded that I said to my friends on the night that
the performance of "I'll Be Gone", complete with vocal
harmonies from Thorpie, and the 'kiss' (!!!), was a moment to
savour, and I'm glad I was there.
The absolute highlight of the day, I thought, was Daddy Cool's
performance, which was just sublime. While not wishing to wallow
in nostalgia excessively, I was in Teenage Heaven!
They've never sounded so good. Well, they've never played through
a sound system that good, or been mixed that well, and obviously
their collective musicianship has gotten better and better these
last 30 years. I felt proud of the four of 'em.
Loved Cold Chisel too, and agree wholeheartedly with your summation
of Moss as guitarist and singer. Let's hope the MIMF finds its
feet and sense of direction next year.It's gotta become a 'festival'
more than just a concert at the Bowl.
Keep up the great work on your website. It's so nice to have
someone in music who's articulating an intelligent non-mainstream
viewpoint, while documenting an interesting life !
cheers,
Gerald
Gerald
McNamara 2.3.05 |
|
| |
| New
Year's Eve |
Hi
Mike
..nice pic lol Poor Dave he doesn't look at all well!
I read what you said about the night and I agree with you. I
said to Dave during the night that NYE must be so hard because
young people just want to go out and get drunk and see friends,
they don't seem to really care much about the music. Dave and
I actually went there because you were there, and we had a really
good time. I thought you were great, and I'm glad you don't
look or sound like Britney Spears :-)
There were two other couples there that we met who also went
there because you were there and they enjoyed it too. One of
Dave's mates from the jail was really annoyed because they are
Blues fans too and his wife is learning Blues guitar (she used
to play classical) and he is learning Harmonica and they have
been to Marlo every year for the past few years and not much
has been on so they decided not to go this year. We all went
on the Blues train together in Queenscliffe last year and had
a great night.
I hope we do get to see you again soon, we do try to get to
a few things during the year. 2004 we went to see Taj Mahal,
Mavis Staples and Dr John and the Prince of Wales and we have
being saying for ages we will get to Nighthawk and Jimis in
Mentone, so who knows! Dave used to see you years ago at clubs
in Melbourne like Berties and The Biting Eye, so he's a fan
from way back.
Anyway, don't be depressed, it's a whole new Year...
Dave said to say he was sorry he didnt get to say happy new
year to you guys but we had to catch the bus back to Orbost.
As it turned out we sat on the bus for over half an hour waiting
for everyone to come out. We had a quiet trip back to Sale the
next day and listened to our new CD's in the car.. one was nice
and mellow for our sore heads and the other one kept us awake
between Bairnsdale and Sale :-)
Happy New Year..
Gwen
2.1.05 |
|
|
|
| Living
in the past.. |
If
$5 today is worth around $1 in days of yore (probably worth
less) then Andy Baylor's Xmas party is this week's bargain
Ross
Wilson 22.12.04 www.rosswilson.com.au |
|
| |
| Xmas
messages |
Hi
Mike & Spectrum.
Dinah Lee wishes you all a very merry christmas and a happy
new year......looking forward to catching up.............I go
on the road starting Feb 18 2005 with Max Merritt & The
Meteors our show is called "Rockin Is Our Business".......
Kind Regards.
Dinah
Lee 17.12.04 |
|
And
a very happy Seasons Greetings to you too Mike.
Cheers
Ray C
Ray Columbus 17.12.04 |
|
| back
to the top |
| Unqualified
raves about records |
Hi!
I've discovered your great music thanks to internet. I'm
enjoying a lot "Superbody", "Drifting",
"I'll Be Gone", "Make Your Stash", etc,
altought I don't understand why such an awesome band it's so
unknown out of Australia.
Do you have any plans of doing a lyrics section? It's difficult
to me tounderstand the lyrics because of the language problem.
See yo and long life to Spectrum!
Paul Marco Spain 6.12.04 |
|
Mike,
I had a chance to have a good, uninterrupted
listen to the CD on the way home from Falls Creek today. Man,
all I can say is Congratulations!!! It's awesome!!! Apart from
being great driving music, I just loved it so much, when it
finished I hit play again & I haven't done that with an
album in years. I particularly liked the treatments of "She's
a Woman" (one of my all time favourite Beatles tunes AND
I get very precious about reworkings of their songs) "Summertime"
& the walloping you gave "Heartbreak Hotel". Your
voice is sounding fantastic, with even greater range & versatility
than ever. Great work, please pass on my heapings of praise
to Bill & Robbo.
Peace & Love Bobby V
Bobby
Valentine 5.9.04 |
|
| |
| What
makes all the pissing round on the website worthwhile.. |
Hi
Guys
I think people are quick to complain when they're not happy,
so conversely, I think it doesn't hurt to make the effort to
comment when we like something.
I was put on to your site by a mutual friend a while back and
it has become somewhat ritualistic cathing up with what's going
on. It's informative and eclectic, and I love the way it is
written. I'm not sure who writes it but it really appeals to
my probably warped sense of humour - the use of irony, sarcasm,
not afraid to have a go at some bastard who deserves it - speaking
of
which, I love the Alan Jones tapes.
I guess it can probably be a bit disheartening at times to put
stuff out into"the ether" and not know who's reading
it - well, lots of us are and for some of us, it's a bright
spark in an often dull day. Keep up the good work.
Sue
Sue McIvor 27.10.04 |
|
I
agree wholeheartedly with your comments on 9/11 Not only does
most of the thinking world understand it is September the Eleventh,
I along with thousands of other petrol sniffing drummers am
annoyed that it has smeared the memory and reputation of the
greatest and most iconic product Dr Ferdinand Porsche ever designed
and built. Someone needs to drive a Porsche four wheel drive
into the side of the Corvette Stingray factory.
Nigel
Macara (Ariel's extant drummer) 16.12.04 |
|
I
am really pleased to see your website. I've been a fan
since about 1974 when I was 13. got milesago off a mate on loan
and never gave it back. worked at the ABC as a sound engineer
for 12 years with Paul Petran(musi deli etc.) and always wanted
the ABC to reissue milesago. they didn't. then i CD'd my vinyl
copy and I listen to it all the time (along with Strange F.Dream
and Warts up your nose).
So.. its great to see you're remastering your old records (but
where's milesago?) I am gonna buy them. also great that you
are doing new stuff (gonna buy that too).
I've only seen you once (eltham pub, mid 70s).
You guys cannot underestimate your value as musical geniuses.
I am amazed by the stuff you did in 1970's and 80s and hope
to see you live real soon. (i had no idea you were playing this
much) I live near apollo bay so I'll check your gigs and turn
up.
sorry to rave like a dickhead .
Duane Mitchell Vic.2.11.04 |
|
|