Python Lee Jackson: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 00:01, 22 October 2009

Revision as of 00:18, 22 October 2009

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In June the quartet added former [[Wild Cherries]] singer Malcolm McGee (born in Melbourne on 1 November 1945) and opened Rhubarb's club in Sydney's [[Liverpool Street, Sydney|Liverpool Street]]. In September Bentley left (and rejoined the band in 1968) and was replaced by Bob Welsh. The band's first single, "Emergency Ward" c/w their version of the [[Bo Diddley]] song "[[Who Do You Love]]", was actually a [[Ward Austin]] single featuring Python Lee Jackson as backing group.

Python Lee Jackson released a cover of [[Major Lance]]’s "Um-Um–Um" c/w "Big City Lights" in December 1966 before Hardy was replaced by Duncan McGuire from [[Doug Parkinson]]'s The Questions for three weeks. McGuire appeared on the band's cover of [[Sam and Dave]]’s "Hold On, I’m Coming" c/w "Your Mother Should Have Warned You" before Hardy (now going by the name Virgil East) returned for the band's first trip to Melbourne in early/mid March. While there the group performed at the Catcher from 17 to 19 March with various local bands each night. Python Lee Jackson returned to the city for an extended stay from 30 March to 16 April. Like its predecessor, the new single was a minor hit.

In April 1967, Dave MacTaggart from Adelaide band The Black Pearls replaced Virgil East. On 11 June the group appeared on Opus TV with [[The Loved Ones]] and Ray Hoff and The Offbeats. The new line-up released the band's final Australian single, "It’s a Wonder" c/w "I Keep Forgetting", in August before Welsh left to be replaced by saxsaxophone player [[Bernie McGann]].

A few months later Mick Liber left and worked with [[Billy Thorpe]] and Gulliver Smith’s band, The Noyes, while former member Virgil East joined [[Jeff St John]]’s next project, Yama. Liber's replacement was Laurie Arthur from [[The Strangers]]. The band continued to play gigs extensively, appearing at top Melbourne clubs, Sebastians (14 December) and Berties (15 December)among others. However, the end was in sight and Python Lee Jackson broke up in January 1968.