Australian band GANGgajang formed in 1984 after Graham ‘Buzz’ Bidstrup and Mark ‘Cal’ Callaghan fell into a songwriting partnership during work on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s highly successful series Sweet and Sour, for which Bidstrup was the associate musical director.
Most of the band members had considerable experience in other bands. Bidstrup was with The Angels from 1976 to 1980, as was the band’s bassist, Christopher Bailey.
Guitarist Callaghan was formerly frontman of The Riptides (whom Bidstrup produced), and keyboard player Geoff Stapleton served time with the Melbourne band The Aliens and Sydney dance band Rockmelons before joining.
The band gained a solid following around Australia in 1985, aided by support from the national radio station Triple J and the pop music TV seriesCountdown. Their biggest commercial success came in November of that year with the release of their self-titled debut album, which included the singles Sounds of Then (This is Australia), House of Cards and Giver of Life.
Mark ‘Cal’ Callaghan
Vocals, guitar Geoffrey Stapleton
Keyboards, guitar, vocals Robbie (Robert) James
Guitar Chris Bailey
Bass Graham ‘Buzz’ Bidstrup
Drums Mark O’Connor
Keyboards Mike Gubb
Keyboards
Video
You May Also Like
Nena Entering the Billboard Top 40 on 21 January 1984, 99 Luftballons - a single by Teutonic new wave group Nena…
Sunnyboys, The Sydney band The Sunnyboys remain one of the most highly regarded and best-loved bands of the…
Radiators, The Singer Brian Nichol and guitarist Stephen 'Fess' Parker had played together in a high school band…
Autumn Following a tradition set by Aussie bands like The Affair, The Executives and Zoot, Sydney-based Autumn…
Squire Though they never received the recognition they deserved, Squire was one of the earliest and finest mod…
Rip Rig + Panic Even during the eclectic 80s, it's hard to imagine a major label having pursued a band…
Avengers , The This Brisbane-based Australian combo initially plied their wares on the club and discotheque circuit, mainly performing…
Fantasm Comes Again (1977) This sequel to Fantasm (1976) revolves around a journalist called Libby (Angela Menzies-Wills) who is taking over…
