Feather/Blackfeather

The nucleus of Sydney band Feather came together in early 1976 under the name Blackfeather, and lead singer Neale Johns had fronted various incarnations of Blackfeather since 1970, achieving an Australian #1 single in 1972 with a piano-heavy version of the Carl Perkins song Boppin’ the Blues.

The 1976 Blackfeather line-up was more pop-oriented and featured Johns, Ray Vanderby (keyboards), Lee Brosman and Warwick Fraser, plus Warwick’s 14-year-old brother, Stuart.

In November 1976, Johns left to travel to the UK, and Vanderby followed him out of the band. The remaining members recruited singer John Swan and guitarist Wayne Smith to become Feather.

The band’s first break came that same month when it supported UK visitors Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow on an Australian tour. Feather then settled into the local pub rock circuit and issued the single Girl Trouble (May 1977) on CBS. The band reputedly also recorded an album at that time called Going Through Changes which has never surfaced.

Jimmy Barnes (Cold Chisel) joined as co-lead singer in July 1977, but a few weeks later, he returned to his old band. In November 1977, Brosman and Smith left to be replaced by Mark Mitchell and Chris Jones (ex-Finch).

In April 1978, on the eve of the band’s support spot on TMG‘s three-month ‘Disturbing The Peace’ tour, John Swan left the group. 19-year-old Gary Conlan stepped in as Swan’s replacement (large shoes to fill indeed).

The band contributed two tracks to an Alberts compilation album, Canned Rock, recorded live at Parramatta jail, but by 1980 were working under the name of Kid Colt.

John Swan was the most successful ex-member of Feather, going on to considerable fame under the guise of Swanee.

Neale Johns
Vocals
John Swan
Vocals
Ray Vanderby
Keyboards
Lee Brosman
Bass
Warwick Fraser
Drums
Stuart Fraser
Guitar
Wayne Smith
Guitar
Mark Mitchell
Bass
Chris Jones
Guitar
Warren Ward
Bass
Paul Wylde
Piano
Jim Penson
Drums
Alex “Zac” Zytnick
Guitar
Lindsay Wells
Guitar
Tim Piper
Guitar
Gary Conlan
Vocals
John Robinson
Guitar
Robert Fortesque
Bass
Alexander Kash
Drums
Harry Brus
Bass
Steve Webb
Drums

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