Australian band GANGgajang formed in 1984 after Graham ‘Buzz’ Bidstrup and Mark 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 Mark ‘Cal’ 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 The Rockmelons before joining.
The band gained a solid following around Australia in 1985, aided by support from nation radio station Triple J and pop music TV series, Countdown. 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 Robert James
Guitar Chris Bailey
Bass Graham ‘Buzz’ Bidstrup
Drums Mark O’Connor
Keyboards Mike Gubb
Keyboards
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