With origins in Canberra (Australia) and founded by singer, songwriter and guitarist David Studdert in 1977, Tactics relocated to Sydney in 1979 and built a substantial audience in the inner-city and toured extensively, as far as England.
Their first album, My Houdini, was recorded and released in 1980, followed by their second, Glebe, in 1981.
Further albums were released over the next few years – The Bones Of Barry Harrison (a live album), Holden Interview, and Blue and White Future Whale – with the lineup changing often – before Tactics finally called it a day in 1989.
An archival compilation entitled The Sound of the Sound Volume 1 is available, featuring the (remastered) first two albums and a good helping of unreleased songs from the era and a few from Bones of Barry Harrison.
Tactics played a couple of well-received reunion concerts in Sydney in September 2006 to coincide with the release. The band reunited again in 2019 for live shows and new recordings.
Dave Studdert
Vocals, guitar
Angus Douglas
Guitar
Geoff Marsh
Bass, vocals
Rob Whittle
Drums, vocals
Ingrid Spielman
Piano
Garry Manley
Bass, guitar
Duncan MacKenzie
Organ
Michael Farmer
Drums
Nicky Baruch
vocals, keyboards, percussion, flute
David ‘Snajik’ Miller
Bass
Tony Donohoe
Drums
Lex Robertson
Keyboards