RUMOURS

Rip It Up, Issue 31, 1 February 1980, Page 4

RUMOURS

AUCKLAND After a day in the countryside, the Toy Lovers returned to Auckland to record a hit single. The AK Anniversary session was produced by ex-Dragon bassist, Todd Hunter. To witness the mixing of “Don’t Ask Me” and “Sheep" (the "I don’t know where I’m going to” song), bandmembers were obliged to stay sober throughout the 15 hour session. (Last month’s Rumours failed to mention that Jane and Paul are engaged.) Now the Michael Browning (ex-AC/DC manager) management/recording deal is signed, Toy Love vinyl will feature the Deluxe Records logo (through WEA Locally). The new single will be out mid Feb in a pic sleeve by ace scribblers Knox and Dooley. On March 9 the band intend to fly to Sydney (the town where they named the harbour bridge after a dead Sex Pistol). Toy Love will work there until they record their debut album (April or May). On the day after the above session, Costello and band went shopping. At Record Warehouse they selected some albums and WEA paid the bill. They all grabbed Graham Parker’s High Times (Australasia only, Best of). Elvis got Aretha Franklin Gold, a Sanford Townsend and the two latest Al Greens. Bruce the bassman got a Kinks 20 Golden Greats. Drummer Pete got Randy Newman's Little Crims, 852 s and XTC Drums & Wires. We're told that tinkler, Steve Naive, got three Alice Coopers, Donna Summer's On the Radio and the first Led Zeppelin. (Maybe they were Christmas presents?) Young Elvis could not buy AK 79, because all 300 copies sold out in just one week. Pressing two is on sale at Record Exchange, Record Warehouse, Taste and Colin Morris or by post (see ad page 11). THE CORPORATION

WELLINGTON Christmas in Wellington was as exciting as the annual reunion of the Perry Como fan club. With the Last Resort (first, last and only resort in fact) closing for a few weeks, the capital sure lived up to its reputation as the dead centre of New Zealand. Nearest thing to a highlight has been the ‘coming out’ of the Crocodiles, firstly at the Last Resort and latterly at the Brown Trout Festival at Norsewood. The festival also featured a once and only return from the grave by Rough Justice. Ra’dio Windy's first outdoor concert of the year was a 'farewell appearance! by favourite daughters Wide Mouthed Frogs. Support acts were new band the Ravens making their public debut, and Dunedin based ‘sounds-just-like-the-radio’ band Rockylox. Lox were in town to record at EMI. Windy’s Feb 3 show, is a floating extravaganza, on a raft off Oriental Bay with Red Mole and Toy Love plus the notorious A.N. Other. De Mille is directing. Others around town have been Bad Breaks and a re-edited Reel to Real at Willy’s, Furys and 1977 nostalgia bands, Frizz Kids and the Steroids at the Last Resort. Tigers are still looking for a guitarist... meanwhile at Marmalade hit factory, Sharon O’Neill and Jon Stevens have completed recording a duet. O’Neill has a special on TV 1, Feb 23... Special Prize, to the management of Willy’s Wine Bar for attempting to give a touch of reality to the 60’s revival craze by banning denims from the premises. R. SOLEZ PS. Anyone who feels they’re not getting the plugs they deserve, phone Robert 759-376.

CHRISTCHURCH To avoid confusion with a chain of European fashion stores, Bon Marche have changed their name to Newz. The band return to Auckland on March 24... also heading North are Vapour and the Trails (Feb) and Androidss (March) take it away Androidss. Recent band bust-ups include Dizzy Blonde and Scandular Dolls ... new bands in town Cowboys (Mike Waldegrave, John Lloyd, Don Bean, Phil Tuuta and Geoff Farmer) and Breathless (Nameless remnants plus Normals vocalist)... Charlie White has joined the reformed Spitfires. After being fired by three South Island pubs,

Whizz Kids packed the Hillsborough as did Furys at the Gladstone. Both the Whizzs and the Swingers rate Christchurch support bands as the best in the country. Vaccums have lost their bassist... Head Office are to reform... the city eagerly awaits Tony Peake's new band... Roland Kileen (exSheerlux) is alive and well, and has been working in a plastics factory. Will he join Citizen Band? JIM WILSON DUNEDIN Despite a farewell night at the Captain Cook in December the Heavenly Bodies have decided to remain together for another six months. It’ll probably be longer. After Dark’s bassist, Russell Scoones has decided to stay with the band after an earlier decision to quit. Shuffle have called it a day. Bassist Neil Flenderson described the split as “amicable" as the band as a whole were just bored stupid playing the same old stuff. Tibet have incorporated some impressive new original songs in their set. New band, Stains, has been formed featuring ex-Clean guitarist David Kilgour, “Bodge” Armstrong, drums, and Damon Durex, presumably bass and vocals. 4XO Battle of the Bands at the Town Flail on 29 January. First prize SBOO and free studio time. GEORGE KAY