| MILESAGO: Australasian Music & Popular Culture 1964-1975 | Groups & Solo Artists |
ABACUS / MANOR / THE GATHERING
Melbourne 1970-71
Colin Grant (vocals)
Graham Dean (guitar)
Mark Madafferi (bass)
Peter Madafferi
(drums)
Rick Dean (organ)
Vince O'Rorchy (guitar)
Graham Kennedy (guitar)
Mick Rohotas (guitar)
History
Abacus (originally known as The Leprechauns) had two different lineups. Who's Who records that, like other groups of the day (e.g. Madder Lake) the band often provided backing for solo singers, including the perennial Issi Dye.
Abacus recorded two singles, the first on the shortlived Rebel label and the second on Tempo label, released in 1970 and 1971 respectively. The title of the B-side of their Rebel single (which is evidently now very rare) is yet to be identified.
The group subsequently switched lead singers and changed its name to Manor, recording one single on Festival, "Rock On" during 1972. After another change of lead singer ca. 1973, the group became The Gathering and under this title they recorded two further singles for Festival, "Money Making Superstar" / "Just Ain't Right" ( 1973) and "Welcome To The Party".
Guitarist Mick Rohatas currently plays in the heavy metal band Hammaraxx.Discography
Singles
as Abacus:
1970 (Rebel DG-207/03)
"Lovely To See You" / (?)
1971
(Tempo TS-109)
"Viva Viva, Up The Revolution" / "Holly Go Softly"
as Manor:
1972 (Festival FK-4712)
"Rock On" / "Underneath God's Light"
References / Links
Many thanks to Chris Spencer for additional information on personnel.
Hammaraxx website
http://www.hammaraxx.com/theband.php
Chris Spencer, Zbig Nowara & Paul McHenry
Who's Who of Australian Rock (Five Mile Press, 2002)
Vernon Joyson
Dreams, Fantasies & Nightmares: Australia (Borderline Books, 1999)