Biography
By Geoff Turner

'Rat Salad' was the evolution of Steve Russell's high school band 'Fire'. The band was of the "revolving door" variety, with continual line-up changes throughout its history. The full name of the band was "Randy Wilde and the Rat Salad Rhythm Section, Incorporating the Sailor's Choice and (occasionally) Featuring Sweet Sue Cruikshank", (this was obviously before she became Sleazy Sue but it wasn't our fault). The name was shortened to 'Rat Salad' for obvious reasons.

'The Rats' played most of the regular venues in Newcastle, including Zorba's, Souths Leagues Club and numerous hotels as the pub music scene expanded. They began playing up and down the coast during the late '70s and into the '80s. The band's biggest gig was the national tour as support and backing band for 'Bo Diddly' in '82-3.

The repertoire added to the 'Fire' play list that Steve already had under his belt but leaned more to the Blues. The addition of keyboards to the line-up further diversified the musical styles the band covered.

In the mid '80s Steve left the band to pursue his love of the Blues and the band was taken over by Leeroy Hammond who had been a major influence in the band from the late '70s. Soon after this the name changed to 'Leeroy and the Rats'.

Geoff Turner

A fiercely independant rock and roll band that leant towards hard rock. Toured as 'Bo Diddleys' backing band for his 1981, 82 and 83 tours and scattered gigs in 1984. It toured with 'Chuck Berry' in 1983 and was the first Australian band to play the Sydney Entertainment Centre.
"Rockin' and Shakin' in Rock City" 'Chris Spencer'

Discography

LP:
Real World (Angelwood) (1981)