Tex Deadly & The Dum Dums

[Brisbands] [Band List] [Members & Instruments] [Gigs] [Discography] [References] [Links]

Tex Deadly & The Dum Dums were a late development of the Brisbane Punk scene of the late 1970's and early 1980's. The lineup featured several aspiring talents, who later made good in Sydney or Melbourne.

Most famous was the young Greg Perkins. He's turned out to be (maybe) the most sucessful of all the budding rock artists from Brisbane of the period. Even as a teenager, the tall and gangly performer was a very impressive sight on stage.

Greg Wadley and Greg Gilbert had been the rhythm section in The Pits. Marko Halstead had been in several influential bands in the local scene.

It must be said that some of the band members were mightily impressed by a visit to Brisbane by The Birthday Party. The Cramps were another favourite influence.

The cow-punk music scene was evolving in several cities during the early 1980's. A fortunate "spotting" by a Sydney A&R guy led to several gigs in the Surry Hills scene. Tex eventually moved to live in Sydney, and the rest is history.

Tex later became the singer for The Beasts of Bourbon and The Cruel Sea. He's now famous all over the world.

Most of the other members continued to make music in their own projects.

Members & Instruments

Tex Perkins: vocals Greg Wadley: bass Marko Halstead: guitar Greg Gilbert (aka "Des Johnson"): drums Other guest members included: Ian Wadley: guitar Peter Jetnikoff: guitar Clem Lukey Lachlan McLeod Cyril Culley

Gigs

In those days it was an acheivement to get a gig at all.

One of the most memorable performances was at the New York Hotel. They sang Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire".

A trip to Sydney led to several industry contacts. The band line-up changed a bit in those early years.

The band was able to get a few jobs with The Johnnys and other "cow punk" type bands.

Discography

Cassette Tapes

What We Did On Our Holidays Compilation released early 1983 Includes: Voodoo Doll Leaving Home For The Party On The Roof Compilation released 1983 Includes: Crazy, Cheap Funerals Castrack Compilation released March 1983 Includes: This Here Country

References

Books

• Know Your Product

  Institute of Modern Art Exhibition 11-27 September 1986
  Curated by Ross Harley

• Out Of The Unknown: Brisbane Bands 1976-1988

  A Time Off Publication, 1988
  by Doug Hutson and Gavin Sawford

• Stranded

  Pan Macmillan Australia, 1996
  by Clinton Walker

Links

• texperkins.net
• Inner City Sound
• Tex Perkins - Rolling Stone May '98

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