Years active 1979–1994 Active until 1994 | Past members see members list below Active from 1979 | |
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Labels Au Go GoFunnel Web/Dreamtime Software Genres Alternative rock, Punk rock | ||
Memphis the zorros
The Zorros were an Australian rock band, formed in 1979, comprising Nic Chancellor on lead vocals, Darren Smith on lead guitar, Alex Zammit on bass guitar and Greg Pedley on drums.
Contents
Biography
The Zorros were formed in Brunswick as a punk rock band by Nic Chancellor on lead vocals, Greg Pedley on drums, Darren Smith on lead guitar and Alex Zammit on bass guitar. They played their first gig at the Champion Hotel, Fitzroy in January 1980. Nic Chancellor was previously a roadie for 1970s punk band, the News, and a doorman at Bernhardt's Nite Club. Darren Smith played in the Proles. Andrea Jones of Rolling Stone felt that the group members were "very cynical about the softening of the new music. They are adamant that it will be rapidly followed by a resurgence in aggression and when that happens, The Zorros will be the front runners." Chancellor told her that "We get more of a kick out of playing. Hopefully we'll be round long enough to make a record. But it's a big thrill to play for an audience. It'd be an even bigger thrill to play and make money"
The Zorros were popular in the Melbourne music scene of the early 1980s, playing at numerous local venues such as the Crystal Ballroom, Bombay Rock, Brunswick and The Esplanade, St Kilda. In October 1981 released a 7" single on Au Go Go Records, "Too Young", written by Chancellor. It was mixed and produced by Tony Cohen (The Birthday Party), which went to number 3 on the Melbourne 3RRR charts.
Scott Ferris joined on bass guitar in 1982, he later recalled, "I always thought the Zorros were a better band before I joined them [...] they had these quirky riffs and I liked their arrogance.. but when I joined, Nic Chancellor had visions of the Beatles story and the Doors mysticism on his mind and it got well, pear shaped lol... Phil [Bryant] left because he wasn't having much fun and I could see his point. I stuck it out until early 83 when Nic thought going to the Frankston Pier hotel and playing one song in a talent quest was a ticket to fame.. I thought better and left."
In 1988 they released a self-titled, eight-track, EP via Funnel Web Records and Dreamtime Software on a music cassette.
They played at the final live performances at the Crystal Ballroom on 31 October 1987 and played at inner city venues such as Prince of Wales and the Esplanade until 1994. Evolving from Melbourne's indie rock scene, The Zorros played with other bands such as INXS, Rose Tattoo, 21 Faces, Z Cars, Marching Girls and La Femme. They played original independent music for 16 years with over 500 performances and over 500 songs written by Darren and Chancellor. Darren Smith died 13 February 2009. Scott Ferris wrote lyrics for Tiddas. Alex Zammit played for Moon Rocket. Daniel Smith was a network administrator. Nic Chancellor was an CG Animator.