Bakery (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Headquarters | Perth , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Bakery was a progressive hard rock group originating from Perth, Australia, established in 1970. The founding members included Hank Davis on drums, Mal Logan handling keyboards, Eddie McDonald playing bass, Peter Walker on guitar, and John Worrall providing vocals and flute. They produced two albums under Astor Records: Rock Mass for Love released in August 1971 and Momento issued in August 1972, featuring the Perth charting single "No Dying in the Dark." Bakery took part in the Sunbury Pop Festival in January 1973 before dissolving in early 1975.
History
The band was created at the start of 1970 by New Zealand-born musicians Hank Davis (drums) and Eddie McDonald (bass), both previously part of Avengers. The original ensemble was completed with Mal Logan on keyboards (formerly of Rebels), Peter Walker on guitar (ex-Jelly Roll Bakers), and John Worrall as vocalist and flautist. Shortly after formation, Logan departed to join Healing Force, subsequently moving on to Chain and later Little River Band. By mid-1970, Rex Bullen replaced Logan on keyboards and Tom Davidson took over vocal duties.
Their first album, Rock Mass for Love (August 1971, Astor Records), was captured live at St George's Cathedral but did not fully showcase their signature progressive hard rock sound. Early singles included "Bloodsucker" released in February 1971 and "No Dying in the Dark" in July 1971, with the latter achieving top ten status on Perth’s charts. Vocalist Tom Davidson was succeeded by Mark Verschuer. The band's style was influenced by groups such as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin.
Momento, their sophomore album released in August 1972, featured Steve Hogg on bass and vocals along with Paul Ewing on organ and vocals. Following Verschuer’s exit, lead vocal responsibilities were shared among Davis, Ewing, Hogg, and Walker. Eddie McDonald transitioned to McAskill before joining the Phil Manning Band. Rex Bullen later collaborated with Jim Keays’ Southern Cross and Marc Hunter until his passing in March 1983.
In January 1973, Bakery performed at the Sunbury Pop Festival and subsequently toured various festivals along Australia's east coast. Barry Leef became the lead vocalist in February 1973. Their rendition of "Living with a Memory" from Sunbury was featured on the triple-live compilation The Great Australian Rock Festival Sunbury 1973, released by Mushroom Records. Bassist Phil Lawson was replaced by Jackie Orszaczky in August 1973. The group maintained their live performances until their breakup in February 1975.
Members
- John Worrall – vocals, flute (1970)
- Peter Walker – guitar, vocals (1970–1975)
- Mal Logan – keyboards (1970)
- Eddie McDonald – bass (1970–1972)
- Hank Davis – drums, vocals (1970–1975)
- Rex Bullen – keyboards (1970–1972)
- Tom Davidson – vocals (1970–1971)
- Mark Verschuer – vocals (1971–1972)
- Steve Hogg – bass, vocals (1972–1973)
- Paul Ewing – keyboards, vocals (1972–1974)
- Barry Leef – vocals (1972–1975)
- Phil Lawson – bass (1973)
- Jackie Orszaczky – bass (1973–1975)
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Highest Chart Positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||
| Rock Mass for Love |
|
21 |
| Momento |
|
- |
Singles
| Year | Song Title | Highest Chart Positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||
| 1971 | "Bloodsucker"/"Leave Scruffy Alone" | 82 |
| "Trust in the Lord"/"No Dying in the Dark" | 94 |