Band of Talabene
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | April 1972 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Music (Blues rock) |
Band of Talabene was an Australian blues rock ensemble with a brief existence, initially formed in Melbourne in April 1972 under the name Willy & the Philtones. The original lineup consisted of Tony Buettel (formerly of Bay City Union, Levi Smith's Clefs, Fraternity) on drums, Phil Gaunt (previously with Ida May Mack) handling bass duties, Phil Manning (ex-Bay City Union, Chain, Pilgrimage, Friends) as lead guitarist and vocalist, and Tony Naylor (also from Ida May Mack) on guitar and vocals. Their chosen name was inspired by groups such as Derek and the Dominoes and highlighted the presence of two members named Phil and two named Tony. By July 1972, Gus Fenwick (formerly of the Pleazers) took over bass from Gaunt, prompting a rebranding to Band of Talabene. According to Manning, the band's name stemmed from a dream his daughter had involving a band called Talabene featuring pumpkins playing guitars.
In November 1972, the group issued the single "Herbert's Boogie" through the Bootleg label. Manning exited in December to join Mighty Mouse. Naylor kept the band active by bringing in new musicians: Peter Curtain (ex-The Party Machine) on drums, Fran Kelly on bass guitar, and Peter Roberts (formerly of The La De Da's and Band of Light) on guitar. This configuration released the track "Oh Darling" in April 1973. Subsequent lineup changes saw Paul Wheeler (previously with Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs) join on bass and Dallas Royall added as drummer; Royall was later succeeded by Steve Webb (ex-Blackfeather, Wolfe, Duck, Tramp) before the group disbanded toward the end of 1973.
Following the dissolution, Buettel co-founded Band of Light and pursued a career as a record producer during the 1980s. Manning reassembled Chain in 1973 featuring members from Mighty Mouse but departed in 1974 to focus on solo work while occasionally rejoining Chain. Fenwick and Naylor were among the founding members of Bootleg Family Band (active 1973–75), with Naylor continuing as it transitioned into Avalanche until 1978. Fenwick subsequently became part of Ray Burton's Nightflyers in 1977. Royall joined Buster Brown in 1975 before his stint with Rose Tattoo from 1976 to 1983. Roberts moved on to Kahvas Jute (later renamed Chariot) starting May 1974.
Members
- Tony Buettel – drums (1972)
- Phil Gaunt – bass guitar (1972)
- Phil Manning – lead guitar, lead vocals (1972)
- Tony Naylor – guitar, vocals (1972–73)
- Gus Fenwick – bass guitar (1972)
- Fran Kelly – bass guitar (1973)
- Peter Curtain – drums (1973)
- Peter Roberts – guitar (1973)
- Paul Wheeler – bass guitar (1973)
- Dallas Royall – drums (1973)
- Steve Webb – drums (1973)