Geeza
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Founder | Tony Cini, Gabriel Vendetti, Martin Adamson, Allan Fraiel, Ian Webb |
| Defunct | 1980 |
| Fate | Dissolved; revived 2010–2014 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Rock music, album "Streetlife" |
Geeza was a rock group originating from Sydney, Australia, established in late 1973 by Tony Cini, Gabriel Vendetti, Martin Adamson, Allan Fraiel, and Ian Webb. Initially, they performed under the name The Geeza Rock'n'Roll Show. Terry Halliday, the band's most enduring member, fronted multiple versions of the group throughout the 1970s and again in the 2010s, including during the release of their only album, Streetlife, in late 1977. This album featured the single "Run 'n' Hide," which entered the top 100 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart. Geeza dissolved in 1980 but was revived by Halliday from 2010 until his passing in 2014.
Formation and early years
The band was originally called "Solid Ash" when formed in 1973, comprising Martin Adamson (bass/vocals), Gabby Vendetti (lead guitar), Ray Falzon (rhythm guitar), and Ian Webb (drums). After performing several shows, Tony Cini joined as lead vocalist. Martin Adamson took on managerial and songwriting duties and came up with the name Geeza. Managed by Steve Rondo, the band progressed from playing at schools and local dances to larger venues, sharing stages with acts such as Chain, Sherbet, Buffalo, and the early lineup of AC/DC.
In September 1974, following the departures of Tony Cini and Ray Falzon, the band underwent a stylistic shift. The new roster included Terry Meaney on vocals; Gabby Marshall (Vendetti) on guitar; Marty Lee (Adamson) handling bass; Ian Marshall (Webb) on drums; and Alan Fraiel added as a second drummer. Under Rondo’s guidance, The Geeza Rock & Roll Show was developed into a theatrical production featuring elaborate stage props that enhanced their reputation within Sydney.
Towards the end of 1975, Geeza performed live atop a flatbed truck while touring Parramatta—a stunt that preceded a similar one by AC/DC. They secured a deal with Living Sound Music and released their debut single "Vambo"—a rendition of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band’s "Vambo Marble Eye"—in April 1976 after shortening their name to simply Geeza.
Streetlife era and disbandment
The success of "Vambo" enabled Geeza to record their debut and only studio album, Streetlife, which came out in mid-1977. Produced by Mario Millo (formerly of Sebastian Hardie and Windchase), the album included two singles: "Run 'n' Hide" and "Song to Warilla." Notably, "Run 'n' Hide" climbed to number 56 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart. Released through Laser Records, the album featured compositions by bassist Lee Martin.
Soon after Streetlife was launched, Martin departed and was succeeded by Steve Gronow on bass. From April to June 1978, Geeza toured nationally supporting the Ted Mulry Gang during promotion for their album Disturbing the Peace. Following this tour, Fraiel and Gronow left the band and were replaced by John Adams and Scott Cornell from Railroad Gin. Later that year, Halliday also exited and Barrington Davis (ex-Powerpact, Kahvas Jute) took over vocal duties. Early in 1979 saw another lineup change with Vendetti, Cornell, and Adams being replaced by Xerxes Salazar, Dominic Goffredo (who had previously filled in), and Warwick Hoffman respectively.
This final configuration recorded eight tracks that were never released due to Geeza’s subsequent dissolution.
Revival
In 2010, Terry Halliday endeavored to bring Geeza back together with members from their 1977 lineup—Gabriel Vendetti, Lee Martin, and Allan Fraiel. When this was not fully feasible, Halliday obtained authorization to reform the band with new musicians. He enlisted guitarist Brad Johns, bassist Martin Skipper, drummer Tony Meaney, and saxophonist Martyn Wright for performances throughout that year.
This version was brief; before the end of 2010 Johns and Skipper left and were replaced in late 2011 by Chris Stopforth on guitar and Brooke Webb on bass. Geeza ceased activity once more following Halliday’s death in 2014 at age 55.
Band members
Former members
- Ray Falzon – rhythm guitar (1973–1974)
- Lee Martin – bass guitar (1973–1977)
- Gabriel Vendetti – lead guitar (1973–1979)
- Ian Webb – drums (1973–1975)
- Tony Cini – vocals (1973–1974)
- Allan Fraiel – drums (1974–1978)
- Terry Halliday – vocals, rhythm guitar, synthesiser (1975–1978, 2010–2014)
- Steve Gronow – bass guitar (1977–1978)
- Scott Cornell – bass guitar (1978–1979)
- Barrington Davis – vocals (1978–1980)
- John Adams – drums (1978–1979)
- Dominic Goffredo – bass guitar (1979–1980)
- Warwick Hoffman – drums (1979–1980)
- Xerxes Salazar – lead guitar (1979–1980)
- Brad Johns – lead guitar (2010)
- Tony Meaney – drums (2010–2014)
- Martin Skipper – bass guitar (2010)
- Martyn Wright – saxophone (2010–2014)
- Chris Stopforth – lead guitar (2011–2014)
- Brooke Webb – bass guitar (2011–2014)
Studio albums
| Album Title | Album Information | Highest Chart Positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||
| Streetlife |
|
79 |
Singles
| Release Year | Single Title | Highest Chart Positions |
Associated Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS | |||
| 1976 | "Vambo" | – | non-album single |
| 1977 | "Run 'n' Hide" | 56 | Streetlife |
| "Song to Warilla" | – |
References
- General Sources