Goanna (band)

Goanna

Company type	Rock band
Industry	Music
Founded	1977 in Geelong, Australia
Founder	Shane Howard
Headquarters	Geelong , Australia
Products	Music albums and singles

Goanna is a rock ensemble from Australia, founded in 1977 in Geelong by singer-songwriter and guitarist Shane Howard. Renowned for merging social activism with mainstream music, they achieved Top 20 status in Australia with the singles "Solid Rock" (1982) and "Let the Franklin Flow" (1983, released under the name Gordon Franklin & the Wilderness Ensemble). Their first album, Spirit of Place, climbed to No. 2 on the Australian album charts. The group dissolved in 1987 but briefly reunited in 1998.

1977–1987

Goanna originated as a folk-rock band initiated by Shane Howard in Geelong in 1977. The initial members were Mike Biscan (guitar), Richard Griffiths (bass), Rod Hoe (drums), with Howard as the sole constant figure. By 1979, the lineup had evolved to include Howard, keyboardist and vocalist Rose Bygrave, lead guitarist Warwick Harwood, bassist Carl Smith, drummer Gary Crothall, and vocalist/harmonica player Ian Morrison. They independently issued a four-track EP titled The Goanna Band, produced by Broderick Smith and distributed through EMI.

In 1981, the band’s roster consisted of Howard, Bygrave, Harwood, Peter Coughlan (bass), Marcia Howard (vocals and synthesizers), Graham Davidge (guitar), and Robbie Ross (drums). Now performing as Goanna, their rising prominence attracted attention from major record labels. They supported James Taylor during his 1981 Australian tour and secured a contract with WEA Australia in February 1982. At this time, Howard established Uluru Music to oversee their publishing rights.

The single "Solid Rock", released in September 1982, drew inspiration from Howard’s visit to Uluru in 1980 and addressed Indigenous Australian themes. Despite initial reluctance from their label, it reached No. 2 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart and attained No. 31 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart. Their debut album Spirit of Place, produced by Trevor Lucas of Fairport Convention, was launched in December 1982, hitting No. 2 on Australian charts and No. 179 on the US Billboard 200. The record prominently featured didgeridoo contributions from Billy Inda and Bobby Djabanunga.

In April 1983, Goanna earned three Countdown Music and Video Awards: Best Debut Album for Spirit of Place, Best Debut Single for "Solid Rock", and Best New Talent. Their subsequent single "Razors Edge" peaked at No. 36.

In February 1983, members collaborated with folk group Redgum under the name Gordon Franklin & the Wilderness Ensemble to release "Let the Franklin Flow", supporting efforts by the Tasmanian Wilderness Society opposing dam construction on Tasmania’s Gordon and Franklin rivers. The single reached No. 12. Proceeds were directed towards environmental activism, exemplifying Goanna’s commitment to intertwining music with social issues.

By late 1983, lineup adjustments brought guitarists Ross Hannaford and Russell Smith onboard, with Geoff Bridgford replacing Robbie Ross on drums. Their October release "That Day (Is Coming Sooner)" peaked at No. 67. Shortly after, WEA dropped Goanna from their roster. Howard then traveled overseas seeking new recording contracts while undergoing a personal cultural awakening regarding his heritage.

Although close to signing with CBS, Goanna renewed their contract with WEA Australia in 1984. They recorded their sophomore album Oceania across studios located in Melbourne, Byron Bay, and Los Angeles with producer Billy Payne of Little Feat. Released in April 1985, it reached No. 29 on Australian charts. Singles "Common Ground" and "Dangerous Dancing" attained positions No. 42 and No. 91 respectively.

In September 1985, they issued a non-album single titled "Song for Africa" aimed at supporting famine relief efforts; however, it did not chart. WEA once again dropped the band. In July that year, Goanna performed at the Oz for Africa concert—part of Live Aid—broadcast worldwide.

Following this period, Howard left Goanna to collaborate with Aboriginal musician Bart Willoughby. Without Howard’s presence, the band dissolved but briefly regrouped for a farewell tour in late 1986 alongside Aboriginal group Coloured Stone. The final formation included Shane and Marcia Howard, Rose Bygrave, Dave Stewart (drums), Jo Imbrol (bass), Simon Curphey and Selwyn Burns (guitars), supported by didgeridoo players Bunna Lawrie, Bart Willoughby, Tony Lovett, and Nicky Moffatt.

Their concluding performances were held at the Baha'i Concert For Peace in October 1986 and at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January 1987.

1988–present: Post-Goanna Activities

Following Goanna's disbandment, Shane Howard reignited his solo endeavors, producing a series of albums such as Back to the Track (1988), River (1990), Clan (1996), Beyond Hope's Bridge (2000), and Deeper South (2015). In collaboration with veteran Anangu songwriter Trevor Adamson, he co-created "Palya Wiru Uluru," which they performed live at Uluru in 2019.

In 2000, Howard established his own record label, Goanna Arts. He played a pivotal role as a founding member and musical director for the Black Arm Band's productions Murundak (2006) and Hidden Republic (2008), while also acting as repertoire consultant for Dirt Songs (2009). Additionally, he produced the stage performances, accompanying CD, and DVD for Exile: Songs & Stories of Irish Australia (2016).

Howard has been instrumental in producing albums for Indigenous musicians including the Wirrinyga Band, Pigram Brothers, Jimmy Chi, Andy Alberts, Joe Geia, and Archie Roach, greatly influencing Indigenous Australian music production.

Rose Bygrave briefly joined Wendy Saddington on tour in 1986 before releasing her first solo album White Bird in 1999. She followed this with other works such as Walking Home (2001) and The Yabby Catcher (2019).

Marcia Howard’s solo discography features albums like Butterfly (2000), Burning in the Rain (2004), and Everything Reminds Me (2017). Her acclaimed interpretation of William Blake's "Poison Tree" brought her recognition, and she appeared as a contestant on The Voice in 2016. In 2017, she earned the title Artist of the Year at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. Marcia Howard joined forces with Rose Bygrave on the collaborative album Pearl (2011).

In October 1998, Shane Howard reunited with Marcia Howard and Rose Bygrave to revive Goanna and release their third studio album, Spirit Returns. The lineup featured Kerryn Tolhurst along with guest artists Steve Cooney and Liam O'Maonlai. This album contained politically charged songs such as "Song for East Timor" and "Sorry," which were inspired by Indigenous Australian matters. Notably, Goanna performed "Sorry" at Canberra's inaugural National Sorry Day in 1998.

During the Countdown Spectacular tour in 2006, Shane Howard delivered a performance of "Solid Rock," with Marcia Howard and Rose Bygrave joining him for shows in Melbourne. That same year, Goanna’s songs "Solid Rock" and "Razor's Edge" were included in Triple M's Essential 2006 Countdown.

Guitarists Mike Biscan and Warrick Harwood both passed away in April 2020.

Starting June 2022, Goanna embarked on an Australian tour commemorating the 40th anniversary of their album Spirit of Place, featuring members Shane Howard, Rose Bygrave, Marcia Howard, and Graham Davidge. In September 2022, they performed "Solid Rock" at the AFL Grand Final. Later that year in December, the band re-issued "Solid Rock" featuring Emma Donovan and William Barton.

In June 2023, Goanna unveiled "Takayna," marking their first new song release in a quarter-century. Shane Howard described it as an homage to nature and the Indigenous custodianship of takayna/Tarkine.

Members

Current members

• Shane Howard – vocals; acoustic and electric guitar (1977–85, 1986, 1998, 2021–present)
• Rose Bygrave – vocals; piano; synthesizer (1980–85, 1998, 2021–present)
• Marcia Howard – vocals; synthesiser; acoustic guitar (1980–85, 1986, 1998, 2021–present)
• Graham Davidge – guitar (1982–83, 2021–present)

Former members

• Mike Biscan – guitar (1977–78; deceased 2020)
• Warrick Harwood – guitar (1978–83; deceased 2020)
• Rick Griffiths – bass guitar (1977)
• Carl Smith – bass guitar (1978–80)
• Peter "Brolga" Coughlan – bass guitar; vocals (1981–85)
• Rod Hoe – drums (1977-79)
• Gary "Zos" Crothall – drums (1979–80)
• Dave Stewart – drums (1980–81, 1986)
• Greg Martin – drums (1981-82)
• Robert "Robbie" Ross – drums (1982–83)
• Ian Morrison – vocals; harmonica (1979-84)
• Mick "The Reverend" O'Connor – organ; piano (1979 EP, 1982–83; deceased 2022)

Touring & unofficial members

• Geoff Bridgford (Bee Gees) – drums (1983)
• Greg "Kenny" Sheehan – drums (1981, 1984-85)
• Joe Camilleri (Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons) – saxophone (1982)
• Stephen Cooney – bass; didgeridoo (1998)
• Joe Creighton – bass (1985)
• Joe Imbrol – bass guitar (1986)
• Simon Curphey – guitar (1986)
• Lisa Edwards (John Farnham Band) – backing vocals (1982–83)
• Suzie Dickinson – backing vocals (1982)
• Venetta Fields (Pink Floyd) – vocals (1984)
• Ross Hannaford (Daddy Cool) – guitar; vocals (1983–84, 1985)
• Brian Holloway – guitar (1984-85)
• Billy Inda – percussion; didgeridoo (1982)
• Judi Kenneally – cover art director (Spirit of Place, Oceania)
• Trevor Lucas (Fairport Convention) – guitar; producer (1982)
• Mal Logan (Little River Band) – keyboards (1984)
• Liam Ó Maonlaí (Hothouse Flowers) – vocals; keyboards (1998)
• Bill Payne (Little Feat) – keyboards; producer (1984-85)
• Derek Pellicci (Little River Band) – drums (1985)
• Doug McDonald (Powerhouse) – drums; vocals (1985-86)
• Spiro Philipas – bass guitar (1985)
• John Phillips – guitar (1977-79)
• Sam See – guitar (1984-86)
• Cameron Goold – drums (1998)
• Russell Smith – guitar (1983)
• Alex Pertout – percussion (1984–85)
• Kerryn Tolhurst – guitar (1979 EP, 1998)
• Bart Willoughby – drums; percussion (1986)

References

General

• Note: The archived online version offers limited features.
• Note: The digital edition was launched in 2007 by White Room Electronic Publishing Pty Ltd, expanding upon the 2002 print release.

Specific

External links

• Official Shane Howard website
• ABOUT Marcia Howard
• [IMDb profile for Goanna]