Helicopters (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | August 1980 |
| Defunct | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Perth , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Helicopters was an Australian band from Perth known for blending new wave and ska influences into their pop sound, established in August 1980. Their discography includes two albums: the eponymous debut released in 1982 and a compilation titled Great Moments in Aviation issued in 1985. The original lineup featured Deidre Baude on lead vocals and bass, alongside Kevin Rooney on drums. The group dissolved in 1985, after which Baude and Rooney relocated to the United Kingdom.
History
Originating in Perth during August 1980, Helicopters—sometimes referred to as The Helicopters—began with Deidre Baude (vocals, bass), Kevin Rooney (drums), and Peter Stafford (lead guitar). By April 1981, Stafford was succeeded by Phil Bennett (vocals, keyboards) and Tony Thewlis (guitar). Their song "Tag Along" appeared on the 1981 Perth compilation album West, released by radio station 96FM. Early performances primarily consisted of covers from British bands such as U2 and Siouxsie and the Banshees.
In September 1981, Tony Thewlis departed to join the post-punk outfit The Scientists, with George O'Brien stepping in as guitarist. This formation—Baude, Bennett, O'Brien, and Rooney—recorded their first album in 1982. O'Brien exited in August of that year; the remaining members paused activities for a year and created a glam rock cover project named Lazer Blades. In early 1983, Helicopters regrouped with Vic Renolds (formerly of Change Alley) on guitar and vocals, shifting toward a more aggressive yet still pop-driven musical style.
Despite Perth's reputation as a city dominated by cover bands, Helicopters became one of its leading new wave acts, cultivating a dedicated local fanbase. They also opened for international artists including Stray Cats, Elvis Costello, and Duran Duran. Following their breakup in 1985 coinciding with the release of their retrospective album, Baude and Rooney moved to the UK. Renolds embarked on a solo career while Bennett joined groups such as Lick the Lizard, Love Bites, and Pillbox. Rooney briefly rejoined The Scientists in London and contributed to their 1987 release Human Jukebox. The track "Elevator Phobia," composed by Baude and Rooney, was featured on the 1995 compilation United Rock.
Members
- Deidre Baude (also known as Deidre Baude de Bunnetat) – lead vocals, bass guitar (1980–85)
- Kevin Rooney (also credited as Kevin Kavanah) – drums (1980–85)
- Peter Stafford – lead guitar (1980–81)
- Phil Bennett – keyboards, vocals (1981–85)
- George O'Brien (also known as George B. Rushmore) – lead guitar (1981–82)
- Tony Thewlis – lead guitar (1981)
- Vic Renolds – lead guitar, vocals (1983–85)
Discography
- The Helicopters – Warped/Tempo, Home Grown (1982)
- Great Moments in Aviation – self-released cassette (1984)