Lotus (Australian band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 in Sydney, Australia |
| Defunct | August 1973 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Rock and pop music |
Lotus was an Australian rock and pop ensemble that had a brief existence, originating in Sydney in 1970. Their only single, titled "Lotus 1 (I'll Be Gone)" and released in December of the same year, climbed to No. 33 on the Go-Set National Top 60 chart by May 1971. The song was a collaborative composition by band members Kim Dawson (lead guitar, vocals), Ian Every (bass guitar, vocals), Shane Hewitt (lead vocals), Ray Smedley (drums), and Warwick Wilkes (organ, vocals). Despite undergoing several personnel changes, the group did not produce any additional recordings and ultimately dissolved in August 1973.
History
The formation of Lotus took place in early 1970 with the lineup consisting of Kim Dawson, Ian Every, Shane Hewitt, Ray Smedley, and Warwick Wilkes. Their initial base was a communal farm setting near Sydney before they moved to Melbourne to promote their single "Lotus 1 (I'll Be Gone)." Music expert Ian McFarlane characterized the song as "impressive hard rock," situating the band between lesser-known pop acts and progressive rock followers. The single reached its peak position at No. 33 on the Go-Set National Top 60 in May 1971. The band ceased activities the subsequent month.
Following this, Dawson and Wilkes briefly joined the Melbourne hard rock outfit known as the Ash. Later, Dawson, Smedley, and Wilkes returned to Sydney and revived Lotus toward the end of 1971 by adding Norm Roue on slide guitar and Billy Rylands on bass guitar. After Roue and Rylands exited shortly thereafter, Ian Every rejoined in 1972. This configuration remained intact until the group’s final breakup in August 1973.
Afterwards
In 1973, Shane Hewitt transitioned into business by becoming part of talent promoter Kenn Brodziak's theatre production team. He later resumed performing cabaret in 1998 and established an online venture for selling CDs.