Tablewaiters
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 in Sydney, Australia |
| Defunct | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
Tablewaiters was an Australian post-punk ensemble active between 1980 and 1986. The band was established by Tony Ameneiro on synthesiser and Graeme Synold as lead vocalist. By 1981, the group had expanded to include Gye Bennetts on drums, Ian Robertson handling bass duties, and Ed Lee on lead guitar. In 1984, Phillip Hyrwka took over drumming responsibilities from Bennetts. Following the band's dissolution, Ameneiro transitioned into a career in visual arts. Tablewaiters toured across Australia, sharing stages with notable domestic and international performers such as Simple Minds, The Psychedelic Furs, Split Enz, INXS, Midnight Oil, Machinations, Laughing Clowns, Models, Hunters & Collectors, Eurogliders, and The Birthday Party.
History
In 1980, Graeme Synold and Tony Ameneiro crossed paths in Sydney while both were enrolled in art studies at the Alexander Mackie College of Advanced Education. One of their earliest gigs involved supporting Sardine v at Sydney’s Civic Hotel that same year. By 1981, the lineup had solidified with Bennetts (formerly of The Agents) on drums, Robertson on bass guitar, Lee on lead guitar, alongside Ameneiro and Synold.
That year, the band recorded an album titled Gate at Alberts studio in Sydney under the production of Lobby Loyde. Financial constraints prevented its official release, and only low-quality bootleg copies circulated among fans. Singles planned for release—"Between the Lines" and "Access"—also remained unreleased. Prior to this, some recordings featured Colin Newham from The Reels.
Under the management of SCAM (Suss City Artist Management), which also represented Sardine v, The Sunnyboys, and Machinations, Tablewaiters benefited from Loyde’s production skills; he was also involved with other SCAM-associated artists. After completing Gate, Bennetts departed and was succeeded by Phillip Hyrwka, formerly of The Agents. Rob Barnham took over managerial duties. In 1984, the band secured a publishing agreement and issued a double A-sided single, "Scattered Visions"/"Small Quiet Children," via Powderworks Records & Tapes; the artwork for this release was created by Ameneiro.
During Sydney’s vibrant pub rock era, Tablewaiters frequently performed at venues including The Civic Hotel, The Trade Union Club, Governor’s Pleasure, and held residencies at Melbourne’s Macy’s in Toorak. Their extensive touring schedule saw them supporting prominent acts such as Simple Minds, The Psychedelic Furs, Split Enz, INXS, Midnight Oil, Machinations, Laughing Clowns, Models, Hunters & Collectors, Eurogliders, and The Birthday Party.
After completing further self-financed studio recordings, Tablewaiters disbanded in 1986. Post-breakup activities saw Ameneiro concentrate on visual arts while Ed Lee moved to Wollongong and joined various groups including ATE. In 1992, Lee reunited with Ameneiro to produce a self-funded album under the name Chihuahua Chihuahua. Gye Bennetts subsequently played with several bands including Johnny Kannis Band (1988), Roddy Radalj and The Surfin' Caesars (1989), Hitmen D.T.K. (1989–90), The Psychotic Turnbuckles, and Klondike's North 40.
Singles
Initial recordings were produced by Colin (Polly) Newham and Lobby Loyde.
- "Between the Lines" / "Access by Invitation" - Alberts (November 1981)
- "Scattered Visions" / "Small Quiet Children" - Powderworks Records (POW 0227) (1984)
Compilations
- The track "Confrontation with a Mountain" featured on volume 11 of the Fast Forward cassette magazine, a project overseen by Lobby Loyde.
External links
- Fast Forward compilation by Various Artists available at Discogs