The Bamboos (rock band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 in Collie, Western Australia, Australia |
| Founder | Mark Gelmi, Craig Hallsworth |
| Defunct | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Perth , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
The Bamboos emerged as a swamp and alternative rock ensemble originating from Collie, Western Australia in 1984, founded by Mark Gelmi on bass and Craig Hallsworth handling guitar and vocals. The group moved to Perth in 1985, where Greg Hitchcock (formerly of The Go-Starts and Graverobbers) joined as guitarist. In 1986, Shakir Pichler (previously with The Kryptonics) took over on drums, later succeeded by Russell Hopkinson in 1987. Before their dissolution at the end of 1987, the band released the album Rarer than Rockinghorse Shit along with the EP Born Killer.
1984-1987: History
Originating in Collie, Western Australia in 1984, The Bamboos initially consisted of Tony Chiallella on drums, Mark Gelmi playing bass, Craig Hallsworth on guitar and vocals, and Roger Russell on guitar. After relocating to Perth in 1985, Greg Hitchcock replaced Russell. This formation contributed three songs to the 6× extended play compilation Cooking with George – Mark Too, recorded at ABC Studio 621 in Perth.
In 1986, drummer Tony Chiallella was succeeded by Shakir Pichler. Their gritty, guitar-heavy swamp rock style caught the attention of John Needham from Citadel Records, leading to the September release of their single "Snuff" under Citadel. That same year saw the release of their cassette album Rarer Than Rockinghorse Shit through Cleopatra Records. By May 1987, they had issued a six-track EP titled Born Killer on Citadel.
After completing two nationwide tours, Pichler left to establish and manage the rockabilly outfit The Howlin MoonDoggies. Russell Hopkinson (formerly of Vicious Circle) then took over drumming duties. The Bamboos' last single, "With Which to Love You," was released in October 1987 before they disbanded. During their active years, they supported prominent bands such as Lime Spiders, Johnny Thunders, The Damned, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Hoodoo Gurus, Violent Femmes, and The Cramps.
Afterwards
Following the breakup, former members pursued various musical projects. Craig Hallsworth went on to create The Healers, Wild Palms, Zuvuya, Outstation, Tangled Star, and The Slow Beings. In 2016, he issued a solo album entitled What's The Story With This Hole? via Hidden Shoal as a digital release. Between 2019 and 2020, Hallsworth reunited with Jim Butterworth (bass) and Michael Newman (drums) to form Magnets Have Souls; their debut album Evidence was launched in 2024 across all streaming services with a second album underway. Greg Hitchcock has played with groups including The Neptunes, The Kryptonics, New Christs, The Verys, Challenger 7, You Am I, The Dearhunters, and The Monarchs. Russell Hopkinson became a member of Nursery Crimes and You Am I and collaborated with punk band Radio Birdman; he also managed Reverberation Records from 2003 until its sale to Fuse Music Group in 2007. Shakir Pichler founded The Howlin MoonDoggies, Fink, and Brutal Pancho; toured alongside Amphetish and Wish You Weres; established Sexbeat Records; appeared in feature films like Mission: Impossible 2 and Ghost Rider; and more recently worked as an action vehicle coordinator and stunt double for the Disney series Last Days of the Space Age.
Members
- Tony Chiallella: drums (1984–1986)
- Mark Gelmi: bass guitar (1984–1987)
- Craig Hallsworth: guitar and vocals (1984–1987)
- Greg Hitchcock: vocals and guitar (1985–1987)
- Russell Hopkinson: drums (1986–1987)
- Shakir Pichler: drums (1986)
- Roger Russell: guitar (1984–1985)
Albums
| Title | Album information | Highest chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||
| Bamboos & Mutants of Desire (in collaboration with Mutants of Desire) |
|
- |
| Born Killer |
|
94 |
| Rarer Than Rockinghorse Shit |
|
- |