Jump to content

The Go-Betweens

From Alfawiki
The Go-Betweens
Company typeIndie rock band
IndustryMusic
Founded1977 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
FounderRobert Forster, Grant McLennan
Headquarters
Brisbane
,
Australia
ProductsMusic albums, singles

The Go-Betweens originated as an Australian indie rock ensemble established in 1977 in Brisbane, Queensland. The group was co-founded and consistently led by singer-songwriters and guitarists Robert Forster and Grant McLennan, who were the sole members to remain throughout the band's existence. Drummer Lindy Morrison became part of the lineup in 1980, with later additions including bassist Robert Vickers and versatile musician Amanda Brown. In 1987, John Willsteed replaced Vickers, maintaining the five-piece formation until their disbandment in 1989. Forster and McLennan revived the band in 2000 with a fresh roster that did not feature former members. The group came to a definitive end following McLennan's death from a heart attack on 6 May 2006. To honor their legacy, Brisbane renamed a toll bridge the Go Between Bridge in 2010.

The 1988 single "Streets of Your Town" from the album 16 Lovers Lane achieved Top 100 status on both Australia's Kent Music Report and the UK's UK Singles Chart. Its follow-up, "Was There Anything I Could Do?", reached number 16 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. In May 2001, the track "Cattle and Cane" from their 1983 release Before Hollywood was recognized by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) as one of the Top 30 Australian songs. Additionally, in 2008, 16 Lovers Lane was showcased on SBS TV's series The Great Australian Albums.

1977–1982: early years

Robert Forster and Grant McLennan first connected at the University of Queensland, collaborating as vocalists and guitarists sharing songwriting responsibilities. They formed the Go-Betweens in December 1977 in Brisbane, Queensland, deriving their name from L. P. Hartley's novel The Go-Between. Their debut live appearance took place in April 1978, supporting the Numbers at Baroona Hall. Initially without a steady drummer, they recorded their first single, "Lee Remick", in May 1978, which was released through the independent Able label in September. The single’s B-side was "Karen," complementing the release that garnered attention from Beserkley Records’ UK division. Following this, drummer Temucin "Tim" Mustafa joined, and guitarist Peter Milton Walsh was added to the lineup. Beserkley offered a contract promising re-issues plus an eight-album deal; however, their collapse shortly after resulted in Walsh’s exit.[1]

Their sophomore single, "People Say," arrived in May 1979 featuring Mustapha on drums and Malcolm Kelly on keyboards; its B-side served as a farewell tribute to Walsh. Between 1978 and 1979, they recorded home demos that were eventually released in 1999 as 78 'Til 79 – The Lost Album, blending elements of new wave and pop sounds.

In late 1979, Forster and McLennan traveled overseas aiming to directly promote their music to record labels. While in Glasgow in April 1980, they recorded "I Need Two Heads" for Postcard Records with Steven Daly guesting on drums. This single climbed to number six on UK indie charts. Forster returned to Australia mid-year; meanwhile, McLennan proceeded to New York before both followed fellow Australian band Birthday Party into London's music scene. Upon returning to Brisbane, they enlisted Belinda "Lindy" Morrison (formerly of Xero) as drummer in 1980. Their inaugural Sydney performance supported Birthday Party and Laughing Clowns at the Paris Theatre. Impressed by their live presence, Missing Link Records re-released "I Need Two Heads" domestically and issued their next single, "Your Turn My Turn," recorded with Tony Cohen in September 1981.

In 1981, they tracked ten demo songs in Brisbane later compiled as Very Quick on the Eye (1982), emphasizing Morrison’s essential drumming contribution. By this time, Forster and Morrison were romantic partners living together in Spring Hill, Brisbane.

Their first album, Send Me a Lullaby, produced collaboratively by the band and Tony Cohen for Missing Link Records, debuted as an eight-track mini-album in November 1981. Rough Trade, their UK distributor, expanded it with four additional songs for release in March 1982. The album’s title was chosen by Morrison over Forster’s original suggestion. Musically, it featured dry semi-spoken vocals paired with intricate lyrics alongside melodic yet edgy guitar pop influenced by acts such as Television, Wire, and Talking Heads. Australian rock historian Ian McFarlane characterized it as tentative with a raw texture. Vocals were shared between Forster and McLennan except for "People Know," which featured Morrison singing alongside guest saxophonist James Freud (Models). Encouraged by Rough Trade’s backing, the band relocated to London.

Their subsequent single "Hammer the Hammer" was issued by Rough Trade in July 1982. In 2002, UK label Circus re-released Send Me a Lullaby as a double CD set that included "After the Fireworks," a collaboration under the name Tuff Monks involving Nick Cave, Mick Harvey, Rowland S. Howard alongside members of The Go-Betweens; originally released in 1982 on Au Go Go Records.[2]

1983–1989

The Go-Betweens made their return to the United Kingdom to record their sophomore album, Before Hollywood, released in May 1983. This record was produced by John Brand at the International Christian Communications studio located in Eastbourne. It cemented their status as cult icons, with the track "Cattle and Cane" often highlighted as a standout from their early period. In Australia, the song received airplay on the national broadcaster Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)'s pop music television program Countdown and alternative station Triple J, primarily within Sydney. Despite receiving critical praise both domestically and internationally, the band faced challenges in gaining widespread commercial radio airplay across Australia. The album was recognized for its mature, reflective tone and polished songwriting craftsmanship.

In late 1983, Robert Vickers joined the group as bassist, enabling McLennan to concentrate on lead guitar duties. Their subsequent album, Spring Hill Fair (September 1984), produced by Brand alongside Robert Andrews and Colin Fairley for Sire Records, was lauded for its more assertive sonic approach. Among its singles were "Man O' Sand to Girl O' Sea," "Bachelor Kisses", and "Part Company." By 1985, the band had signed with True Tone Records, which was distributed through PolyGram.

Released in March 1986 on Beggars Banquet Records, Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express earned positive critiques, presenting a smoother and more contemporary sound while maintaining their unique musical identity. McFarlane regarded this album as the group's most unified effort to date. Singles such as "Spring Rain" and "Head Full of Steam" were issued, with "Spring Rain" charting within the Australian Kent Music Report Top 100.

Later in 1986, Amanda Brown became a member, contributing violin, oboe, guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals. Brown's romantic involvement with McLennan influenced his songwriting during this period. The band's June 1987 release Tallulah, self-produced for True Tone and Beggars Banquet, included some of their most accessible compositions like "Right Here" and "Bye Bye Pride". Brown’s musical input added significant layers to the sound. A 2004 reissue by LO-MAX Records featured bonus tracks co-written by Morrison, Brown, McLennan, and Forster. In November 1987, John Willsteed took over bass duties from Vickers.

Their 1988 album 16 Lovers Lane marked their most commercially oriented release, featuring the alternative radio hit "Streets of Your Town", which achieved moderate chart success in both the UK and Australia. The follow-up single "Was There Anything I Could Do?" climbed to No. 16 on US alternative Modern Rock radio charts. Beggars Banquet reissued "Streets of Your Town" in the UK early in 1989 but with limited impact. Despite these efforts, a significant commercial breakthrough remained out of reach.

After producing six albums together, Forster and McLennan chose to dissolve the Go-Betweens in December 1989 with plans to form an acoustic duo. This decision coincided with Brown ending her relationship with McLennan. Subsequently, Forster and McLennan embarked on solo careers while Brown and Morrison established Cleopatra Wong in 1991.

A distinctive feature of all official albums released during the 1980s was their titles containing a double L word—except for 16 Lovers Lane, which includes two separate words starting with L—reflecting a deliberate branding pattern adopted by the band by decade’s close.

2000–2006: reunion and renewed activity

During the 1990s, Forster and McLennan each pursued individual musical paths, with McLennan notably joining the studio collaboration Jack Frost alongside Steve Kilbey from The Church.

Their reunion was prompted by an invitation from the French publication Les Inrockuptibles to perform at its 10th anniversary celebration in Paris on 23 May 1996. This ensemble featured Forster, McLennan, Adele Pickvance on bass, and Glenn Thompson handling drums.

In 2000, Forster, McLennan, and Pickvance came together to record The Friends of Rachel Worth at Jackpot! studio in Portland, Oregon, collaborating with members of Sleater-Kinney. Thompson returned in 2001 to participate in the Big Day Out Festival. This formation went on to create Bright Yellow Bright Orange and attained commercial recognition in October 2005 with Oceans Apart, which earned the ARIA Award for Best Adult Contemporary Album. Following McLennan’s passing due to a heart attack in May 2006, Forster declared the band’s dissolution. Since then, he has continued his career as a solo musician and music critic.

Several Go-Betweens albums reappeared in the ARIA top 500 charts by August 2006.

Legacy

The songwriting alliance between Forster and McLennan formed the foundation of The Go-Betweens' enduring appeal, with critic Robert Christgau lauding it as "the greatest songwriting partnership working today." Forster's compositions were characterized by a sharp and ironic tone, while McLennan's were more tender and narrative-driven. Despite widespread critical praise, the band never achieved a Top 50 single in Australia or the UK; however, they did have modest chart presence with tracks like "Spring Rain" (Australia, 1986), "Right Here" (UK, 1987), and "Streets of Your Town" (Australia and UK, 1988).

In 2001, APRA honored "Cattle and Cane" as one of the Top 30 Australian songs. McLennan described this piece as a personal reflection rather than an expression of nostalgia.

The track "Streets of Your Town" was utilized by Prime Television and GWN for station identification between 2001 and 2003 and was sampled by Italian dance act Milky in their 2003 release "Just The Way You Are."

The American television drama 24 paid tribute to the band by naming a company McLennan-Forster.

On the first anniversary of McLennan’s death, Triple J & JTV aired a tribute concert recorded at Brisbane’s Tivoli Theatre. This event inspired the tribute album Write Your Adventures Down released in 2007.

In 2008, SBS TV showcased 16 Lovers Lane as part of its Great Australian Albums series. The following year, Brisbane City Council honored the group by renaming a four-lane traffic bridge as Go Between Bridge.

Artists such as Teenage Fanclub, Belle and Sebastian, Smudge, and Clouds have cited The Go-Betweens as influential. Additionally, Nada Surf covered their song "Love Goes On!" on the album If I Had a Hi-Fi (2010).

Robert Forster remains active as a performer and contributes writings to The Monthly. In February 2023, he released his eighth solo album titled The Candle and the Flame, featuring Adele Pickvance on bass.

Numerous Australian dolewave musicians—including Dick Diver and Courtney Barnett—acknowledge The Go-Betweens as significant inspirations.

Members

  • Robert Forster – lead vocals, guitar (1977–1989; 2000–2006)
  • Grant McLennan – lead vocals, guitar, harmonica (1977–1989; 2000–2006), bass (1977–1983)
  • Bruce Anthon – drums (1978, 1979–1980)
  • Dennis Cantwell – drums (1978)
  • Lissa Ross – drums (1978)
  • Tim Mustapha – drums (1978–1979)
  • Peter Milton Walsh – guitar, backing vocals (1978–1979)
  • Malcolm Kelly – piano, organ (1979)
  • Steven Daly – drums (1980)
  • Claire McKenna – drums (1980)
  • Dave Tyrer – guitar (1980)
  • Lindy Morrison – drums, backing vocals (1980–1989)
  • Robert Vickers – bass (1983–1987)
  • Amanda Brown – violin, oboe, guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1986–1989)
  • John Willsteed – bass, guitar (1987–1989)
  • Michael Armiger – bass (1989)
  • Adele Pickvance – bass, backing vocals (2000–2006)
  • Matthias Strzoda – drums (2000)
  • Janet Weiss – drums, backing vocals (2000)
  • Glenn Thompson – drums, backing vocals, keyboards (2001–2006)
Timeline

<timeline> ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:18 PlotArea = left:110 bottom:95 top:0 right:10 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy Period = from:01/01/1977 till:06/05/2006 TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3 ScaleMajor = increment:3 start:1977 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1977

Colors = 

 id:lvocals   value:red      legend:Lead_vocals
 id:bvocals   value:pink     legend:Backing_vocals
 id:lead      value:teal     legend:Lead_guitar
 id:rhythm    value:brightgreen    legend:Rhythm_guitar
 id:bass      value:blue     legend:Bass
 id:multi     value:drabgreen   legend:Violin,_oboe
 id:keys      value:purple   legend:Keyboards
 id:drums     value:orange   legend:Drums
 id:Lines     value:black legend:Studio_album

BarData = 

 bar:Robert   text:"Robert Forster"
 bar:Grant    text:"Grant McLennan"
 bar:Peter    text:"Peter Milson Walsh"
 bar:Rob      text:"Robert Vickers"
 bar:John     text:"John Wilsteed"
 bar:Michael  text:"Michael Armiger"
 bar:Adele    text:"Adele Pickvance"
 bar:Amanda   text:"Amanda Brown"
 bar:Malcolm  text:"Malcolm Kelly"
 bar:Bruce    text:"Bruce Anthon"
 bar:Dennis   text:"Dennis Cantwell"
 bar:Lissa    text:"Lissa Ross"
 bar:Tim      text:"Tim Mustapha"
 bar:Steven   text:"Steven Daly"
 bar:Claire   text:"Claire McKenna"
 bar:Dave     text:"Dave Tyrer"
 bar:Lindy    text:"Lindy Morrison"
 bar:Mathias  text:"Mathias Strodler"
 bar:Janet    text:"Janet Weiss"
 bar:Glenn    text:"Glenn Thompson"

PlotData= 

 width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)

 bar:Robert   from:01/01/1977 till:01/12/1989    color:lvocals
 bar:Robert   from:01/01/1977 till:01/11/1983    color:rhythm width:3
 bar:Robert   from:01/11/1983 till:01/12/1989    color:lead width:3
 bar:Grant    from:01/01/1977 till:01/12/1989    color:lvocals 
 bar:Grant    from:01/11/1983 till:01/12/1989    color:rhythm width:3
 bar:Grant    from:01/01/1977 till:01/11/1983    color:lead   width:7
 bar:Grant    from:01/01/1977 till:01/11/1983    color:bass   width:3
 bar:Robert   from:01/01/2000 till:06/05/2006    color:lvocals 
 bar:Robert   from:01/01/2000 till:06/05/2006    color:rhythm  width:3
 bar:Grant    from:01/01/2000 till:06/05/2006    color:lvocals
 bar:Grant    from:01/01/2000 till:06/05/2006    color:lead width:3
 bar:Bruce    from:start till:end color=drums # merged intervals for brevity

</timeline>

Studio albums

Studio album list with selected peak chart rankings
Album Title Album Information Highest chart positions
Australia UK (Indie) United Kingdom Ireland Germany
Send Me a Lullaby — 28 — — —
Before Hollywood
  • Release date: May 1983
  • Label: Rough Trade (ROUGH 54)
  • Format: LP
 — 2 — — —
Spring Hill Fair
  • Release date: September 1984
  • Label: Sire (25179-1)
  • Format: LP
 — — — — —
Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express 62 — — — —
Tallulah
  • Release date: June 1987
  • Label: Beggars Banquet (BEGA 81)
  • Formats: LP, CD
 71 — 91 — —
16 Lovers Lane
  • Release date: August 1988
  • Label: Mushroom (L38950)
  • Formats: LP, CD
 48 — 81 — —
The Friends of Rachel Worth
  • Release date: September 2000
  • Label: W. Minc (WMINCD018)
  • Formats: CD, LP
 61 — — — —
Bright Yellow Bright Orange
  • Release date: 24 February 2003
  • Label: Trifekta (HORSE024-2)
  • Format: CD
 126 — — — —
Oceans Apart
  • Release date: 3 May 2005
  • Label: LO-MAX (4743702)
  • Format: CD
 54 — 85 34 60

Charting compilations

Compilation albums with peak Australian chart rankings
Compilation Title Album Information Highest Chart Positions
Australia CMJ
1978-1990
  • Release month/year: December 1990
  • Formats available: CD, LP, Cassette
  • Label name: Beggars Banquet
 103
Bellavista Terrace: Best of The Go-Betweens
  • Released in April 1999
  • Format available: CD
  • Issued by Beggars Banquet label
 58 —
78 'til 79: The Lost Album
  • Released in April 1999
  • Format available: CD
  • Label name: Beggars Banquet

16

Quiet Heart: Best of The Go-Betweens
  • Released in September 2012
  • Formats available: double CD, double LP
  • Label issuer: EMI
 51


Live albums

Catalogue of live album releases
Album Title Release information
Live on Snap with Deirdre O'Donoghue
  • Year issued: 1999
  • Record label: Beggars Banquet (BBL 2020)
  • Available formats: CD
Live in London
  • Date released: 9 May 2005
  • Label: Tag 5 (TAG009)
  • Format: 12" vinyl
That Striped Sunlight Sound
  • Released in: 2006
  • Issued by: Capitol (0946 3 47939 9 5)
  • Formats offered: CD, DVD
Fountains of Youth (Live at the Town and Country Club)
  • Year of release: 2020
  • Distributor: Beggars Banquet (BBQ-2163)
  • Format available: 12" vinyl

Extended plays

Catalogue of extended play records
EP Title Release specifics
The Able Label Singles
  • Issued in: 1986
  • Label: Situation Two (SIT 44 T)
  • Format: 12" vinyl
The Peel Sessions
  • Year released: 1989
  • Record company: Strange Fruit (SFPS 074)
  • Available format: 12" vinyl
Worlds Apart
  • Release date: 7 November 2005
  • Label name: LO-MAX (LO-MAX 022V)
  • Format issued: 7" vinyl

ARIA Music Awards

Since their inception in 1987, the ARIA Music Awards have annually honored outstanding achievements and innovation within Australia's music industry. The Go-Betweens secured one accolade during this time.

! |- | rowspan="2"| 1989 | 16 Lovers Lane | Best Group | | rowspan="2"| [3] |- | "Streets of Your Town" | Song of the Year | |- | 2003 | Bright Yellow Bright Orange | Best Adult Contemporary Album | | [4] |- | 2005 | Oceans Apart | Best Adult Contemporary Album | | [5] |- | 2006 | That Striped Sunlight Sound | Best Music DVD | | [6] |-


Australian Music Prize

Established in 2005, the Australian Music Prize (AMP) annually grants $30,000 to an Australian artist in recognition of outstanding album quality.


|- | 2005Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name |Oceans Apart | Australian Music Prize | |-


References

General
Specific



Further reading

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Pig
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NicholsTuff
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ARIA1989
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ARIA2003
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ARIA2005
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ARIA2006
Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=The_Go-Betweens&oldid=84442"