The Zimmermen
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1 June 1983 in Melbourne, Australia |
| Defunct | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Studio albums, singles |
The Zimmermen were an Australian band blending pub rock and country influences, established in Melbourne in June 1983. The lineup prominently featured John Dowler on vocals, Mick Holmes handling guitar and vocals, Graeme Perry on drums, and Peter Tulloch playing guitar. They produced two studio albums: Rivers of Corn released in February 1987 and Way Too Casual in April 1989, before their dissolution in 1990. Notably, former guitarist Steve Connolly passed away in 1995.
History
Initially formed by Tim Brosnan (guitar), John Dowler (lead vocals), Mick Holmes (guitar and backing vocals), Peter "Pedro" Steele (bass), and Trevor Upton (drums), the band's name was a nod to Bob Dylan’s original surname. Shortly after the group's inception, Brosnan departed and was succeeded by Steve Connolly on guitar. The drummer position also changed hands early on, with Michael Barclay replacing Upton.
Dowler served as the main songwriter, preparing tracks for their debut album. However, by late 1984, both Barclay and Connolly exited to join the Paul Kelly Band. Peter Tulloch stepped in for Connolly on guitar, while drumming duties were assumed first by Graeme Perry and subsequently Neil Osborn.
Their first single, "Don't Go to Sydney," co-written by Dowler and Holmes and recorded prior to Barclay and Connolly’s departure, was released independently in December 1985 and gained traction throughout 1986. This success led to their debut album Rivers of Corn, which arrived in February 1987 under Au Go Go Records and included the single "Ordinary Man."
In 1987, Alan Brooker replaced Steele as bassist, with Perry returning to drums. Their sophomore album, Way Too Casual, came out in April 1989 through Mushroom/Festival Records with production by Lobby Loyde. Preceded by the single "What Really Hurts," this release demonstrated a maturation and refinement in Dowler’s songwriting approach. Following a nationwide tour supporting the album, The Zimmermen disbanded early the next year. Steve Connolly died in May 1995 at age 36.
Members
- Tim Brosnan – guitar (1983)
- John Dowler – lead vocals (1983–1990)
- Mick Holmes – guitar, backing vocals (1983–1990)
- Peter Steele – bass guitar (1983–1987)
- Trevor Upton – drums (1983)
- Steve Connolly – guitar (1983–1984; died 1995)
- Michael Barclay – drums (1983–1984)
- Peter Tulloch – guitar (1984–1990)
- Graeme Perry – drums (1985, 1987–1990)
- Neil Osborn – drums (1985–1987)
- Alan Brooker – bass guitar (1987–1990)
Albums
- Rivers of Corn (February 1987) – Au Go Go Records (ANDA 043)
- Way Too Casual (April 1989) – Mushroom Records/Festival Records (L30047, CD30047)
Singles
- "Don't Go to Sydney" (December 1985)
- "Ordinary Man" (February 1987)
- "What Really Hurts" (February 1989)