The Zorros
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
The Zorros were a rock group originating from Australia, established in 1979, consisting of Nic Chancellor (lead vocals), Darren Smith (lead guitar), Alex Zammit (bass), and Greg Pedley (drums).
Biography
The Zorros began as a punk rock ensemble in Brunswick, making their first appearance at the Champion Hotel in Fitzroy during January 1980. Prior to forming the band, Chancellor worked as a roadie for the 1970s punk outfit the News and served as a doorman at Bernhardt's Nite Club; Smith had previously been a member of the Proles. The group aimed to spearhead a revival of intense music, focusing on dynamic live shows and pursuing mainstream recognition.
During Melbourne’s early 1980s music era, The Zorros played at notable venues including the Crystal Ballroom, Bombay Rock, Brunswick, and the Esplanade in St Kilda. In October 1981, they released the single "Too Young" through Au Go Go Records. This track was penned by Chancellor and produced by Tony Cohen, known for his work with The Birthday Party. The single climbed to number 3 on Melbourne’s 3RRR charts.
In 1988, The Zorros launched an eight-track self-titled EP on cassette via Funnel Web Records and Dreamtime Software. They took part in the final live performances at the Crystal Ballroom in October 1987 and continued to perform at inner-city locations such as Prince of Wales and the Esplanade up until 1994. Emerging from Melbourne’s indie rock circuit, they shared stages with acts like INXS, Rose Tattoo, 21 Faces, Z Cars, Marching Girls, and La Femme. Over their 16-year tenure, The Zorros played more than 500 shows and composed upwards of 500 original songs written by Darren Smith and Nic Chancellor.
Members
- Nic Chancellor – lead vocals, guitar, bass guitar (1980–94)
- Greg Pedley – drums (1980–81)
- Darren Smith – guitar (1980–94)
- Alex Zammit – bass guitar (1980–81, 1987–94)
- Craig Russell – bass guitar (1981)
- Phil Bryant – drums (1982)
- Scott Ferris – bass guitar (1982–83)
- Christine Paris – bass guitar (1983–84)
- Tim Dexter – bass guitar (1984–85)
- Mark Fleming – drums (1984–85)
- Gary Williamson – drums (1982–83)
- Daniel Smith – drums (1983–94)
Discography
- "Too Young"/"Let Me Love You" – Au Go Go Records (ANDA 016) (October 1981)
- Zorros (EP) – Funnel Web Records (KRC204), Dreamtime Software (1988)
- "Zorros Live 1980" 7" – FMR 013 (June 15, 2023): The Stranger, Black Widow Spider, Mesmerized, Too Young
External links
- "Zorros – Brunswick to Belfast Melbourne to Mexico"
- "Zorros Videos"
- "The Zorros" at acidplanet.com
- "the Zorros", Inner City Sound