Tin Tin (band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 in Melbourne, Australia |
| Defunct | 1973 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Tin Tin originated as a pop rock ensemble in Australia in 1966, initially known as the Kinetics. They moved to the United Kingdom in 1969 and adopted the name Tin Tin. The group consisted of Steve Kipner (vocals, keyboards, percussion), Steve Groves (vocals, guitar, percussion), John Vallins (bass, guitar, vocals), and Geoff Bridgford (drums). Their 1970 release "Toast and Marmalade for Tea" climbed to No. 10 on the Australian Go-Set National Singles Chart and reached No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The subsequent single "Is That the Way?" attained No. 59 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The band dissolved in 1973. Kipner went on to establish a notable songwriting career collaborating with artists such as Chicago, George Benson, and Olivia Newton-John. Groves returned to Australia to pursue work as a singer-songwriter. Vallins teamed up with Kipner’s father Nat to co-author the No. 1 Billboard hit "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late" performed by Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams in 1978.
Formation and early years
The Kinetics were formed in Melbourne in 1966 with an original lineup featuring Steve Groves (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Ken Leroy (bass), Ian Manzie (drums, piano, banjo), and John Vallins (guitar, drums, clarinet). Their first single "Excuses" peaked at #19 locally. After limited impact from later singles, the group disbanded toward the end of 1967. Subsequently, Groves joined forces with Steve Kipner (formerly of Steve & the Board) to create the duo Steve and Stevie, releasing "Remains to Be Seen" in 1968 before Vallins joined them to form Rombo's World.
In 1969, Groves and Kipner relocated to the UK and established Tin Tin, a name inspired by the Belgian comic series The Adventures of Tintin. Through an introduction by Bee Gees member Maurice Gibb to manager Robert Stigwood, they secured a single-album contract with Polydor Records. Geoff Bridgford was added as drummer; Kipner covered bass, keyboards, percussion, and vocals. Gibb produced their self-titled debut album released in February 1970, contributing multiple instruments on half of its tracks. The album showcased harmonies reminiscent of the Bee Gees’ style. The lead single "Only Ladies Play Croquet" released in May 1969 failed to chart.
Mainstream success
Although their debut album initially experienced modest sales, Tin Tin achieved a breakthrough with their 1970 single "Toast and Marmalade for Tea," penned by Groves. Vallins became a member in May 1971. By June that year, "Toast and Marmalade for Tea" had climbed to #10 on the Go-Set National Top 40 and remained on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart for fifteen weeks. The track was issued in the US mid-1971 where it peaked at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Characterized by sparse lyrics layered over a unique vibrato piano and electric guitar arrangement, the song progressively incorporates acoustic guitar, bass, drums, strings, and brass—becoming Tin Tin’s signature hit. The album also entered the Billboard 200 chart. While it is infrequently played on contemporary oldies stations, it is still recognized as a late psychedelic classic and a notable one-hit wonder.
Tin Tin’s next single "Come on Over Again" (1970) did not chart. Their following release "Is That the Way?" (1971) reached #59 on the Billboard Hot 100 preceding their second album Astral Taxi issued in December 1971. Carl Keats (also known as Carl Groszmann), formerly of Steve & the Board with Kipner and Groves, joined as rhythm guitarist for this album. After achieving success with these releases, Tin Tin supported The Bee Gees during their 1972 US tour. Later singles—"Talking Turkey" (1972), "I'm Afraid," and "It's a Long Way to Georgia" (both from 1973)—failed to chart. Additionally, a single titled "Strange One" was released under the name Quire on Polydor but did not gain commercial traction.
Divergent paths
Following the dissolution of Tin Tin in 1973, Kipner embarked on a prosperous trajectory in songwriting and music production, contributing to chart successes for artists such as Chicago with "Hard Habit to Break", and Olivia Newton-John with hits including "Physical" and "Twist of Fate". His work also extended to performers like Christina Aguilera, 98 Degrees, and Dream. Meanwhile, in 1975, Groves made his way back to Australia and co-authored the song "On the Loose" alongside Brian Dawe; this composition won the Australian Popular Song Contest and was performed by Marty Rhone. Subsequently, Groves established the Steve Groves Band and issued his own rendition of the track in November 1976. Vallins joined forces with Kipner's father, Nat Kipner, co-writing the number one hit "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late" performed by Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in March 1978.
Albums
- Tin Tin (1970)
- Astral Taxi (1971)
Singles
- "Only Ladies Play Croquet" b/w "He Wants to Be a Star" (1969)
- "Toast and Marmalade for Tea" b/w "Manhattan Woman" (1970) – AU #10, US #20, Can #11
- "Come on Over Again" b/w "Back to Winona" (1970)
- "Shana" b/w "Rocky Mountain" (1971)
- "Is That the Way" b/w "Swans on the Canal" (1971) – US #59, AU #99
- "Talking Turkey" b/w "The Cavalry Are Coming" (1972)
- "Strange One" b/w "Halfway Up the Hill" (1972)
- "I'm Afraid" b/w "Handle Me Easy" (1973)
- "It's a Long Way to Georgia" b/w "Can't Get Over You" (1974)
References
- Noel McGrath, Australian Encyclopedia of Rock & Pop, Rigby Publishers, 1978.
- Chris Spencer, The Who's Who of Australian Rock, Moonlight Publishing.