Tag: Gerry Salendis
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Formed in Johannesburg in 1978. After some initial lineup changes the group that performed on their first album was Keith Berel (songwriter, vocalist, lead guitarist, sax and flute), Gerry Salendis (keyboards, vocals), Joh Hansen (bass) and Fred Knowles (drums). In 1978 released the single "Eyes", followed by "No Football" in 1981.
Received substantial airplay on Radio 5 with "Shame On You" (1982).
They also released two albums, Going Straight (1981) and Take What You Can (1982). They broke up in 1983.
Neill Solomon & The Uptown Rhythm Dogs
Singer songwriter, guitarist and keyboardist Neil Solomon was born and grew up in Durban where he began his musical career.
He formed the Uptown Rhythm Dogs in 1978 with Tony Hunter (on sax, flute, bass, guitar, percussion, vocals), Dan Chiorboli (percussion, vocals), Gerry Salendis (keyboards) and Greg Georgiades (guitar, bass, vocals). Their debut album, The occupant, was released in 1981 to much critical acclaim, including in Billboard Magazine.
Overseas prospects were blunted by the cultural boycott. Their most successful single was "Junk foods and disposable ladies" off the aforementioned Album.
Kenny Henson (guitar) joined the group in late 1981.
In 1982 the group was selected to support Janis Ian on her tour of South Africa. Just before the tour began Tony Hunter was killed in a car crash.
The band committed to the tour with Mike Faure (sax) and George Wolfaardt (bass) joining as replacements.
After the tour Faure, Wolfaardt and Henson left and a few months later the group broke up.