The Riptides
 I first came across The Riptides at the legendary Trade Union Club
in Surry Hills, Sydney (Australia) in the early 80's and was
instantly besotted.
When I think back to the early 80's and venues like Manning Bar
at Sydney University, the Governor's Pleasure and the Stagedoor
Tavern, it's this band that springs to mind.
Before moving to Sydney The Riptides had earned a reputation as
being Brisbane's most popular live act.
Although by no means a punk outfit, their sound embodied the
spirit and naiveté of the time and all of their songs
contained catchy melodies.
Headed for Sydney in June 1980, they became one of the biggest
pub acts of the day. Dogged by line-up changes, their own naivety
became replaced by cynicism about the whole industry.
As Mark Callaghan's song writing matured they became less power
pop and more structured and sophisticated. Born in England,
Callaghan's soldier father kept the family moving - East Africa,
Ireland and, eventually, Brisbane.
|
