Wickety Wak
Wickety Wak | |
---|---|
Origin | Brisbane, Queensland |
Genres | comedy, pop, folk, rock |
Years active | 1975-1990, 1997, 2006-2015 |
Labels | Hot Wax Records[1] |
Past members | Greg Doolan Tony Jeffrey Pahnie Jantzen Rob Rosenlund Peter Mackay Tony Hogan Peter Smith |
Website | wicketywak |
Wickety Wak were a comedy show band from Queensland, Australia. The band formed in 1975 and were known for their comedic live shows and their work on Australian television. The band split in 1990 and have reformed sporadically from 1997.
History
Early years (1975–1990)
Prior to Wickety Wak's formation, guitarist Greg Doolan and drummer Peter Mackay had previously been active in numerous Australian pub rock bands, while Irish-born vocalist Tony Jeffrey had once represented Australia at the 1970
Wickety Wak's first performances were at the Kuraby Hotel in 1975. The troupe quickly gained notoriety for their variety shows spanning from melodic covers of Louis Armstrong, Willie Nelson, Tom Jones and The Beach Boys, to comedic parodies of Dolly Parton, Cher and Kermit the Frog. Shortly after, the band began playing at Brisbane's National Hotel, pretending to be a touring band from Perth to boost their local profile.[3] In 1978, Wickety Wak became the show band for Jacki MacDonald's morning television show The Jacki Mac Brekkie Show on Brisbane television channel TVQ. Their 1980 debut album Love Me, Love My Dog was a result of the band's appearance on the show.[4]
Throughout the 1980s, Wickety Wak enjoyed a successful period of activity with extensive touring of Australia and the United States and numerous television appearances. In 1982, Wickety Wak entered the Australian Charts with their Moonlight Marvel single, followed by albums New Horizons (1983) and Second Helpings (1985).
After Wickety Wak's breakup, Tony Jeffrey undertook management of several Queensland hotels and performed for numerous local groups. Greg Doolan and Pahnie Jantzen undertook their own solo careers. Jahntzen would occasionally perform Wickety Wak material with Rob Rosenlund and Peter Mackay under the title "Out of Wak". Greg Doolan also continued commercial work, recording jingles for
Reunions (1997–2015)
In 1997, Wickety Wak reformed for a three-month Australian tour, titled "Boys Are Back" and were inducted into the Queensland Hall of Fame that same year.[9] The band reformed again for a performance at the 2006 Gympie Music Muster, with the "Lock Up Your Grandmothers" tour following soon after.[10][11] The band would tour Australia again in 2009 and 2013.[12][13] This would be the band's final tour with the full line-up. On 31 March 2013, Wickety Wak bassist and vocalist Pahnie Jantzen died, aged 73.[3]
In 2015, Wickety Wak performed the "Forty Years Young" anniversary concert tour, combining live performance with archived footage of the band to include Pahnie Jantzen's vocals.[14] In 2017, Wickety Wak guitarist and founding member Greg Doolan died following a short battle with cancer, aged 65. Peter Mackay had retired from the band shortly before. Presently, keyboardist Ron Rosenlund and Tony Jeffrey continue to perform Wickety Wak material under the "Outtawak" banner alongside Australian performer Dave "Davo" Mitchell.[15]
Members
- Greg Doolan – guitars and vocals (1975–2015; d. 2017)
- Tony Jeffrey – lead vocals (1975–2015)
- Pahnie Jantzen – bass and vocals (1975–2013; d.2013)
- Rob Rosenlund – keyboards, guitar and vocals (1976–2015)
- Peter Mackay – drums and vocals (1976–2015)
Former members
- Peter Smith – drums (1975–1976)
- Tony Hogan – keyboards (1975–1976)
Discography
Studio albums
Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
---|---|---|
AUS [16] | ||
Love Me Love My Dog (with Jacki Mac) |
— | |
New Horizons |
|
69 |
Second Helpings |
|
73 |
Wak About Australia |
|
— |
Live albums
Title | Album details |
---|---|
Wak's Last Laugh |
|
Live at Rumours Toowoomba |
|
Singles
Year | Title | Peak chart positions |
---|---|---|
AUS [16] | ||
1982 | "Moonlight Marvel" | — |
"Give the Children a Chance"/"Queensland Medley" | 74 | |
1983 | "Christmas Needs Love" | — |
"Girl on My Street" | — | |
"You'll Never Get Away with It" | — | |
1985 | "Everlasting Love" | — |
"Bend Me Shape Me" | — |
Awards
Mo Awards
The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards (commonly known informally as the Mo Awards), were annual Australian entertainment industry awards. They recognise achievements in live entertainment in Australia from 1975 to 2016. Wickety Wak won five awards in that time.[17]
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result (wins only) |
---|---|---|---|
1983 | Wickety Wak Showgroup | Instrumental / Vocal of the Year | Won |
1984 | Wickety Wak Showgroup | Instrumental / Vocal of the Year | Won |
1986 | Wickety Wak | Showgroup of the Year | Won |
1987 | Wickety Wak | Most Outstanding Showgroup of the Year | Won |
1989 | Wickety Wak | Comedy Group of the Year | Won |
References
- ^ a b "Wickety Wak Discography". Discogs.
- ^ a b "The Boys | Wickety Wak® – Official Site".
- ^ a b Bochenski, Natalie (29 March 2013). "Wickety Wak member passes away". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "Wickety Wak". Wickety Wak Official Site. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
- ^ a b "Wickety Wak Albums".
- ^ "Wickety Wak TV Show".
- ^ "Wickety Wak Call it Stumps".
- ^ "Public tribute planned for Greg Doolan". goldcoastbulletin.com.au. 17 February 2017.
- ^ "Mourning loss of talented Wickety Wak frontman". Sunshine Coast Daily.
- ^ "WICKETY WAK – (Queensland)". 9 December 2014.
- ^ "Wickety Wak frontman Greg Doolan dies age 73". Starts at 60. 17 February 2017.
- ^ "Wickety Wak brings mayhem back". Morning Bulletin.
- ^ "Wickety Wak back". Gympie Times.
- ^ "Wickety Wak going high-tech for anniversary". Sunshine Coast Daily.
- ^ "Sing a song and have a dance! - LifestyleQld".
- ^ ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ^ "MO Award Winners". Mo Awards. Retrieved 16 March 2022.