TIMELINE
Formation
1983
The Rabs formed around 1983 and first played in the Corner Bar of the Rest Hotel in Milsons Point in Sydney. The line-up was Andrew Finckh on Guitar and Bass, Timmy Royle on Guitar and Bass, Tim Trumper on Drums and Richard Herring on Keyboards – the line-up that has endured until today!
At our regular gig on Thursday night at the Rest Hotel, theme nights and the help of sponsors set the scene for the many punters. The Snow Party was held in December complete with bean bag filling in a bag strapped to the fan above the band….”on with the fan”! The Mexican night sponsored by Monte Alban Mezcal and the Jack Daniels night featured many giveways (including some brain cells). A feature on the calendar was the Christmas party featuring Tim as a Reindeer, Timmy as Santa’s helper, Richard the Elf and Finky as one of the Wise Men.
After 40 years it is appropriate to clarify the origins of the name Renroc Rab. If you search Wikipedia it will send you down rabbit holes from Egyptian mythology to Scientology explanations. The fact is laziness. Setting up in the Corner Bar of the Rest Hotel the window behind provided the perfect Band branding…get it??
The Rabs recorded their first studio album (cassette) at Abbey Road, in London, with George Martin. Well, that was the plan, but they weren’t available, so we went out to Honeyfarm Studios in Duffy’s Forest to record 9 songs including 6 originals.
The cassette was released at a gig at xxxx where the lucky attendees received a copy. The cassette went on to achieve Platinum status (175 copies).
The first recording
1984
The Vinyl (LGW)
1985
Following the dizzy heights of success of ‘Renroc Rab’, the band was lured back into the studio to record the most successful vinyl record they ever produced – LGW. Some commentators have used the expression ‘a piece of musical genius’ regarding LGW, but the band just like to think of it as ‘doing our job’.
By 1985 the Rabs had seen it all. Recording success, massive live concerts, hard drugs and groupies…well, we had none, but the grind of playing one night a week for up to 25 nights a year was taxing. We were the financial success story of the Australian Rock business only losing around $2,500 each per year. We had to have a break.
The Hiatus
1985-1991
Clickety Clack off the Track
1991
The first step in recording is to get the name of the album agreed. Having confirmed the spiritual, Clickety Clack name, we commenced recording the comeback album. It was difficult keeping it under wraps as the fan base and media were all over it. Finally the album was recorded at Albert Studios (home to The Easybeats, AC/DC, JPYoung, The Angels and Renroc Rab) and a launch concert held in both Sydney and Melbourne. Another Success.
Back into the studio for a seven hit wonder album. We had no idea of the built-up demand for the Rabs to produce new songs. Digging a bit deeper, we actually couldn’t find any demand. This did not deter us, and the 4th Studio offering was once again a global success. Actual numbers of sales are hard to determine, but band estimates have it sitting at around 280 with at least another 350 in band members cupboards.
Right Now
2009
Las Vegas, USA
2015
It had to happen. Lured overseas to play the entertainment capital of the world – Las Vegas. Following unprecedented ticket demand the venue was upgraded to the World Famous ‘Tommy Rockers’ and an evening of one of the finest live performances enthralled the crowd. People came from all parts of the world – Australia, Scotland, England and the USA…to mention them all.
Following the success of Vegas, promoters were at us to go again, but bigger. Bigger venue, bigger crowd, bigger stage, bigger city and bigger debt. How could we refuse! The concert at the Privat Club, now ranks alongside the recording of Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ as Berlins best musical tributes. Special guests including Chop Woodforde,
Craig Smith, Paul Taylor and Cathy O’Connor, Sophie Taylor and Sam Trumper were featured and who could forget the introduction by N Kenyon.
Berlin, Germany
2017
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Maui, Hawaii
2019
What could follow Berlin? Maui. The warmth of the Hawaiian air brought out the best in the Rabs. Together with a bevy of special guests, the crowd was entranced by a musical experience to never forget. Charley’s Bar on the 20th of April, 2019 will go down as the biggest and best night that Maui has experienced….ever!
London, 2023
After a hectic bidding war, London finally won through. The Half Moon in Putney has seen some rock action over the years (U2, Stones, Elvis Costello etc) but never had it seen the turbo charged, sheer energy and musicianship of The Rabs. God Save The RABS
