Harem Scarem (Australian band)
| Harem Scarem | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Genres | Blues rock |
| Years active | 1982–1989 |
| Labels | Au Go Go, Citadel |
| Associated acts | Sole Twisters, Christopher Marshall Band, Crown of Thorns, deadstar |
| Past members |
|
Harem Scarem were an Australian blues rock group which formed in 1982. They issued two studio albums, Pilgrim's Progress on Au Go Go Records (1986) and Lo & Behold on Citadel Records (1988) before disbanding in 1989. The early line-up was fronted by Christopher Marshall on lead vocals and included his brother, Charles Marshall first on bass guitar, then rhythm guitar and, when fronting the group from 1987, was also on lead vocals. By September 1985 they had been joined by Peter Jones on drums and percussion; Barry Palmer on lead guitar; Glen Sheldon first on rhythm guitar and then on bass guitar; and Chris Wilson on harmonica and saxophone. Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, felt that "Few alternative bands of the day could ever hope to match that line-up for muscular bravado and sheer instrumental firepower". On 18 May 2012 Peter Jones died of brain cancer, aged 45.
Harem Scarem were formed in Melbourne in 1982 as a blues rock group by Christopher Roy Marshall on lead vocals, his brother Charles Vernon Marshall on bass guitar, and Philip Wales on guitar. Early in the following year Clifford Booth joined on drums and Glen Robert Sheldon was on rhythm guitar. Christopher Marshall, Sheldon and Wales were former school friends. Harem Scarem's first gig was in February. They signed with local label, Au Go Go Records, which issued their track, "Love Attraction", on a various artists' compilation, Asleep at the Wheel (1983). Soon after the line-up was expanded by Kurt Hans Linotner on harmonica and David John Moll replaced Wales on lead guitar.
Late in 1984 Harem Scarem released their debut 12" vinyl five-track extended play, Dogman, on Au Go Go, which featured "Fever Rock". It was recorded at John Cook's Studio, Melbourne in October with engineer-producer, John Archer (bass guitarist of Hunters & Collectors). Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, described "Fever Rock" as "epic" and one of "the band's stage favourites", which was issued as a gig give-away 7" single.
In February 1985 Peter Jones (ex-Vince Jones Band, no relation) replaced Booth on drums. In September that year the group were reorganised with Moll replaced by Barry Palmer on lead guitar; Linotner replaced by Chris Wilson on harmonica and saxophone (both ex-Sole Twisters); and Sheldon and Charles Marshall swapped their instruments. McFarlane described the new ensemble: "Few alternative bands of the day could ever hope to match that line-up for muscular bravado and sheer instrumental firepower".
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