Biography

Evolving in 1967 out of a series of bands that had developed a cult following along the New South Wales coastline in Australia, Tamam Shud was led by Lindsay Bjerre (vocals/guitar) and originally also featured Peter Barron (bass), Dannie Davidson (drums) and Alex ‘Zac’ Zytnik (guitar). The unit took up the mantle of a progressive blues-based concert band, renowned for performing long instrumentals. Initially adopted by the burgeoning psychedelic and drug scene, their popularity rapidly took in the surfing fraternity and the college circuit. Their two original albums are considered progressive and adventurous. The second of these, Goolutionites And The Real People, featured the sparkling guitar work of teenage recruit Tim Gaze (b. 8 August 1953, Australia). Nigel Macara (drums), Larry Duryea (b. Larry Taylor; congas) and Richard Lockwood (saxophone/flute) joined in 1971, but the band petered out the following year. Bjerre continued a mediocre solo career with the hit single ‘She Taught Me How To Love Again’ and two lightweight albums in the late 70s. Gaze ventured to the UK with his new band Kahvas Jute before reuniting with Tamam Shud drummer Nigel Macara in Ariel. Bjerre, Barron, Gaze and Macara revived the Tamam Shud name in the mid-90s, touring and completing a new studio album. The same line-up reunited in 2002 to complete another tour.