Press Release 1 - December 27th 2004
Formed in early August 2004, The Wizards of Oz Rock are a 5 piece North Coast based Cover Band with a passion for Aussie Rock Anthems.
The Wizards main aim is to present their audience with a night of entertainment by re-living the "glory days" of Classic Aussie Pub Rock by incorporating the smash hits of various bands including The Skyhooks, Men at Work, Cold Chisel, The Angels, Mondo Rock, Powderfinger, The Living End, AC/DC, Noiseworks, Jet and the many other bands that shaped the music we listen to now. In the tradition of The Party Boys.......the Wizards play with passion and energy.......encouraging the crowd to help set the mood and to get the venue rockin!
Starting at the back of the stage, Ian "Macca" Mc Donald sets the pace on drums with his driving, forceful rhythms and locomotive energy, while Ken Bajo keeps the bottom end in check delivering a mixture of "Old School" bass riffs and thunderous 5 String Bass power grooves...Stage Right is the home to the Master of the Keys, with Artie Seawald bringing a unique blend of Hammond Style Organ, Classic Rock Piano and ultra modern Synthesiser Samples to compliment the classic groove of the band. Stage Left is the home to Danny Doon, a well known North Coast musician who loves nothing more than pumping out a blistering guitar solo during a classic tune, and last but not least...Peter Mayhem, front and centre. Peter's vocals are a perfect match to the various other talents he has mastered in the many years of Street Performance and Comedy on stages worldwide. Peter is a natural "Frontman" and enjoys interacting with the crowd at any given opportunity.
For the Wizards, getting on stage is not just about music...........its about entertainment, with the boys enjoying the odd spot of comedy, Aussie Music Trivia & History, a little street performance and plenty of fun to be enjoyed by the crowd....young and old alike!
The Wizards present a musical journey through the history of Aussie Rock..........starting with the 70's and rolling through to the present, there is something to suit every musical taste and generation.
To find out more about the Wizards, visit the official website at www.wizardsofozrock.com where you will find a full song list, plenty of information, mechandise, Crowd & Band Photos from recent gigs as well as how to become a member of the Ozrock Club and enjoy the associated benefits!
Wizards Press Release #2 - February 4th 2005
The Wizards of Oz Rock have taken the North Coast by storm in recent months after a colossal debut show during the 2004 Jacaranda Festival in Grafton.
A simple idea that was rolling around the mind of front man Peter Mayhem for almost a decade, the Wizards became a reality in August 2004 when the final member of the band was selected after a substantial search and audition period in June/July of that year. Plenty of discussion about song selection ensued and the Wizards started building the foundation of their show by scouring the Australian Music Charts from 1970 to the present day looking for songs that would appease the craving of North Coast audiences of all ages and musical tastes, and like at Hot Pie at a Footy game the punters lapped up the Classic Aussie Rock the Wizards unleashed at their first Grafton appearance.
With so many Australian Artists to choose from, the band has had a difficult time trying to select a song or two from the many and varied artists to choose from. A simple example being INXS with their greatest hits album containing 45 songs….which ones do you pick and how many? But with perseverance, discussion and trial and error the Wizards now have a song list that is sure to keep almost everyone happy.
The various members of that band have all bought a unique background that has blended together to give the band a forceful presence both musically and on stage.
Macca’s Drumming is a mixture of classic Power Rock and Country Rock which allow him to set the groove of the band in any style. Ken’s Bass influences are a blend of Soul / Motown , Classic 60’s Rock and Modern Contemporary Blues / Jazz which when set with Macca’s beat gives the band a potent backbeat to play to. Artie’s background is in Classical, Latin, Jazz and Old time dance which means he has the ability to play complex keyboard parts with ease, and with the Wizards Rhythm Section laying the foundation, Artie is free to let his keyboard sounds create a multitude of styles from Classic Organ to hot and heavy Horns, classic Rock Piano and sizzling 70’s & 80’s Synth. Danny’s Guitar is driven by the spirit of the 80’s but influenced by many varied artists like Bob Dylan, Van Halen, and AC/DC. When Danny is given the opportunity to solo he puts his foot down and drives it like he stole it! Peter on lead vocals has a long history in the entertainment industry and although this is the first full on band that he has worked with, he is a natural Front Man drawing on experience as a Street Performer, Comedian, Juggler, MC and solo/duo singer and entertainer. Peter has worked all over the world in the industry and has recently settled down to life on the North Coast and realised his dream of organising and performing in a Classic Aussie Rock Tribute Band. His chemistry with the audience is electrifying but with his past experience it is no surprise.
With 5 members having such diverse backgrounds, it means the Wizards can cover almost any style of music with relative ease, and give the audience a show that will make them want to come back for more. And it seems to be working because the crowds are getting bigger as the word spreads………if you want Classic Aussie rock on the North Coast…..you cant go past the Wizards of Oz Rock. For more information please visit www.wizardsofozrock.com