Baxtop

Formed in Johannesburg in 1978 by Larry Amos (guitars, vocals), Tim Parr (guitar, vocals), Robbie Whitelaw (bass) and Pierre de Vos (drums). Before their first gig Fuzzy Marcus replaced Robbie Whitelaw because Robbie had to go to the army.

Later Bruce Williams replaced Pierre de Vos. In 1979 they won the SABC’s Battle of the Bands competition and they released their only album Work It Out.

They released two singles from the album “Jo Bangles” and “Take Me To Your Heart”.

They were the first South African band signed by Benji Mudie at WEA Records. Money issues and internal disagreements led to the band breaking up in 1980.

Ella Mental

Formed in Johannesburg in 1983 out of the Tim Parr Band. Tim Parr (guitar, vocals), Heather Mac (vocals), Adrian Levi (bass), Herman Eugster (drums).

They released the album Uncomplicated Dream in 1984 and rose to prominence with 3 singles which received widespread radio play in South Africa: “Pressure” (1984), “See Yourself (Clowns) (1984) and “30 Million Lonely People” (1985).

In 1986 the group moved to Ireland in the hope of making it internationally but within six months Adrian Levi and Herman Eugster had left. Irish musicians were brought in and the album Ella Mental was recorded and released in the USA in 1989. 1989 also saw the release of three singles from the album. However their releases were not met with much success and the band broke up shortly after.