About
** Updated **
Sydney band Avion (not to be confused with the L.A. act current in the 00’s or the ‘Par’ variety) came into being during 1981. Randall Waller (vocals/guitar) had already released two solo albums (‘Oasis’ in 1978 and ‘Midnight Fire’ in 1980) before forming the band Lionheart which soon evolved into Avion. Completing the original line-up were Martin Toole (guitar), Evan Murray (keyboards), along with Waller’s brothers Kendall (bass) and John (drums). Avion’s musical style was unabashedly influenced by American Adult Oriented Rock (think Journey/Boston/Night Ranger etc).
From Paul Gannell’s MySpace page
History
A recording contract with RCA led to the release of their eponymous debut album in 1983 (OZ48). RCA obviously thought the group’s sound better suited the North American market because the album was release there before it was at home in Australia. The album didn’t receive much promotion and though the first single from it ‘I Need You’ was a minor hit (OZ61 - reaching as high as 40 in NSW), Avion didn’t break through in a major way. Two more ‘Diamond Eyes’ and ‘Never Let Me Go’ were lifted from the album but neither made the charts. A stand alone single ‘Still The Night’ was released in August 1984 but again didn’t sell well. Paul Gannell came in to replace Toole on guitar for the band’s second album, 1987’s ‘White Noise’. The album included the earlier single releases ‘We’ve Got Secrets’ and ‘Celebration’ but the celebrations were non existent as none made the charts. The band had remained a solid touring outfit throughout this period though, and it was on a late 1987 tour that keyboardist Evan Murray was killed in a car accident. The loss of Murray and the failure to break through commercially finally led Waller to call an end to Avion’s tenure.
From Paul Gannell’s MySpace page
Members
- Randall Waller - Vocals & Guitar.
- Martyn Toole - Guitar
- Kendall Waller - Bass
- Evan Murray - Keyboards
- John Waller - Drums
- Paul Gannell - Guitar
Recordings
- Avion - 1983
- White Noise - 1986
- Live - 1987
Technical Crew
- John McConnell - FOH Engineer
Other Resources
Related Articles
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Since this is all likely to end up showing a big family tree, I probably should throw in here that Randall was my first guitar teacher back in ‘75, and that I went to school with John and Kendall.
I’ve been trying to find Avion on CD for about 20 years. Anybody know if it’s available anywhere in the world, or if it might ever become available?
Cory,
So have I! If you find it please post it here.
I owned AVION on CASSETTE back in 1983 when it was released. Stupidly sold it somewhere! I NEED IT TOO!!!
K.
I used to go and watch these guys in the 80’s every chance i got. Unfortunately i have lost the old vinyls i had and was hoping they might be available on CD….If anyone knows where we can get hold of them please let me know.
I played in a covers/original band that supported Avion at two gigs in 1983. One at the Jet Club, Gold Coast & then the next day in Hervey Bay (near Maryborough) Qld.
They were very decent fellows and Randall even showed us the chords to “I need you” which we subsequently added to our covers set.
My band did a lot of support spots for touring bands and these blokes were the most approachable of all of them.
They deserved a much better deal from the so-called radio airplay ‘gurus’.
Sad to read about Evan’s passing.
Follow this link to downloadable mp3s of their albums>>>
http://mp3.one-way.org/Avion%20-%20Randall%20Waller/
Enjoy it.
Hi Paul Gannell here I just happen to come across this forum and it’s nice to see people do still remember us as for me I now live in NZ and after a 10 year total break from music have started to write again for those who might be interested heres my myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/blumaxnz
drop by….
Paul Here Again I’ve have just started an Avion myspace page I’m looking for live photos live recordings even anyone with any of the Avion video singles drop by leave a comment would love to hear for anyone cheers Paul Gannell….
http://www.myspace.com/avionau
Hi Paul
Is there any way to get an mp3/digital version of Southern Cross (single release) or the live album that is mentioned often????
Maybe get Randall to link on his page.
Guitarist question here . ..you guys recorded in a dropped e to e flat . .. 1. was that the ame way yu tuned live, 2. Why did you drop the tuning?? 3. Wish you hadn’t . . .have to retune everytime I play along hehehehehe
great to see you here and promoting a great Aussie band!
Saw you guys many many times in Sydney
Hi Bruce hey I don’t even have a copy of Southern Cross or the live album that John had made up so can’t help you there, as for the half step down tuning it was purely for Randall as some of those top notes he hit were up there, just made it a little easier for him.
So hopefully with this new Avion MySpace page I may get some long lost tunes and videos out there stay tuned like the live version of White Sister there was from a punter that managed to get a live desk tape recording of it …
cheers Paul
Hey paul
I’m sure I’ve got a copy of southern Cross on 7 in somewhere . . will have to dig it out and get it to you!
Cheers
Hi Guys
Read the thread, I have a copy of ‘Avion’ - Avion on Cd, I can burn and send if anyone wants a copy.
Will
Hi guys thanks for the offers I’m after the more rare ones Spoke to Randall the other day he is going to beam over some of the b side singles like bigger you are etc and the Live album put together by John. Southern Cross would be a nice one as I don’t have a copy of that.
cheers Paul
Oh man, the only two recordings I have from Avion are a dodgy tape and a warped record! I’m working on flatenning the vinyl, and hopes are high!
As a student in 1986 I discovered Avion while working as an announcer on Massey University student station Radio Massey 99.4 based in Palmerson North, New Zealand.
I simply love ‘Celebration’ as tune it’s so uplifting and I went out and bought the album straight away.
Paul, you guys were/still are the best at what you do - thanks for some fantastic tunes delivered in style.
I had a listen to the music selection on the MySpace page and all the memories come flooding back - brillant.
Regards,
Paul