About Avion
** 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
{ 39 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
Avion came along right about the time that I started learning to play guitar so I was very sensitive to anything featuring great licks. I still have excellent copies of “Avion” and “White Noise” on vinyl that I bought back in the day. I’d love to see them released on CD.
Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to see Avion play live, being stuck over here in Perth. These guys were right up there with the best Aussie bands and very underrated IMO.
Thanx for the tunes!
Wow, this brings back memories.
I saw Avion at the Campbelltown Leagues Club in 1983 and they were brilliant !
I still have Avion, White Noise & Randall’s 1st album (Oasis) on LP and play them quite often.
Just a couple of days ago the windows in my loungeroom were vibrating to the sounds of I Need You.
Paul, you are so lucky to have been a part of one of the best Australian groups ever.
For those of you looking for Avion on CD, there is currently a copy available on eBay.
Known as ‘AVION 2 on 1′, it contains both AVION & WHITE NOISE albums.
Bidding starts at US$16.95 Ex-stock Spain.
http://cgi.ebay.com/AVION-*2-ON-1*-CD-Randall-Waller%2FLionheart%2FAussie-Rock_W0QQitemZ170305954901QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090225?IMSfp=TL090225122006r32611
Cheers, Don.
From a former Sydney Drummer now living in Melbourne, who supported Avion at a few gigs in the early 80′s and a student who was forever influenced by John Waller. Thanks for the memories.
Mark Hudson
(hudo)
Hmm..
Randall was actually best man, and sang at my wedding. I didnt know him, but my husband to be did. Have not heard what happened to Avion, have been divorced since….1990.
Great to hear these tunes again tho..
Like many saw Avion whenever they played in The Shire mainly at The Carringbah Inn. I moved to Perth and lost track of them then . I have the albums Midnight Fire. Avion and White Noise but would love th opportunity to get the Live album and Still the Night (on CD).
I still play Avion in the car when I’m alone in the car LOUD. Its the only way.
Cannot believe that so many people remember this great band.I knew Evan through mutual friends and watched hundreds of people leave Camberwell Civic Centre Victoria 1981? who were blown away by how good they were and wondered where the group based themselves and where they had been hiding?
Have recordings of Self titled Album on tape and burned cd,Live album on tape and White noise on a burned cd.
Would be rapt to get a copy of Midnight Fire
Hi all very cool that this is still getting updates from people who had seen us live,
and I must say the Carringbah Inn was one of my favorite gigs not that it was fancy or a big venue but it just oozed Rock and have fond memories of people lunging forward towards the stage as we were about to go on, it just insited the rock beast in me ha ha. Remember I have started a Avion myspace page http://www.myspace.com/avionau drop in I have added some live tunes as well as getting my hands on a copy of Southern Cross,
also my own myspace site with my latest demos I pump out in the comfort of my own very modest studio here at home: http://www.myspace.com/zeddastratoblaster
cheers Paul G.
I didn’t realise John McConnell was their FOH engineer. I worked with him recently as I supplied PA for Melinda Schneider and he was her FOH guy. He spoke about Paul Kelly a bit on the night but not Avion. I must ask him next time I see him and get some stories. I too have a cassette somehwere of the first album but would like a fresher copy if possible? I saw them at a concert in about 1885 (someone correct me if I am wrong) at Lidcombe Oval. It was a benefit for Western Suburbs footy team. I remember Avion, Rose Tattoo, Allniters and a few others playing. Anyone else there??
1885?…jesus Jeff how old are you?
I’m getting on I tell ya!! us crusty old sound guys eh?? hahahahaha
Hey Paul
Great to see you got a copy of Southern Cross. Mine is with a stack of records I left with a friend 8 years ago, and about 1500km from me now . . .
Great song
Any chance of you sharing the entire Avion Live CD? The tracks from myspace really capture the gigs imo.
Of course, I understand if it isn’t available to the general public.
While listening, I suddenly felt 25 years younger, wth pictures of Penrith Leagues (or RSL), Pennant Hills Inn, Seven Hills Inn, Capitol Theatre (the 1st album launch – they thanked the Comm bank for financing the triangular light rack???) as well as other venues. Quite a number of kms for someone living at Mt Druitt at the time lol!
Noticed on you myspace page that you still use a Boss ME-5. So do I!! Can’t beat a classic (plus the new ones are way too complicated!).
Keep up he good work!
Cheers
Bruce
PS time for an Avion reunion gig or 3 in Sydney???
I’ll be front and centre!
Cheers again!
Added to above – the bands you played with in the eighties (apart from Gary Glitter) make up lots of my playlists for the iPod.
Cheers
Avion did actually chart in the UK at No 2 on the Heavy Metal charts for a couple weeks in 1982. I tried to talk them into going over, but they were managed by Dave Smallbone and management and the band could not afford to take the chance remaining in Oz and trying to make it here. After Evan’s death, John stopped drumming and went into the family business of floor coverings. Kendall played bass with an american gospel band for a while and Randall worked writing and recording jingles, touring with bands and producing other people’s albums before he eventually ended up as Shania Twain’s guitarist. He does have a hopelessly out of date website which details his own personal journey.
Went to school with Kendall and remember seeing them when I was mixing for Mandrake,what is he doing now any one now?
Kenny is working with his old mans company importing and selling wooden floors which takes him overseas quite a bit Johnny seems to be giging a lot with a band whose name escapes me at the moment and as for me after a 10 year break from playing singing and recording have finally started to write again although a little rusty I can still belt out a tune or two as for a Avion reunion the thought kinda scares me now that I’m 47 the words Spinal Tap comes to mind anyway never say never I guess.
http://www.myspace.com/zeddastratoblaster
Hi Paul ..good to hear your still playing…i first came across Avion when they played Countdown in early 83 performing ”I need you” thought the band was great ..got the single…i lived in central NT at the time..so the only way i got to see aussie bands was Countdown
In 84 i travelled to NSW for the first time to visit family in the Campbelltown area…i looked in the paper and saw an ad for Avion supporting Kevin Borich Express at the Ingelburn RSL ..great i thought ill be able to go to see em’..looked at the bottom of the ad and saw the notice” for the information of members of ingleburn rsl and their guest” …bugger i thought ..i wont be able to see em’ ..im not a member ..being from the NT i didnt know anything about RSL clubs and membership ..i could have gone but signed in as out of the area ..so that was that
i got the first lp ..waited for seemed ages for the White Noise lp to come out …then read in in Juke mag that Evan Murray had been killed in a car accident on the freeway to Wollongong after a gig and the band had disbanded in 87…very sad
then in 97 i moved to sydney and in 99 saw that Avion was going to do the ”Boys are back in town” and got to see the band play on the final gig of the tour at the Bondi pavillion..only got to do five songs but it was a great set …kicking off with ”I need you” it was all there ..classic hard rock…big drums …chorused guitars …pity there wasnt many ppl there …
one thing i admired bout the band was Kendalls bass playing ..deep with a clear top ..i bought my first bass in 79 and the Avion albums were yardstick for me what i regard as a great bass sound..i couldnt believe him playing harmonics in the break on Ransom..it was a case of ”what the’?? ” lol
my question is ..what bass did Kendall paly on the Avion lps? ive got a pic of the band rehearsing i think ..hes playing an Ibanez Musician bass…i used to have one too during the 80,s ..when they played on countdwon i think hes playing a Maton MB4 bass….when he played at the bondi pavillion he was palying a Music man bass…and what amps and cabs he used ..
all the best ..
Leslie
Avion rocks. That single performance on Countdown (in the clip provided) made me a fan. Bot the studio albums get plenty of airplay on my all-Aussie web radio station.
I have a new Self produced and recorded album out under my alter ego name of Phoenix Ash get it while it’s still free.
cheers Paul.
Album Link:
http://amiestreet.com/music/phoenix-ash/from-the-ashes/
I was lucky enough to know the Waller brothers and sister through a youth group in Killarney Heights NSW called Young Life. Also had Evan as a music Teacher in ’86 whilst in Year 12 at The Forest High School. Even got taken to the studio’s whilst they were recording their LP!
I’ve just started working in a guitar shop in Brisbane.
On my first day i heard the opening chords of “I need you” roaring out of the amp room. I ran in and had a chat with the player about Avion.
He didn’t know much about them but remembered the riff from long ago.
I told him my Avion story (see post way above).
He then broke into “Never let me go”.
Cool!
Avion played at my 21st in feb 1982 in a hall in adamstown (newcastle) they had just changed their name from lionheart. It was a great night the police came and stopped the noise “great memories”.if I remember rightly it cost me about $300 for the night bargain!!!! It was great to hear “I need you ” and my favourite “southern cross”
oh man! what a thread! I’ve never ever ben on myspace before and dont even know if I’m leaving the comment in the right edit box! (blind guy you see, page lay-outs not always intuitive to us guys with text-to-speech screenReaders.) I stumbled across this whilst writing a text to randall, having missed his gig at the Palm Beach Golf club last night, and wanting to tell him incredibly coincidentally looking for something else, that I’d located a live avion album cassette! I didn’t even remember they’d released a live album, that’s how long ago, – and wanted to check the names of a couple of the songs, (not being able to read the liner notes obviously.) and … found all this stuff here on Paul’s page! Wow! great to see I’m not the only old Avion Fan around! Man if ai started on my great memories of this band I’d write a novellette! and probly bore you all to death. I saw them (metaphorically speaking of course,) just … o I dunno, – stacks and stacks of time in the 80′s. who needs sight when john’s mixing and Randall’s onstage anyway! man the arrangements of their tunes!!! the just great guitar and drum sounds John McConnell used to pull, (and that of course the Waller’s used to produce,) and the range!!…and incredible perseverance of ran’s up there vox! incredible band! what can I say. I loved them. The energy was all there for me in the sound, and let me tell you, the guitar sounds on the studio release of I Need You, are… just like toy stuff compared to what they pulled live. maybe my most favest memory was at an Australian Christian Music festival called Black Stump one year, where somehow, no idea why or how, I got to get up on stage and play a tune with Avion, outdoors! man! I’d always played 10-46′s tuned up, (i.e. normal tuning,) and wore my guitar reeeeally high. to then be given a guitar to play thatfelt to me like it was round my knees, with 9-42′s Tuned down, …man! felt sooooo floppy to me and crazy! But I’ll never forget the extasy of that moment. how loud the guitar amps were behind me, and just how amazing it felt! but, here’s the best bit. After whatever traversty I rendered to the audience (I can’t even remember, thankfully,) took off the guitar, handed it back to Randall, and… forget being blind, I was just soooo high on addrenolin I just plum walked off the front of the stage!!! anyone there see that in 1986 or so? thankfully people caught me coming down and I was fine! man avion! you guys toootally rocked! Thanks for all the great stuff! again, far far far better live somehow than in studio. They even let me once come into the studio whilst mixing down a single which I think was celebration. … Thank you soooo much for that experience as well, even though I was such a painful little so-called insecure wanna-be trumped up “know-it-all”, that I’m sure they wished they had never allowed me to be there! I’m sooo sorry for that! thanks for all the musical opportunities and guitar sound education I got from you guys. May God bless and keep all of you safe. G.
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