History of the

This was written by Diana Torossian, not me!

Taken from the book "Baby Animals Guitar Tablature", Published by EMI

Thanks to Scott Gordon for sending me this info.

Lead singer, Suze De Marchi started singing in local Perth pub bands at the age of 17. As Suze admits "after the first couple of gigs, I knew that there was nothing else I would rather do If I never did anything else the rest of my but record and play live, I’d be happy." For the next four years, Suze was in England recording and writing as a solo artist. But disheartened by the whole thing, and missing not working with a band, together with a little encouragement from angels then manager John Woodruff, she returned to Australia in mid 1989. A few phone calls and bus trips later, the band quickly came together Eddie Parise on bass, Frank Celenza on drums, and Dave Leslie on lead Guitar. The band was set, and the Baby Animals sound was born

November 1989 saw the band’s first gig at the infamous Kardomah Café in Sydney, and the start of constant touring through the city’s pubs and clubs. The Angels were so impressed with the band, that they included one of the band’s demos "Break My Heart" on the B-side of their single "Dogs Are Talking", along with tracks from two other rock ‘n’ roll bands. A national tour showcasing all four bands shortly followed. In August 1990, the band singed a publishing deal with SBK Songs (now EMI Songs.) While attending one of their gigs, Terry Ellis, president of the newly formed Imago Recording Company heard something special and signed them to his label. He described the experience as "the band was great, the songs were terrific and to me Suze clearly had that indefineable magic that separates one artist from the crowd and makes them a star."

Now came the hard work, time to record the album. The band flew to New York, and together with expatriate Mike Chapman and Kevin "Caveman" Shirley produced a classic debut album. From all reports and unrepeatable experiences, the band and Mike stuck an immediate ‘sympatico’. As Suze admits "It was great. Basically, Mike left us alone to make the kind of music we know how to make; and whenever he did have a suggestion, it was always something that made the sound better. So what you hear is pure recording, the band as it really is."

Their debut single "Early Warning" was released April 1991. After the release of the single, the band flew to the United States for a series of showcases for the Imago/BMG people, to coincide with the earlier release of the album there. With the Top 20 chart success of "Early Warning" at home, the second single "Rush You" was released in August.

The came Deliver day - September 1991 - the release of the album in Australia. This was one hot rock and roll album. Here was quality song writing, gutsy vocals and hot guitar work. The album debuted at number six on the National Charts, and peaked at number three.

After reportedly listening to the band’s album in his kitchen, Bryan Adams asked the band to join him on his European tour. Whilst overseas, the band picked up the "Best New Act" at the inaugural 1991 Australian Music Awards. Christmas 1991 saw the band back in Australia for more touring, and the release of two more singles from the album "Painless" and "One Word". The incredibly successful ‘Let Go Of My Ears’ tour saw the band playing to sellout crowds all over the country.

The above was written in 1991 / Early '92

Any more info would be really great, if you can help, please mail me.



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Page Last Updated Monday, 13 January 1997