GANGgajang

Inducted 2 October 2019

Formed in 1984, the foundation members of GANGgajang were Mark 'Cal' Callaghan (guitar and lead vocals), Chris Bailey (bass guitar), Graham 'Buzz' Bidstrup (drums) and Kayellen Bee (vocals and percussion). The band grew out of songwriting and performing sessions that the four undertook for the ABC TV music-drama series ‘Sweet and Sour’. Shortly thereafter they were joined by Geoffrey Stapleton (keyboards, guitar and vocals) and Robbie James (lead guitar).

Signing to Mercury Records ‘Gimme Some Loving’, the band’s first single, was released in May, 1984 making the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart. During 1985 the band built a significant following around Australia with their music featuring on radio station Triple J and on ABC TV’s Countdown. In November, their self-titled debut album was released on the True Tone label, selling over 120,000 copies. The LP included the hit single, ‘Sounds of Then (This Is Australia)’ which has become an Australian music staple. ‘House of Cards’ and ‘Giver of Life’ from the album were also released as singles, reaching the charts.

In 1987, GANGgajang's music was featured in the surf movie ‘Mad Wax’. The band performed in Long Beach California at the U.S. opening of the movie.  The success of Mad Wax took GANGgajang’s music to surfing communities around the world from South Africa to Brazil, where they have maintained a significant following.  The Association of Surfing Professionals voted GANGgajang the “World’s Best Band” in 1986 and 1987. A second album, gangAGAIN, was released in 1987, a third, ‘Lingo’ in 1994 and, in 1996, ‘The Essential GANGgajang, all making the ARIA Albums Chart.  In 2002 GANGgajang released their fourth studio album, ‘Oceans and Deserts’.  The band continues to perform and record music to this day.