Moonshine Jug & String Band

Inducted 2 October 2015

Established in 1970 by Flinders University students and brothers Rick and John Brewster, Moonshine Jug & String Band’s focus was on eclectic acoustic music rooted in a mix of 1920’s and 30’s blues and jazz.  Utilising washboard, washtub bass, banjo, harmonica and kazoos the line-up comprised John Brewster, Rick Brewster, Pete Thorpe, Craig Holden and Bob Petchell.  Within a short time, the band had a weekly gig at the Sussex Hotel and, in January, 1971, performed at the Myponga Pop Festival.  Shortly thereafter, they recruited fellow Flinders student Bernard Neeson, who performed under the name of Doc Talbot.  The band continued building a following at their weekly gigs, while also appearing at university and major events including Alex Innocenti’s The Age Of Atlantic and Adelaide Blues Festival.

In mid-1973, Moonshine Jug & String Band recorded four songs, three of them originals, released on record by The Sphere Organization. ‘Keep You On The Move’, the opening track, became a chart hit in Adelaide.  A single, ‘That’s Alright With Me’, followed in early 1974.  Later that year, with their studies completed and some members moving on, it was decided that the band should transform itself  into an electric rock band, changing its name to The Keystone Angels and, subsequently, in 1976, to The Angels.