Long before mock metallers Spinal Tap ingratiated themselves into the public consciousness, worlds away both musically and geographically another vertebral group called The Spines were plying their indescribable wares down in Wellington.
From 1981 through 1987, Jon McLeary’s outfit weathered then typical local apathy and incomprehension and constantly fluctuating line-ups to produce a solid body of idiosyncratic and occasionally brilliant work over a 7-inch EP, a 12-inch single, a 12-inch EP and two albums.
Contrary to some reports, the Fishing EP was recorded at EMI in Petone, not the short-lived Sausage studio, the birth place of the legendary **** Terrace scene compilation. McLeary confirms that Negative Theatre did however, record at Sausage.
Jon McLeary’s solo album The Miscreant was sent to Flying Nun, but was never released. After all these years, he’s still waiting for the tapes back.
Caroline Easther went on to drum for Beat Rhythm Fashion, The Chills, The Verlaines, Let’s Planet and Barry Saunders, amongst others.
Neill Duncan has performed with Six Volts, the Jews Brothers, Darth Vegas and many others. He lives in Australia and continues to perform after losing an arm to cancer in 2012.
Ross Burge is one of NZ’s most in-demand and well-travelled drummers, having performed with the Mutton Birds, Sharon O’Neill, Dave Dobbyn, Sneaky Feelings, Bic Runga, Tim Finn, Rick Bryant and Anika Moa. Phew.
Jon McLeary - vocals, guitar
Caroline Easther - drums, vocals
Rob Mahoney - bass, vocals
Neill Duncan - sax, drums
Wendy Calder - bass
Tim Robinson - drums
Gregory Brice - drums
Ross Burge - drums
Anthony Donaldson - drums
Andy Craig - bass