BANDS:
- The Stompedes
- Rhythm Unlimited
- The Librettos [1966]
- The Knack [1966]
- Normie Rowe And The Playboys
- Procession [Oct 67-1969]
- Emanon [1969]
- Manfred Mann Chapter Three [1969-Oct 69]
- Third World War [1972]
- Shoot [1973]
- Fleetwood Mac [Oct 73-Jan 74]
- Frankie Reid Band
- Marcia Hines Band
- Flinders
- Corroboree [1978-1979]
- The Big Bang-Infinity
BIOGRAPHY:
Superb drummer from Australia. Craig Collinge was born in Sydney, Australia on August 24th, 1948.
THE STOMPEDES
As far as I know, he started playing in a band called The Stompedes, but I haven´t any other info about them.
RHYTHM UNLIMITED
Next band was Rhythm Unlimited, but again, no info at all.
THE LIBRETTOS
After several lineup changes, Craig Collinge (he was 16!) replaced Dave Diver in The Librettos:
This lineup released a couple of singles, ´I cry / She´s a go-go´, and ´Rescue me / What do you want to make those eyes at me for´, both released in 1966. After a tour in New Zealand, Lou Parun leaves them in April 1966.
And then, The Librettos carried on as a trio:
A new single was released, ´Kicks / Whatcha gonna do about it´. Another song was recorded, ´It´s loving time´, but it remained unreleased until 1997, when the compilation Let's go with The Librettos was issued. This was a release of their only album (where Craig didn't appear), plus most of their singles as bonus tracks.
Then, Peacock and Stone joined another famous Australian band, Normie Rowe & The Playboys and at the end of 1966, Craig formed his own trio, The Knack.
|
THE LIBRETTOS # |
?-Apr 66 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
Brian Peacock vocals, bass | Rod Stone guitar, vocals | Lou Parun guitar, vocals | Craig Collinge drums |
This lineup released a couple of singles, ´I cry / She´s a go-go´, and ´Rescue me / What do you want to make those eyes at me for´, both released in 1966. After a tour in New Zealand, Lou Parun leaves them in April 1966.
And then, The Librettos carried on as a trio:
|
THE LIBRETTOS # |
Apr 66-1966 |
|
|---|---|---|
Brian Peacock vocals, bass | Rod Stone guitar, vocals | Craig Collinge drums |
Normie Rowe & The Playboysê | Normie Rowe & The Playboysê | The Knackê |
A new single was released, ´Kicks / Whatcha gonna do about it´. Another song was recorded, ´It´s loving time´, but it remained unreleased until 1997, when the compilation Let's go with The Librettos was issued. This was a release of their only album (where Craig didn't appear), plus most of their singles as bonus tracks.
Then, Peacock and Stone joined another famous Australian band, Normie Rowe & The Playboys and at the end of 1966, Craig formed his own trio, The Knack.
THE KNACK
Craig formed his own trio, The Knack, at the end of 1966:
But soon later, Craig rejoined old mate Brian Peacock in The Playboys.
|
THE KNACK # |
||
|---|---|---|
|
êThe Librettos |
||
Wayne Rodgers guitar | Terry Chapman bass | Craig Collinge drums |
The Playboysê | ||
But soon later, Craig rejoined old mate Brian Peacock in The Playboys.
PROCESSION
The Playboys changed their name into Procession in October 1967:
They released a live album, Live at Sebastian´s (with Penelope). They were quite famous there, with regular appearances in a TV show called 'Uptight'.
After that, they decided leaving Australia for England. They recorded a 2nd album, Procession, produced by Mike Hugg (from Manfred Mann). This would lead to important connections for the band members, as we´re going to read.
But in 1969, Craig Collinge joins Mike Hugg and Manfred Mann in their new project (Emanon, later turned into Manfred Mann Chapter Three).
|
PROCESSION # |
Oct 67-1969 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
|
êThe Playboys |
êThe Playboys |
||
Mick Rogers vocals, guitar, bass | Brian Peacock vocals, guitar, bass | Trevor Griffin keyboards, vocals | Craig Collinge drums |
Manfred Mann Chapter Threeê | |||
They released a live album, Live at Sebastian´s (with Penelope). They were quite famous there, with regular appearances in a TV show called 'Uptight'.
After that, they decided leaving Australia for England. They recorded a 2nd album, Procession, produced by Mike Hugg (from Manfred Mann). This would lead to important connections for the band members, as we´re going to read.
But in 1969, Craig Collinge joins Mike Hugg and Manfred Mann in their new project (Emanon, later turned into Manfred Mann Chapter Three).
MANFRED MANN CHAPTER THREE
This was initially a side project by Manfred Mann and Mike Hugg, in 1968, under the name Emanon. After some initial lineups (including Hughie Flint on drums), the lineup stabilized with:
Manfred Mann Chapter Three made their live debut at London's ICA on April 1969, with an extended lineup featuring a big horn section:
They recorded a commercial TV jingle for Michelin, along with about 50 other jingles. In June 1969, Manfred Mann (the band) disbanded, so Mann and Hugg were free to develop their project full time. So, Emanon turned into Manfred Mann Chapter Three. They made their first appearance in October 1969 using this new band name.
They released a first album, Manfred Mann Chapter Three, that sadly didn't sell, although it got a 5 star review in US Downbeat Magazine. The album also featured contributions by famed arranger, the late Derek Wadsworth. The horn players in the album were Sonny Corbett (trumpet), Harold Beckett (trumpet), Ian Fenby (harmonica), Phil Kenzie (sax), Chris Pyne (trombone), Dave Quincy (sax, from the band If). With fantastic guest vocalists, the lovely ones Madeline Bell, Sue Glover and Sunny Leslie. Steve York performs a bass solo in the song ´Snakeskin garter´. The album has been reissued on CD with 4 bonus tracks.
They started recording their 2nd album, Manfred Mann Chapter Three Volume Two, but Craig Collinge left them during the sessions. They used two great session drummers, Conrad Isidore and Andrew McCulloch. The horn players on it are: Sonny Corbett, Dave Coxhill, Dave Brooks (sax), Clive Stevens (sax), Harold Beckett (trumpet). Also appearing Jerry Field on violin. The music in the album is very dense, with fantastic moments, where Steve York work on bass is outstanding.
Manfred Mann Chapter Three toured extensively promoting the album, even in the States, where they shared bill with Jefferson Airplane at the Fillmore East in May 1970. Also 3 days at Fillmore West with Boz Scaggs, Steve Miller and Janis Joplin.
|
MANFRED MANN CHAPTER THREE #1 |
Jan 69-Oct 69 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
êManfred Mann |
êManfred Mann |
êEast Of Eden |
êProcession |
|
Mike Hugg vocals, keyboards | Manfred Mann keyboards | Steve York bass | Bernie Living sax, flute | Craig Collinge drums |
Manfred Mann Earth Bandê | ||||
Manfred Mann Chapter Three made their live debut at London's ICA on April 1969, with an extended lineup featuring a big horn section:
|
MANFRED MANN CHAPTER THREE #2 |
Apr 69-Oct 69 |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mike Hugg vocals, keyboards | Manfred Mann keyboards | Steve York bass | Bernie Living sax, flute | Craig Collinge drums | + | Sonny Corbett trumpet | Carl Griffith flute | Dave Coxhill sax | Clive Stevens sax | Gerald Drewett trombone |
They recorded a commercial TV jingle for Michelin, along with about 50 other jingles. In June 1969, Manfred Mann (the band) disbanded, so Mann and Hugg were free to develop their project full time. So, Emanon turned into Manfred Mann Chapter Three. They made their first appearance in October 1969 using this new band name.
They released a first album, Manfred Mann Chapter Three, that sadly didn't sell, although it got a 5 star review in US Downbeat Magazine. The album also featured contributions by famed arranger, the late Derek Wadsworth. The horn players in the album were Sonny Corbett (trumpet), Harold Beckett (trumpet), Ian Fenby (harmonica), Phil Kenzie (sax), Chris Pyne (trombone), Dave Quincy (sax, from the band If). With fantastic guest vocalists, the lovely ones Madeline Bell, Sue Glover and Sunny Leslie. Steve York performs a bass solo in the song ´Snakeskin garter´. The album has been reissued on CD with 4 bonus tracks.
They started recording their 2nd album, Manfred Mann Chapter Three Volume Two, but Craig Collinge left them during the sessions. They used two great session drummers, Conrad Isidore and Andrew McCulloch. The horn players on it are: Sonny Corbett, Dave Coxhill, Dave Brooks (sax), Clive Stevens (sax), Harold Beckett (trumpet). Also appearing Jerry Field on violin. The music in the album is very dense, with fantastic moments, where Steve York work on bass is outstanding.
Manfred Mann Chapter Three toured extensively promoting the album, even in the States, where they shared bill with Jefferson Airplane at the Fillmore East in May 1970. Also 3 days at Fillmore West with Boz Scaggs, Steve Miller and Janis Joplin.
THIRD WORLD WAR
In 1972, Third World War change their drummer for the recording of their 2nd album, Third World War II. This was the lineup:
|
THIRD WORLD WAR #? |
1972 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Terry Stamp vocals, guitar | John Knightsbridge guitar | Jim Avery bass | John Hawken keyboards | Jim Price sax | Craig Collinge drums |
Shootê | |||||
SHOOT
Around 1973, Jim McCarty formed a new band, called Shoot:
They released an album, On the frontier, before disbanding. The album was recorded with help from B J Cole (steel guitar), Bob Birtles (horns), Lyn Dobson (horns), Graham Preskett (violin).
|
SHOOT #1 |
1973 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
Jim McCarty vocals, keyboards | Dave Greene vocals, guitar | Bill Russell bass | Craig Collinge drums |
They released an album, On the frontier, before disbanding. The album was recorded with help from B J Cole (steel guitar), Bob Birtles (horns), Lyn Dobson (horns), Graham Preskett (violin).
FLEETWOOD MAC
In October 1973, when Fleetwood Mac disbanded, their manager put a bogus band (although full of great players), to fulfill the tour schedule, under the name The New Fleetwood Mac:
The manager was sued, and the band ceased their activity quite soon, in January 1974.
|
FLEETWOOD MAC #? |
Oct 73-Jan 74 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Elmer Gantry vocals, guitar | Kirby Gregory guitar | Paul Martinez bass | Dave Wilkinson † keyboards | Craig Collinge drums |
The manager was sued, and the band ceased their activity quite soon, in January 1974.
FRANKIE REID BAND
This was the usual lineup for Frankie Reid And Powerhouse in the seventies:
Frankie Reid And Powerhouse changed to a quintet for a brief time:
Along the years, many friends and mates sat with the band, such as John Hawken.
|
FRANKIE REID BAND #? |
? |
||
|---|---|---|---|
Frankie Reid vocals | John Gourd guitar | Chris Belshaw bass | Craig Collinge drums |
Frankie Reid And Powerhouse changed to a quintet for a brief time:
|
FRANKIE REID BAND #? |
? |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Frankie Reid vocals | John Gourd guitar | Chris Belshaw bass | Greg McGregor sax | Craig Collinge drums |
Along the years, many friends and mates sat with the band, such as John Hawken.
AND THEN...
After several years in England, Craig returned to Australia.
MARCIA HINES BAND
For some time, Craig Collinge played backing singer Marcia Hines:
|
MARCIA HINES BAND #? |
? |
||
|---|---|---|---|
Marcia Hines vocals | Mike Dickinson bass | Craig Collinge drums | + others unknown to me. Help, please! |
FLINDERS
Sorry, I haven´t enough info about this Australian band, except that Craig Collinge was a member:
In 1977, the Expo was held in Sydney. and Craig Collinge and Mike Dickinson performed there. From those performances, the seed for a new band was born, Corroboree.
|
FLINDERS #? |
? |
|
|---|---|---|
Mike Dickinson bass | Craig Collinge drums | + others unknown to me. Help! |
In 1977, the Expo was held in Sydney. and Craig Collinge and Mike Dickinson performed there. From those performances, the seed for a new band was born, Corroboree.
CORROBOREE
Corroboree was a jazz-rock band based in Sydney. After several initial lineups (sorry, I don´t know that info! Early members include Rod Stone on guitar and Mike Dickinson on bass), Gerry Joe Weise joins in 1978:
As far as I know, they remained together until 1979.
|
CORROBOREE #? |
1978-1979 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
êThe Class |
êFlinders |
|||
Naomi vocals | Gerry Joe Weise guitar | Phil Parli bass | Cezary Skubiszewski keyboards | Craig Collinge drums |
As far as I know, they remained together until 1979.
AND THEN...
And, unfortunately, I've never heard or read any other thing about him... until year 2001.
THE BIG BANG-INFINITY (aka BBI)
In 2001, I find Craig Collinge playing keyboards in a new band called The Big Bang-Infinity (also known as BBI):
Originally called Infinity, they soon expanded their name.
As far as I know, they´ve released an album, but don´t know its title. Does anybody know, please?
|
THE BIG BANG-INFINITY #? |
2001 |
|
|---|---|---|
Craig Collinge keyboards | Al Matthews | Owen Reynolds |
Originally called Infinity, they soon expanded their name.
As far as I know, they´ve released an album, but don´t know its title. Does anybody know, please?
AND THEN...
And then, around 2008, Craig was to perform in a one man show called Evolution 2 Revolution where he plays drums, percussion and keyboards. He had also co-written a musical called The case of the stolen riff with Alan Matthews, and was writing a memoir of musical times.
Craig and Alan Matthews are producing film music at APM studios. Craig is producing a solo performance called Cradle to the Grave. Also a children's / family entertainment show called BOOM CRASH BANG.
Craig and Alan Matthews are producing film music at APM studios. Craig is producing a solo performance called Cradle to the Grave. Also a children's / family entertainment show called BOOM CRASH BANG.
DISCOGRAPHY: (13 albums known to me - Status: Quite advanced)
ALBUMS AS A BAND MEMBER (13 credits)
- Ella speed / I want your love (SINGLE) - The Librettos (10/1965)
- Members: Craig Collinge
- Rescue me / What do you want to make those eyes at me for (SINGLE) - The Librettos (1966)
- Members: Craig Collinge
- I cry / She´s a go-go (SINGLE) - The Librettos (01/1966)
- Members: Craig Collinge
- Kicks / Whatcha gonna do about it (SINGLE) - The Librettos (05/1966)
- Members: Craig Collinge
- Live at Sebastian´s (with Penelope) - Procession (06/1968)
- Members: Craig Collinge, Mick Rogers
- Comments: Recorded live in April 1968.
- Procession - Procession (09/1968)
- Members: Craig Collinge, Mick Rogers
- Go radial, go Michelin (JINGLE) - Manfred Mann (1969)
- Members: Craig Collinge, Manfred Mann, Steve York
- Guests: Ray Russell (RIP: Harry Beckett, Derek Wadsworth)
- Comments: This was a rare track originally distributed only to Michelin dealers in 1969. Written by Manfred Mann and Mike Hugg. Arranged by Derek Wadsworth. Musicians include Ray Russell (guitar), Steve York (bass), Harry Beckett (flugelhorn), Craig Collinge (drums).
- Manfred Mann Chapter Three - Manfred Mann Chapter Three (11/1969)
- Members: Craig Collinge, Sonny Corbett, Dave Coxhill, Ian Fenby, Mike Hugg, Bernie Living, Manfred Mann, Steve York
- Guests: Madeline Bell, Geoff Driscoll, Nick Evans, Sue Glover, Phil Kenzie, Sunny Leslie, Chris Pyne, Dave Quincy (RIP: Harry Beckett, Derek Wadsworth)
- Comments: They released a first album, Manfred Mann Chapter Three, that sadly didn't sell, although it got a 5 star review in US Downbeat Magazine. The album also featured contributions by famed arranger Derek Wadsworth. The horn players in the album were Sonny Corbett (trumpet), Harry Beckett (trumpet), Ian Fenby (harmonica), Phil Kenzie (sax), Chris Pyne (trombone), Dave Quincy (sax, from the band If). With fantastic guest vocalists, the lovely ones Madeline Bell, Sue Glover and Sunny Leslie. Steve York performs a bass solo in the song ´Snakeskin garter´. The album has been reissued on CD with 4 bonus tracks.
- Manfred Mann Chapter Three Volume Two - Manfred Mann Chapter Three (10/1970)
- Members: Craig Collinge, Sonny Corbett, Dave Coxhill, Mike Hugg, Conrad Isidore, Bernie Living, Manfred Mann, Clive Stevens, Steve York
- Guests: Dave Brooks, Gerry Field, Andy McCulloch (RIP: Harry Beckett)
- Comments: The band started recording their 2nd album, Manfred Mann Chapter Three Volume Two, but their drummer left them during the sessions. They used two great session drummers, Conrad Isidore and Andrew McCulloch. The horn players on it are: Sonny Corbett, Dave Coxhill, Dave Brooks (sax), Clive Stevens (sax), Harry Beckett (trumpet). Also appearing Gerry Field on violin. CD reissue has 3 bonus tracks.
- My opinion: The music in the album is very dense, with fantastic moments, where Steve York work on bass is outstanding.
- Third World War II - Third World War (1972)
- Members: Jim Avery, Craig Collinge, Ray Flacke, John Hawken, John Knightsbridge, Jim Price, Terry Stamp
- Technical: George Chkiantz
- On the frontier - Shoot (1973)
- Members: Craig Collinge, Jim McCarty
- Guests: B J Cole, Lyn Dobson, Graham Preskett, John Tout
- Marcia shines - Marcia Hines (1975)
- Members: Craig Collinge
- Guests: Sunil De Silva, Mark Kennedy
- Let´s go with The Librettos - The Librettos (1997)
- Members: Craig Collinge
- Comments: The album was released in 1964. The CD reissue contains 14 bonus tracks recorded in the period from 1964 to 1966, and thus contains appearances by later members who didn´t appear in the original album (for example, Craig Collinge).
QUESTIONS:
01. Can someone give me info about Craig´s stay with Normie Rowe And The Playboys?
02. Did Craig work with Alan Price? Live or just studio?
03. Did Craig work with The Shadows?
04. Did Craig work with Paul McCartney?
05. Can someone give me more info about Corroboree and their different lineups? Any album released?
06. He has also played with Mike Knock and Jacky Orszaczky, but don´t know more details.
07. Has Craig played with Keith Tippett?
08. Was Craig an initial member of Stretch?
RELATED WEBSITE LINKS: 3
From the always interesting Alex's Picks (by Alex Gitlin), we have:
From the superb site Knights in Blue Denim: The British Blues Scene '68 - '70 (by Christer Fridhammar & Vanja), we have:
THANKS:
Very Special Thanks to:
Special Thanks to:
Thanks to:
WHAT'S NEW:
09/March/2011 - Page added to the blog.
20/October/2000 - Original page written by me (in the old site).
RELATED MUSICIANS:
Craig Collinge mostly worked with these musicians: (name + number of credits)
Brian Peacock (7)
Rod Stone (5)
Lou Parun (4)
Harry Beckett (3)
Manfred Mann (3)
Steve York (3)
Sonny Corbett (2)
Dave Coxhill (2)
Trevor Griffin (2)
Brian Hugg (2)
Page created by Miguel Terol on: 20/October/2000 - Last modified on: 09/March/2011. If you want to contribute with info, please write to: molympus1@gmail.com
Please, note than you can check the indexes (musicians, bands, obituaries) at the top of this page.
Hi, I've contacted Craig and suggested he get in touch with some updates.
ReplyDeleteHi, Marcel. Thanks for that. It's been a very long time since I haven't known from Craig, and any additional info is always very welcomed.
DeleteHi...i stumbled across a March 24 1977 copy of Pic People which has a page feature / competition offering a Pacific P&O Cruise prize for supplying a name to a new country rock band featuring Craig Collinge (drums) Kaye Somerville (vox) Mike Wallis (bass) Evan Gabriel (gtr) and Rick Mellica (keys)...i know Rick...better known as Rick Melick (keys with Swanee, Joe Bonamassa etc)...if i can find out more ill let you know. Best wishes...mac
ReplyDeleteHi, mac - first of all, thanks for writing the comment. Yes, it would be great if you could provide with any additional info. Yes, Rick Melick is a great player, love his work with Bonamassa (along with other great players, such as the mighty Carmine Rojas or Tal Bergman). Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteSomeone asked about Craig playing with Alan Price. The band I played in supported Alan Price at The Belfrey near Birmingham in about 1970 and Craig was their drummer then. An excellent player (far better than me I'm afraid !!!)
ReplyDeleteHi, Charlie. Thanks a lot for your contribution, I couldn't confirm that Craig Collinge had played with Alan Price until now. By the way, do you remember any other musicians from that Alan Price Band? By the way, there was a Charlie Drake drummer in the band Sunday's Children. Are you the one? Thanks again.
DeleteNo , not me. Our band was called Titus Oates. Sorry , I didn't really take any notice of the other musos (being a drummer myself :). But I do remember Alan Price didn't speak or acknowledge us at all !!!
DeleteHi, it’s great knowing from you again. Thanks for replying. Titus Oates... I’ve read that “Jungle Lady” has been reissued. Are you involved in the current edition of the band?
Delete