Australian Played was first formed in October 1991 by duo partners (Not Jazz), John Backer & Graeme Craske. After successfully auditioning for Adelaide based Rolling Stones tribute, Sticky Fingers and doing less than a handful of gigs, the duo decided that John really didn't make a decent Mick Jagger what with having a normal lower lip, and whilst the songs were all good fun and pretty easy to play & sing, they figured there must be something better!

So rather than wait until the right band came along to join they started Australian Played. After a few short months, Graeme decided to return to his solo act after learning his wife was pregnant with their first bub and as with many bands around the world, many other players came & went. In total, Australian Played has played host to: 13 lead guitarists, 5 rhythm guitarists, 5 bass players, 4 keyboard players & 3, yes only 3 drummers. But we've only ever had one lead singer.

In December 1994, John decided to relocate to NSW with the intent of starting a new line-up from scratch. On January the 25th, 1995 the band played its final gig at Lennies Tavern, Glenelg in South Australia before a packed house in excess of 1,200 punters. On that same night, John was introduced to Greg Lines who was, and still works Sydney wide with his duo/trio, GTS. The pair arranged to make contact on Johns' arrival in Sydney and soon after, John had teamed up with Greg & Scott Pendlebury as part of the GTS trio and the basis of Australian Played.

By late 1996, a firm and final line-up was forged that included Cal Rorke on drums, Steve Lyvidikos - lead guitar, Alan Harpley - rhythm guitar & vocals, Brett Wakeling - bass & vocals and John up front. The band worked consistently until mid 1999 when, after a disagreement between members, it was decided that it was time for a change. On Christmas eve that same year, the new look Australian Played performed its first live show to a packed house in sunny downtown Port Kembla.

From then on the band experienced the typical ebbs & tides of the live music scene. Everyone went off at one stage and formed another band, then we got back together. Then a few years later there was a change of the lead guitar guard with the inclusion of Trevor Brown who now works Sydney's pubs and club with his 3 piece, Mad Rhino. The whole band (excluding John), went off to work as backing band for Sydney Meatloaf show, Bat Out Of Hell. The one consistent factor has always been the nexus of what is undoubtedly one of Australia's finest live, working tribute shows, John, Robin, Andrew & Errol.

All that said, we're pleased and excited to welcome Troy O'Keefe to the line-up and know that those of you who have seen the band in the past will not be disappointed.

Below is a list of the venues and clients we've worked with in past years. Some have since disappeared from the live Sydney scene so we're sure that this list will only continue to grow as the popularity of live music returns to the pubs and clubs of Australia.

• Campbelltown City Council - Koshigaya Park Australia Day 2004 Headline Act. [Outdoor Event]
• Sweeneys - Scenic Hills - New Years Eve 2003/2004.
• Campbelltown City Council Mayoral Ball August 2003.
• C91.3 FM Campbelltown - Live to air July 2003.
• Hornsby City Council Galston Gorge - Australia Day 2001. [Outdoor Event]
• St Johns Park Bowling Club - Australia Day 2001. [Outdoor Event]
• Newcastle City Holden - Christmas Party 1999.
• Darwin City - 1997/1998 Mitchell Street New Years Eve Party attended by an estimated 15,000 party goers.
• Fosters Formula 1 Grand Prix - Adelaide 1994. [Trackside Entertainment Stage]