New Zealand Fantasy Band

5 Members

A band out of nowhere. Won a Sydney Hoadleys  Battle of the Bands with an instrumental version of the classical piece "The Sabre Dance". 4 piece, high energy, high risk, 50% original repetoire, 3 Kiwis & 1 Aussie (Mike).

See You Tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmmS7_lhbAA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCjRv-KMeME

Left to right: John / Ron / Mick Brown / Mike Cassidy - At a GoSet photo shoot modeling a Sydney mens shop fashion gear (Photo Phillip Morris)

 

A band out of nowhere. Won a Sydney Hoadleys  Battle of the Bands with an instrumental version of the classical piece “The Sabre Dance”. 4 piece, high energy, high risk, 50% original repetoire, 3 Kiwis & 1 Aussie (Mike).

Michael Brown and Ron Harris came to Sydney Australia from New Zealand in early 1970 looking to form the NZ Fantasy Band and were joined by Mike and John. The Band mainly worked ‘residencies’ at Kings Cross clubs like The Electric Circus, The Groovy Room and the Downunder Club but also played many gigs at other venues across Sydney including supporting bands like Axiom at Caesars Palace. They also won the Rockdale heat of Hoadley’s Battle of theBands beating hot favourites Flake. They then proceeded to the NSW Final at the Capitol Theatre which was won by The Flying Circus.

Mike Cassidy left the band in March 1970 to become a life member of Harry Young & Sabbath who enjoyed Australia wide chart success before he moved overseas. He was replaced by former Plum drummer Derek Pellicci who in years to come joined The Little River Band. The NZ Fantasy Band then moved to Melbourne playing at venues like That’s Life, Thumpin’ Tum, Catcher and many more. They disbanded in late October 1970.

What happened to Ron Harris, well as at being "refound" by John & Mike on 19/1/2014, he is in New Zealand, playing in a band called Odyssey, which grew from a reformed NZ Fantasy Band in 1971 when Ron & Michael Brown returned home to NZ. And Michael Brown is currently unknown.

Mike Cassidy moved to Denmark 2 times, 1975 and 1980. Married there in 1976. Played and recorded with a well known all original MØN Rock (look em up on You Tube) in the 70's & 80's. Returned to Australia mid 80's, played MTKAB (Mike & Tony's Kick Arse Band) and did some revival Harry Young & Sabbath work.
Now lives in the Hunter Valley and performs in 2 bands Hot Tub Time Machine and Network after returning to a music tutoring career in the 90's then moving to IT support thru the 2000's. About to retire to a musical lay back with old music mates and a large family including grand children in Denmark.

John Carroll moved back to Sydney and joined King Fox and began to record Radio Jingles and did vocals on many well known tracks including the 1270 2SM Rocktober jingles. John then became a successful Radio Announcer and has worked at 1270 2SM, 2MMMFM, 2DAY FM and many more. John recently retired after a 4 year stint as a Talk Back Announcer at the Superadio Network. John
has met and interviewed many Rock Legends including Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Elton John and many more. John is well known for his laid back approach to Radio and his interviewing style. John quotes his most memorable moment in Radio is interviewing and getting to know Sir David Gilmour of
Pink Floyd. John was also the Music Director of Music Max (now known as MAX).

John is a tireless supporter of Aussie Music and is a member of Support Act founded by the late Billy Thorpe and Michael Chugg.