Steve Louw’s brand new single “Mother, Don’t Go” (featuring Joe Bonamassa, and produced by the legendary Kevin Shirley) was released this morning, and his previous hit “Wind In Your Hair” (also featuring Joe’s guitar talents) has achieved 300,000 streams. A milestone indeed for this unassuming musician who released his first album with the band All Night Radio way back in 1984.
It is my privilege to be involved with Steve’s online marketing activities, all centred around his website at SteveLouw.com
A mix inspired by the charts from The South African Rock Music Digest (fondly referred to as “The SA Rock Digest” or simply “The Digest”) which was a weekly, free subscription e-mag about South African rock and pop music published digitally from 1999 to 2004.
Founded on 27th January 1999 by Brian Currin and Stephen “Sugar” Segerman.
Re-established in 2009, as part of Sugar Music, embracing social media tools and platforms.
1. Rise ‘n Shine – Moodphase5ive 2. Africa’s Not For Sissies – Syd Kitchen 3. Set Of Wheels (Karoo Anthem) – Karen Zoid 4. Nkalakatha – Mandoza 5. Gee Raat – KOBUS! 6. Since I Met You – New World Inside (early Fokofpolisiekar) 7. Crazy Over You (5FM Unearthed version) – Zen Arcade 8. Praha Paradise – Ernestine Deane 9. Kakstraat – Battery 9 10. Donkey Rattle – Felix Laband 11. Dig It – Kalahari Surfers 12. Long Holiday – The Sunshines 13. Fragile – Venessa Nolan 14. Stoute Boude – Anton Goosen & Beeskraal 15. Sestien Jaar Met ‘n Vals Kitaar – Koos Kombuis 16. Sweet Stellenganga – Akkedis 17. Beach Girl – Natalia 18. Lovesong – Dolly Rockers 19. Fokofpolisiekar – Fokofpolisiekar 20. Things To Consider – Skwirmish 21. Paralyzer – Ghetto Muffin 22. Gangsta – The Rudimentals 23. Gasoline – Saron Gas (early Seether) 24. Say Goodbye – Scarlet Host 25. Humanarium – Bed On Bricks 26. Indigo Girl – Watershed 27. Life (Theme From Big Brother TV series 2001) – Semisane 28. Vodka – Mathys Roets 29. Strate Van Pretoria – Beeskraal 30. Mooie Vrou – Kaal 31. When I Get The Blues – Delta Blue 32. Only Yesterday – Sharkbrother 33. Go Fuck Yourself – Janie Jones
POP GOES THE ’70s: 1972 feat The Carpenters, Elvis Presley, Cat Stevens, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon
A bunch of songs I remember hearing on Springbok Radio when I was 13.
Track List
1. Desiderata – Les Crane 2. Top Of The World – The Carpenters 3. I Need Someone – Alan Garrity 4. It Never Rains In Southern California – Albert Hammond 5. Baby Blue – Badfinger 6. Run To Me – Bee Gees 7. I’d Love You To Want Me – Lobo 8. Living Next Door To Alice – New World 9. Guitar Man – Bread 10. Can’t Keep It In – Cat Stevens 11. Signorina Concertina – Shuki & Aviva 12. Hello-A – Billy Forrest & Sharon Tandy 13. Seaside Shuffle – Terry Dactyl & The Dinosaurs 14. Jambalaya (On The Bayou) – The Blue Ridge Rangers 15. Woman (Beautiful Woman) – Don Gibson 16. Rock ‘n Roll Lullaby – Waterloo 17. Delta Dawn – Tanya Tucker 18. Simone – England Dan & John Ford Coley 19. Time In A Bottle – Jim Croce 20. Poppa Joe – The Sweet 21. Mother & Child Reunion – Paul Simon 22. I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash 23. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder 24. Mama Papa (Nana Nana) – Cyan 25. The Talk Of The USA – Middle Of The Road 26. Beautiful Sunday – Daniel Boone 27. All Time Of The Time Girl – The Dealians 28. A Shoulder To Cry On – Denise Freeman 29. Pretty Maid – Tony Marshall 30. Dancing In The Sun – Michael Holm 31. Burning Love – Elvis Presley 32. Nice To Be With You – Gallery 33. Lovely Lorraine – William E 34. Pasadena – John Edmond 35. Good Grief Christina – Chicory Tip 36. Dreams Are Ten A Penny – Kincade 37. Mouldy Old Dough – Lieutenant Pigeon 38. It’s Too Late Now – Lauren Copley 39. Mexico – The Les Humphries Singers 40. How Do You Do – The Rising Sons 41. Delta Queen – Proudfoot 42. Come What May – Vicky Leandros
1. Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor 2. I Love Rock ‘n Roll – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts 3. The Peacemaker – Albert Hammond 4. Place In Your Heart – Nazareth 5. Kiss You All Over – Exile 6. She’s In Love With You – Suzi Quatro 7. Dancing In The City – Marshall Hain 8. Drop The Pilot – Joan Armatrading 9. Baby Makes Her Blue Jeans Talk – Dr Hook 10. You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet – Bachman-Turner Overdrive 11. I Was Made For Loving You – Kiss 12. Urgent – Foreigner 13. Every Breath You Take – The Police 14. It’s A Heartache – Bonnie Tyler 15. Free Me – Uriah Heep 16. Shaddup Your Face – The Joe Dolce Music Theatre 17. Down Under – Men At Work 18. Get Down On It – Kool & The Gang 19. Upside Down – Diana Ross 20. Just An Illusion – Imagination 21. Sun Of Jamaica – Goombay Dance Band 22. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor 23. I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash 24. I Don’t Wanna Dance – Eddy Grant 25. Rise – Herb Alpert 26. Never Never Never – Shirley Bassey 27. When Will I See You Again – The Three Degrees 28. Daddy Cool – Boney M 29. Devil Woman – Cliff Richard 30. Loving Arms – Dobie Gray 31. Lucille – Kenny Rogers 32. Words – F R David
1. Total Eclipse Of The Heart – Bonnie Tyler 2. Rosanna – Toto 3. Can You Feel It – The Jacksons 4. We Kill The World (Don’t Kill The World) – Boney M 5. Shaddup Your Face – The Joe Dolce Music Theatre 6. Man On The Moon – Ballyhoo 7. So You Win Again – Copperfield 8. If You Think You Know How To Love Me – Smokie 9. Run To Me – Bee Gees 10. Le Freak – Chic 11. Jeans On – David Dundas 12. Mississippi – Pussycat 13. My Daddy Was A Rock ‘n Roll Man – Johnny Gibson 14. She’s A Woman – Neil Herbert 15. Boy Oh Boy – Racey 16. Rock Your Baby – George McCrae 17. Jealous Guy – Roxy Music 18. Mad World – Tears For Fears 19. Living On The Ceiling – Blancmange 20. Down Under – Men At Work 21. Safety Dance – Men Without Hats 22. Dancing In The City – Marshall Hain 23. Barbados – Typically Tropical 24. Heart of Glass – Blondie 25. Queen Of Hearts – Juice Newton 26. Lost In France – Bonnie Tyler 27. Waterloo – ABBA 28. Don’t Cry For Me Argentina – Julie Covington 29. Rapper’s Delight – Sugarhill Gang 30. Solitaire – Andy Williams 31. I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You) – Margaret Singana 32. Barracuda – Heart
McCully Workshop is arguably one of South Africa’s finest pop rock bands. They started way back in the ’60’s, had their first hit single in 1970, dominated the South African airwaves in the ’70’s, continued through the ’80’s and ’90’s and in the 21st century are still going strong.
IN THE BEGINNING
When asked about their beginnings, vocalist, bassist and producer Tully McCullagh had this to say: “My brother, Mike, who plays drums and myself would play around and record ourselves in the lounge, I was about nine at the time. We recorded a track called ‘Swinging Time’ with some other friends when I was thirteen and sent it to a record company. The track didn’t get anywhere but it was quite interesting. We grew a bit more and when I was sixteen we started a band called McCully Workshop and a whole string of other bands and I started a garage studio.”
McCully Workshop has had many line-up changes over the years, but these 2 talented brothers have always surrounded themselves with superb musicians.
In 1965, the McCullagh brothers, Tully (born Terence on 31st May 1953) and Mike (born Michael on 7th April 1947) started as a folk-rock trio with Richard Hyam and called themselves the Blue Three. Hyam had previously been in a folk duo, Tiny Folk, with his sister Melanie.
After a few personnel- and name-changes, like The Blue Beats and Larfing Stocke, the line-up settled down (for a while) in 1969 and they called themselves the McCully Workshop because they used to rehearse in Mrs McCullagh’s garage.
Vocalist Glenda Wassman later married Richard Hyam, and then formed the pop band Pendulum who had a big hit with ‘Take My Heart’ in 1976. Glenda Hyam then went on to major success with the all-girl group, Clout, who had a worldwide smash hit with ‘Substitute’, which went to #2 in the UK in 1978.
McCULLY WORKSHOP INC.
Their debut album, ‘McCully Workshop Inc.’ was produced by great South African singer and producer Billy Forrest (born William Boardman). The album features a variety of styles and influences including The Beatles, Frank Zappa and early Pink Floyd.
The Forced Exposure website has this quote: “A superb South African band’s stunning debut album. ‘Sgt. Pepper’ influenced psychedelic music blended with R&B, garage punk tunes. Great songs, lovely vocals, strong harmonies, great distorted guitar work.”
Why Can’t It Rain
‘Inc.’ was released in June 1970 and included the epic and powerful ‘Why Can’t It Rain’, which went to #12 on the Springbok Radio charts in July 1970 and reached #13 on the LM Radio charts. This hit single featured a fiery guitar solo by Allan Faull who went on to form the eclectic Falling Mirror with his cousin Nielen Marais. Tully McCullagh was also very involved with Falling Mirror, but that’s another story…
McCully Workshop also played on country-pop singer Jody Wayne’s ‘The Wedding’ in 1970 which hit #1 for 3 weeks on the Springbok Radio charts.
GENESIS
Genesis
The follow-up to ‘Inc’ was the album ‘Genesis’ released in June 1971. This was a concept album based on the book of Genesis from the Bible and included a number of long tracks with sub-sections, typical of other prog-rock albums of the time. ‘Sweet Fields Of Green’ was released as a single, reaching #2 on the LM Radio charts in August 1971. The follow-up single ‘Birds Flying High’ (actually the flipside of ‘Rainbow Illusion’), recorded during the ‘Genesis’ sessions, but not included on the album, peaked at #9 on the LM Radio charts.
Crocodile Harris (born Robin Graham), recorded the haunting pop classic ‘Miss Eva Goodnight’ (Springbok #5, April 1974) which was written by the McCullagh brothers and featured the musicianship of all the then current McCully Workshop members. Harris’s classic pop hit ‘Give Me The Good News’ released in 1982 was co-composed by Crocodile Harris along with Geoff Coxall. Tully McCully produced this single and played on it.
RICHARD BLACK
Richard Black (born 9th December 1946) joined McCully Workshop on guitar in 1975. Black had been playing since the early 60’s in bands like Rigar 5 and the Nu-Trends. In 1969 he had been in Elephant with Savvy Grande (who went on to form Suck) and George Wolfaardt from Abstract Truth.
AGES
‘Ages‘ was released in 1975 which reflected musical styles from the different ages of music and various influences could be heard: Uriah Heep, The Beatles, The Kinks, The Beach Boys, etc. The vocal harmonies are superb throughout. ‘1623’ is a wonderful violin-led instrumental and the keyboard-dominated ‘Guinevere’ reached #10 on the LM Radio charts and the band even appeared on the very early days of South African TV playing this hit song.
RUPERT MELLOR
In 1977 the best-known incarnation of McCully Workshop was formed with the addition of Rupert Mellor (born Anthony Rupert Mellor, 7th August 1947). Mellor had been in a variety of bands including The Difference, First Acquaintance, Hell’s Disciples, The Hedgehoppers and The Claude Larson Singers (yes, really).
WORKSHOP REVISITED
The 4th McCully Workshop album, ‘Workshop Revisited’, released in late 1977 shot them to prominence when it introduced South African fans to the hits ‘Buccaneer’ and ‘Chinese Junkman’.
Workshop Revisited
‘Buccaneer’ entered the Springbok Radio charts on 11th November 1977 and spent 15 weeks on the charts, reaching the coveted top spot on 30th December that year and staying there for 2 weeks. ‘Buccaneer’ also hit #1 on the Radio 5 charts and Mike McCullagh won the 1978 ‘Songwriter Of The Year’ award for this composition.
The follow-up single ‘Chinese Junkman’ entered the charts in March 1978 and peaked at number 9, spending a total of 8 weeks in the top 20. However on the Radio 5 charts it followed ‘Buccaneer’ to number 1. The next single which was released in 1978 was the non-album track ‘Villa Muddy Water’ which unfortunately did not chart.
CANTERBURY TALES
Canterbury Inn, Fairmead Hotel, Rondebosch
McCully Workshop used to play in the late ’70’s at the Canterbury Inn at the Fairmead Hotel in Rondebosch, Cape Town. They were famous for their comedy, ripping off many of the politicians and sportsmen of the day. On Saturday nights McCully Workshop were the resident dance band, and on Sunday nights wonderful renditions of classic progressive rock tunes could be heard. Chicago’s version of The Spencer Davis Group’s ‘I’m A Man’ (with a very long percussion section including all the band members), Barry Ryan’s ‘Eloise’, Traffic’s ‘Feelin’ Alright’ and of course their own songs like ‘Buccaneer’, ‘Fame And Fortune’, ‘Come Let Me Love You’ and ‘Dancin’ Tonite’ were all included in the set list. Of course no dancing was allowed on a Sunday in those dark days, so the audience had to just sit and listen… and listen they did (I know, ‘cos I was there).
THE EIGHTIES AND NINETIES
During the turbulent ’80’s a number of singles were released including a powerful re-recording of ‘Buccaneer’ featuring the guitar talents of Jethro Butow, but with no chart success. Richard Black co-founded Street Level Productions with James Stewart. Black released an instrumental solo CD ‘Skadu Dans’ (Shadow Dance) in 1997. In 1998 the line-up from the late ’70’s reformed and re-recorded the McCully Workshop classics and hits as well as 6 new songs and released the album ‘Buccaneer‘. ‘Why Can’t It Rain’ also received a make-over losing none of its power and gaining an even stronger production. Allan Faull again featured as guest guitarist.
IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
Tully McCullagh kept running his extremely successful Spaced-Out Sounds Studio in Cape Town. He wrote most of the songs and played bass on the highly acclaimed 2003 release by Cape Town rockers BlueScream. Mike McCullagh had directed many popular musicals since 1988, most notably “Tribute To Bob Dylan”, “Beatlemania” (for Artscape), “Station 70”, “Sixty Something”, “Eighty Something” and “Milestones To The Millennium”. Rupert Mellor, a sort-after session musician, could be seen performing in and around Cape Town.
Mellor and Black along with Flibbertigibbet’s Dave Williams on fiddle, released ‘Sheriff Bush and Deputy Blair’ as an mp3 single in January 2003. Calling themselves the Nukular Stompers they saw this novelty song topping the SAmp3.com charts for 3 weeks and they even appeared on eTV.
BIG IN KOREA
In 2003 a Korean label, Beatball Records, re-issued the first album, ‘McCully Workshop Inc.’ in a mini-gatefold cover. This CD re-issue included detailed sleeve-notes and a printed version of the online Family Tree.
THE WORKSHOP RE-OPENS
McCully Workshop re-formed in 2003 doing a large outdoor concert at Buitenverwachting which attracted over 2000 patrons.
Then in 2004 they performed at Grand West for the Reach For A Dream foundation and raised more than R70000 for them.
Other gigs followed in Paarl and Stellenbosch over the next 4 years.
REACHING FOR A DREAM
In 2005 McCully Workshop finally released a much-demanded ‘Best Of‘ CD. All tracks were newly remastered by Tully McCullagh at his Spaced Out Sound Studio, though in some cases the master tapes were missing, so the original vinyl had to be used. A brand new song, ‘Reaching For A Dream’ was also included on the ‘Best Of’ CD. This uplifting song was composed by all 4 members of McCully Workshop with lyrics by Alistair King and was used as part of a campaign for the Reach For A Dream Foundation.
LIVE!
McCully Workshop at Die Boer, L-to-R: Richard, Mike, Tully, Rupert
In early 2008 McCully Workshop played gigs at Die Boer in Durbanville & the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to capacity crowds. A live album recorded at these venues, ‘McCully Workshop Live!’ was released in March 2008 and launched at a series of concerts at The Barnyard Theatre in Willowbridge. This album also included a new studio recording, ‘The Aliens Are Landing’. “Our version of ‘Blueberry Hill’, well known from Canterbury days became an on-demand classic again and is on the ‘Live!’ CD” said Mike McCullagh.
TO INFINITY AND BEYOND
Work In Progress, 2013
In 2009 McCully Workshop started working on a new album using new mics developed by Tully, which gave the sound an American feel. The album was scheduled for release in 2010 but ‘Work In Progress‘ eventually only saw the light of day in 2013.
Journeyman musician Gordon Mackay, who with his brother Duncan, had started in the late 60’s with the band Tricycle, was added to the line-up playing guitars, keyboards, violin and also singing. Gordon had appeared on the acclaimed 1974 Prog Rock album ‘Chimera’ by Duncan Mackay.
In 2015 the band won best South African group in the annual Wawela Awards with ‘Money In Your Pocket’ (featuring the rapper Brown) voted the best song off the ‘Work In Progress‘ album. They travelled to Johannesburg to receive the award and discovered that many black musicians held them in high esteem!
Infinity, 2019
Tully sold his studio in Cape Town and built one at his home in Camps Bay which was finished in October 2019. A new album ‘Infinity‘ was released in October 2019 to critical acclaim.
In January 2020, Richard Black emigrated to the UK.
During 2020, Tully and Gordon, as McCullagh MacKay, recorded an album of all new keyboard-driven songs in the style of 70’s Prog Rockers Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Rick Wakeman.
After more than 50 years the Workshop is still open for business…
Brian Currin,
Cape Town, South Africa,
July 2020
McCully Influence
The music industry has felt our influence world wide as the Tulmic [microphone developed by Tully] is now generally accepted as the world’s best guitar mic and my son James … who started doing live sound from the age of 17 and worked extensively with Tully in the studio has now become one of the world’s top sound engineers having worked with top artists like JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, USHER, MILEY CYRUS, JOURNEY, JOE BONAMASSA, ADELE, KATY PERRY, ROGER TAYLOR AND QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA and many more … and is held in very high esteem overseas. He is currently with THE BACKSTREET BOYS and 2 years ago when he joined them he innovated their live sound by re-recording all their original tracks with a live band so it sounds like they have a real band behind them as he can mix all the tracks separately … shortly after other artists using tracks copied him … now they all do it … he has also appeared on the cover of the top Sound Magazine in the US last year.
And we all know how successful KEVIN SHIRLEY has become having been taught by Tully.
Mike McCullagh, 22 July 2020
At The Movies
‘Buccaneer’ was used in the movie ‘Moffie’ this year and 2 songs ‘Hardcase Woman’ and ‘Gunpoint’ were used as soundtracks in the ‘Space’ movie …… we also had a track from ‘Work In Progress’ called ‘100 miles per hour’ by Rupert (Mellor) used in another movie ‘Shepherds And Butchers’ in 2017.
Mike McCullagh, 22 July 2020
Still one of the finest live acts in South Africa, this crazy gang and their music are always entertaining – here with a song off Sins And Siren Songs .
Gage is a hot new three-piece rock band from Kimberley who are about to blast SA rock fans with their upcoming new second album called Break The Silence.
A track from this new South African Afrosoul singer whose songs are fuelled by sensuality, motivating content and creativity and a strong desire to incorporate Afro African elements.
The Muffinz have unleashed their mysteriously beautiful world of eclectic soul to the South African public and they are set for world domination. Listen to the debut eleven track aural adventure called Have You Heard?
First single off this debut solo album Drink In Everything featuring nine gritty songs written and composed by this old school SA music legend, who plays acoustic guitar on the CD, backed by some seriously talented musician friends.
A fantastic new single from this popular Johannesburg band, known for their ferocious songs with killer hooks and lyrics that swiftly snag you in all the right places.
As a writer, composer and musician, Les Javan’s work is dedicated to the fostering of an environment where cultural and musical differences are respectfully appreciated. Off his new album, Ek Is Lief Vir Jou.
This great new blues-rock band from Jozi are playing music that evokes the fire and mythology of the old blues masters. Off their album The Howlin’ Shibanski .
A fantastic new single from this popular Johannesburg band, known for their ferocious songs with killer hooks and lyrics that swiftly snag you in all the right places.
The Muffinz have unleashed their mysteriously beautiful world of eclectic soul to the South African public and they are set for world domination. Listen to the debut eleven track aural adventure called Have You Heard?
Still one of the finest live acts in South Africa, this crazy gang and their music are always entertaining – here with a song off Sins And Siren Songs .
A track from this new South African Afrosoul singer whose songs are fuelled by sensuality, motivating content and creativity and a strong desire to incorporate Afro African elements.
Gage is a hot new three-piece rock band from Kimberley who are about to blast SA rock fans with their upcoming new second album called Break The Silence.
As a writer, composer and musician, Les Javan’s work is dedicated to the fostering of an environment where cultural and musical differences are respectfully appreciated. Off his new album, Ek Is Lief Vir Jou.
First single off this debut solo album Drink In Everything featuring nine gritty songs written and composed by this old school SA music legend, who plays acoustic guitar on the CD, backed by some seriously talented musician friends.
McCully Workshop 2016
Brian Currin Music 
You must be logged in to post a comment.