Gary Burrows Music

Introducing Gary Burrows

Born and raised in Adelaide, Gary first began to play drums in the 60s. His first working band ‘The Evergreens’ released a single that he wrote called “Country Lane”, Gary has written over 200 songs. Gary had a 2 year absence from bands when he was 20 due to the then mandatory requirements for Australian men to serve in the Army. Being a drummer meant that instead of marching every day, he got to play the snare drum that all of the soldiers marched along to.

When he returned to Adelaide he joined ‘Brass Carnival’, this band regularly supported visiting national and international artists during the 70s including; John Farnham, Robin Jolley, Pussyfoot, Cleo Laine, Bev Harrell, and many more. The band moved to Sydney (minus the brass section), and began touring up and down the East Coast. It was during this time that Gary got to see a lot of bands perform, he really enjoyed the different music, especially The Radiators.

He eventually left the band and came back to Adelaide, he then joined ‘Cradle’ who soon changed their name to ‘The Boys’. The Boys became very popular, and it wasn’t long before Gary was back on tour, this time the tours were Australia wide and they travelled on the bands own tour bus for 5 or 6 years, along with their entourage which included their roadcrew and manager.

Music has been Gary’s life – he toured Australia as a drummer/singer/songwriter with “Brass Carnival” and later on “The Boys”. Songs that he wrote during that period “One Little Kiss” and “Who Was That?” made the local top ten charts here in Adelaide whilst his “Peter Motley” tribute song, aimed at raising money to help with Peter’s rehabilitation after a serious car accident in Melbourne, reached number 3 and stayed in the national charts for a number of weeks. Gary’s current band “The Rustlers” are sought after throughout South Australia. His drums have been replaced by his trusty Rickenbacker guitar and four albums of original music along with the bands’ choice of appropriate 60’s songs provide pulsating sets of their own style of “beat” music. Gary has been inducted into the South Australian Country Music “Hands/Hall of Fame” and recently into the South Australian Music Hall of Fame for his work with APRA over 30 years and his dedication to the music industry as a songwriter/performer and supporter of original music over many more years.

“I am proud to have worked for and been involved in the music business for over 50 years, 30+ of which I spent as South Australian and Northern Territory manager of APRA (The Australasian Performing Rights Association). Our task was to collect royalties for the use of our member’s musical works during live, recorded or broadcast performances here in Australia.

In the past, I served on the music industry council, which has a direct line to the South Australian government, in relation to the everyday problems and solutions pertaining to a successful local music industry. I am also the current chairman of Support Act Limited, which raises money for people in the music industry who have fallen on hard times and may need financial and or social intervention to allow them to return to their careers.

As one of the founding members of the Adelaide Music Collective, I became involved in the marketing and promotion of ongoing concerts that facilitate the integration of mature age performers with those of young acts just starting to make their way. We have also become custodians of the South Australian Music Hall Of Fame, and induct local original talent and music practitioners to that Honour Board at regular intervals. I myself recently had the honour of being inducted into the South Australian Country Music Hall of Fame as a singer/songwriter and for my services to music.

I also remain an active touring / performing singer and musician, both solo and as front man or member of several leading South Australian bands. Music is my passion and it will be for life!”