| Misex | |
|---|---|
 Misex at the Lady Hamilton Nightclub 1978
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| Background information | |
| Origin | New Zealand/Australia |
| Years active | 1978-1985 |
| Former members | |
| Steve Gilpin Kevin Stanton Don Martin Murray Burns Smarty Steve Osborne Richard Hodgkinson Paul Dunningham Colin Bayley Barry Gardiner Paul Moss |
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Mi-Sex was a New Zealand and Australian new wave rock band active from 1978 to 1985. Led by Steve Gilpin as vocalist, they were best known for their single "Computer Games" in 1979.
Contents |
History
Mi-sex evolved from the band Fragments of Time, that was in part from a band called Father Thyme, and with members of Think (band). Early New Zealand performances included the Wellington Technical Institute and Dr Johns (Ray Johns), on the same day with demo recording at Dellbrook studios in Tawa, and the bus breaking a gearbox on the Ngauraunga Gorge section of motorway. In 2006, their single Computer Games was covered by the singing group, North Shore Pony Club.
Band members
- Steve Gilpin (vocals)
- Kevin Stanton (guitar/vocals)
- Don Martin (bass/vocals)
- Murray Burns (keyboards)
- Phil "Smarty" Smart (drummer)
- Steve Osborne (drummer - replaced Smart)
- Richard Hodgkinson (drummer - replaced Osborne)
- Paul Dunningham (drummer - replaced Hodgkinson)
- Colin Bayley (guitar - 2nd guitarist added)
- Barry Gardiner (sound engineer)
- Paul Moss (sound engineer - replaced Gardiner)
- Sean "Lord" Moynihan - Sampler
- Marlo "Do Me" Perry & Carla "Do Me Too" Werrin (Cage and Pole Dancers)
Chart Performance
- "Computer Games" the single was released in Australia on October 1st, 1979 with "Wot Do You Want" on the reverse, and in November, while they were on a national tour supporting Cheap Trick, the news came through that "Computer Games" had reached the number 1 spot on the Australian national charts. The single peaked at number 5 in New Zealand. The song also charted in 20 countries including Canada and South Africa.[1]
Performances
- Lady Hamilton
- Sweetwaters
- JJJ Live at The Wireless
- JJJ FM radio and ABC Television, Wanda Beach Concert.
Radio
- 2SM and 30 network stations 1979 live to air performance
Television
- Ready To Roll, NZBC, High Class Dames, recorded and produced in Avalon Studios, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
Discography
| Date of Release | Title | Label | Charted | Country | Catalog Number | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albums | ||||||
| 1978 | Graffiti Crimes | - | - | |||
| 1980 | Space Race | - | - | |||
| 1985 | 1975-1985 Greatest Hits | - | - | |||
| EPs | ||||||
| May 1978 | Straight Laddie | EMI | - | - | ||
| May 1978 | High Class Dames | EMI | - | - | ||
Singles
| Year | Single | Album | NZ Singles Chart | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | "Computer Games" | - | - | |
| 1984 | "Shanghaied" | - | - | |
| 1984 | "Where Do They Go" | - | - | |
| 1984 | "Shanghaied" | - | - | |
| "Burning Up" | - | - | ||
| "Kamerakazi" | - | - | ||
| "People" | - | - | ||
| "Blue Day" | - | - | ||
| "Falling In And Out" | - | - | ||
| "Missing Persons" | - | - | ||
| "Castaway" | - | - | ||
| "Down The Line" | - | - | ||
| "Only Thinking" | - | - |
Awards
"Mi-Sex were honoured with three awards at the 1979 'TV Week/Countdown' Awards Ceremony. Most popular record for "Computer Games", best Australian single for "Computer Games" and the Johnny O'Keefe Memorial Award for Most Promising New Talent." [2]
Tragedy
"Steve Gilpin remained in Australia and worked with a number of bands including Under Rapz. In November 1991, Steve was involved in a car accident in Australia, while returning to his home after a gig in Coolangatta. He lapsed into a coma from which he never recovered. He died in Southport Hospital on 6th January 1992." [3]
Cover versions
In 1999, "Blue Day" was covered by Eurodance-pop artist Nicolette. Released in New Zealand by Universal Music, it reached number 20 in the charts. While the version horrified some purists, it was well-received by the band and Nicolette subsequently collaborated with Colin Bayley on several songs. [1]
