Post 778 - The Ferrets - The Mushroom Recordings

 

After favourable reactions from audiences in Melbourne and Sydney, The Ferrets produced a demo tape that caught the attention of Ian "Molly" Meldrum talent coordinator for Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) TV series Countdown. Meldrum got them signed to Mushroom Records and started producing their debut album, Dreams of a Love, in July 1976.In April 1977 they released their debut single, "Robin Hood", which did not chart. After nearly a year, production of the album was still incomplete, so The Ferrets took over—assisted by recording engineers Tony Cohen and Ian MacKenzie—Meldrum was attributed as "Willie Everfinish". In June 1977, The Ferrets released the double A-side single "Don't Fall in Love"/"Lies". Meldrum had carefully crafted "Lies" taking weeks whilst "Don't Fall in Love" was recorded in three hours. The Ferrets premiered on Countdown in an episode compered by Jon English performing "Don't Fall in Love", which peaked at No. 2 Nationally. They were awarded with 'Best Australian TV Performer' at the 1977 King of Pop Awards for their Countdown appearances.In October 1977, The Ferrets released "Janie May" which reached No. 25 nationally and was televised on Countdown on 13 November 1977, an episode which also featured an interview between Meldrum and Prince Charles which would go on to become infamous. Their debut album Dreams of a Love was released in October 1977 and achieved Gold record status. The album cover depicted a model (Wendy Bannister) holding a snarling ferret on her shoulder.By the end of 1977, guitarist Eizenberg and backing vocalist Pam Miller had left. After another single, "Are You Looking at Me?" was released in April 1978. Jane Miller also left. The Ferrets continued to tour and recorded their second studio album Fame at Any Price which was produced by Cohen and released in October 1978. There were disappointing sales for the related singles "This Night" and "Tripsville" and for the album itself. Firth also left to be replaced successively by George Cross and Ric Petropolis. The Ferrets had no further chart success and disbanded in March 1979.Thanks to Henry DeRooy for the art work.

Members-

Philip Eizenberg – guitar (1975–1977)

Kenneth Firth – bass guitar (1975–1978)

Billy Miller – vocals, guitar (1975–1979)

David Springfield – guitar (1975–1979)

Rick Brewer – drums (1976–1979)

Jane Miller – backing vocals, keyboards (1976–1978)

Pam Miller – backing vocals (1976–1977)

George Cross – bass guitar (1978)

Ric Petropolis – bass guitar (1978–1979)

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