Jonny Gretsch's Wasted Ones - Snakes 'N' Ladders (2006)

In 1987 Jonny Gretsch formed The Wasted Ones with drummer Russell Hunt and electric bassist Peter Campy during their first rehearsal in the back bar of Sydney's Petersham Inn ("Max's"). The newly formed Wasted Ones performed a wide variety of material encompassing R&B, Blues and Rockabilly covers from the 50's and 60's and also original material. In 1989 there was a line-up change with Gary Mansfield, hitting the skins and Arthur Taylor taking over the electric bass. Soon after in October 1989, they recorded an independently released, self-titled eight-track cassette written mostly by Jonny Gretsch. Arthur Taylor also began to play the upright bass almost exclusively, changing the band's sound to a very unique Australian sounding Rockabilly Boogie. In February 1992, after years of successful gigs in many Sydney and interstate hotels, The Wasted Ones recorded and released a self-titled six track EP that received high rotation airplay on 2JJJ. In 1993 The Wasted Ones disbanded for approximately four years. Then in 1996, Jonny Gretsch reformed the band as Jonny Gretsch and the Wasted Ones along with Adam Campbell and Joe Crappis. The new line-up gave the band a modern driving edge sound. The Wasted Ones were put on hold for six months while Jonny Gretsch joined country band Big Mexican Dinner. Jonny Gretsch continued The Wasted Ones with new members Dave Warren on drums and Dean Upston on upright bass. In 2000, they recorded their first full length CD, "Snakes N Ladders". Keen to shake the stereotypical Rockabilly label associated with the band, they employed the services of Rose Tattoo's Pete Wells (who guest plays on track 10 'Alcoholic Blues') to produce the album. Engineered by Russel Pilling, "Snakes N Ladders" explores an original cross between modern Rockabilly Country and traditional hard edged Rock n Roll Boogie Blues. To promote the album the band toured and headlined Melbourne's 2002 Rhythm and Roots festival and also appeared at the Narooma Rockabilly and Blues festival. Then, in December 2005, Jonny Gretsch recorded his third CD titled "On Trial" together again with Pete Wells, Russell Pilling and Rob Grosser mixing and mastering. Pete Wells also played some guitar and blues harp on track 11 'I Chased You'. This was one of his last projects before his passing in 2006. Jonny Gretsch's Wasted Ones's recently changed line up includes Russell Hunt back on drums and Dean Upston still on upright bass.