Based in:
Melbourne VIC
Line up(s) available: 4 piece (quartet)
The Prairie Oysters are a Melbourne based band formed in February 2006. The band got its name from a popular Texan delicacy. That simple fact reveals the band’s twisted sense of humour and lets all and sundry know that this is a band that’s about playing music “with balls” and having a good time.
The idea to form The Prairie Oysters came about when Yorkie and Rob wanted to form a new band that played music to “dance and drink to” with good muso’s who didn’t take themselves too seriously. The lads approached another mate Tony, who liked the idea and joined as bass-player. At the start of 2006, an ad was placed for a lead guitarist. Lee had only arrived in Australia from England a couple of months earlier showed up for an audition. It didn’t take long for the boys to realise they had found their man.
The chemistry between the members is just right and it hasn’t taken them long to become a tight musical unit boasting three and four part vocal harmonies backed up by slick guitar work and a rock solid rhythm section. They genuinely have fun on stage at every gig and it rubs off to the punters who always end the night blown away with a smile on their faces.
Their first gig in May 2006 at the Ferntree Gully Hotel knocked the punters for six and since their fist gig they have become one of Melbourne’s more popular country bands continuing to make new friends and wowing audiences all over the state with their musicianship, vocal harmonies and their sense of fun. Shown recently by earning the Les Keats’ Memorial Award for the Most Popular Country Music Band. Awarded by the Country Music Guild of Australia.
Collectively, the boys have over 30 years experience playing professionally in many of Melbourne’s best cover and country bands. And they continue to “have a ball” at many of the venues around the state and city, with their four piece harmonies, and their ability to entertain.
Mark “Yorkie” Crossley
Mark has a rich heritage in music, being involved since school, playing trumpet, and wind instruments from an early age. Later he participated in professional bands, including The Vincents, Rough Cut. Mark also worked with various incarnations of bands, playing 50’s & Rockabilly music for many years, playing in locations all around the country.
His passion for Country music was attributed to his mum and dad and has always been driving him. Mark’s involvement in the music industry has spanned over twenty years, turning professional 10 years ago. He now fronts The Prairie Oysters, singing with his trademark voice, lead vocals, and playing solid rhythm guitar.
Tony Bonnici
Tony has been playing also from his early years, with trombone being his first instrument at school. His involvement with various bands, including Proprietary Limited, The Most, and now The Prairie Oysters, has Tony now playing Bass and taking on lead and backing vocal duties. His background has also involved many years with the ABC, training people in the studio as a professional audio - visual technician. Involving mainstream radio mixing and production. Tony’s bass playing and dynamic vocals are the foundation of the Oyster’s sound, with his prowess and “grunt” needed to complete the overall sound of The Prairie Oysters.
Lee Slater
Lee has had a passion for guitar since childhood. His involvement with bands has seen him tour around England over many years, with many bands. In 2005/6 Lee and his family decided to move to Australia, lock stock & barrel! This meant leaving all his rich heritage and experience behind, to forge new friends and re-establish himself in a completely new environment. Fortunately for The Prairie Oysters, he auditioned four weeks after landing in Australia, and the rest is history. Lee has already established himself as the accomplished lead guitarist, with vocal abilities to match.
And is one of the great assets to The Prairie Oyster sound. Also gaining quite a reputation with his guitar-playing peers around the country for his intuitive playing styles and sounds.
Rob Street
The drummer……………… yes we’ve all heard the jokes and innuendos.
Rob has been playing music pretty much most of his life. Involved in bands from early childhood to now. Bands include, The Vincents, Rough Cut, Honey B & The Stingers, and many more. Rob, along with Tony create the foundation of The Prairie Oyster’s sound. Allowing Yorkie and Lee to “colour at will” the sound overlays of the songs performed. Vocally, Rob adds another voice to the already richly endowed mix of voices. Offering vocal harmonies and taking on lead vocal duties also. Rob also plays guitar and bass, so enough with the “drummer jokes!!”
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