BIOGRAPHY


Many musical legends have been born out of adverse beginnings. Geoff's story is no exception.

Born in 1967 in the small town of Nyah West Victoria, Geoff spent his younger years moving around Victoria and eventually ended up in the A.C.T. His Father was a country music singer who had played with various country music names in his younger years but never pursued music on a professional level. However, the roots were there for Geoff to inherit a taste for music.

Geoff's first interest in music came at the age of 11 when he joined friends at school to perform a stage rendition of the musical "Grease". This sparked a serious interest in music for Geoff and this interest was fuelled even further when in 1980 while living in Barnardo House in Canberra, Geoff was part of a group of kids taken to the movies to see Peter Frampton and the Bee Gee's in the Musical, "Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band".

Based on "The Beatles" album of the same name, this movie was the catalyst for Geoff's musical career. Armed with a thirst for musical knowledge and a desire to learn more about "The Beatles", Geoff spent many afternoons at the local library listening to "Beatle" albums.

Geoff spent many hours teaching himself guitar chords on any guitar he could get hold of. Usually a beat up old nylon string that had seen far better days. Geoff quickly learnt to play simple songs and even the classics that still exist today like Pink Floyd's "Wish you were here" and Led Zepplins "Stairway to heaven".

Geoff spent several years in his teens traveling the country with sideshows to make a living. Many nights were spent sitting around a dodgem track or beach bonfire singing songs with his guitar to others that enjoyed the entertainment.

At the age of 18, Geoff found himself living in the NSW central west town of Orange. It was here that Geoff joined his first real rock band as the singer after answering an advertisment in the local paper. This band was short lived however and never got out of the lounge room.

Several years passed till in 1988 Geoff was urged by friends to do something more with his singing and perhaps put together his own band. Geoff managed to put together a small band and play one gig. Not being exactly what he had hoped for, Geoff then searhed out other musicians to help him create the band that he wanted to be in.

Teaming up with drummer Garry Demesch, Geoff went through several renditions of the band "Sweet Revenge".
(Sweet Revenge 1989)

Several years went by and Geoff found himself in Tenterfield NSW after a move with his first wife. Geoff joined a local band called the "Redbacks" and continued to play gigs in local venues and parties.

Following the breakup of his marriage, Geoff returned to Orange NSW briefly before returning to Tenterfield NSW. Several years went by, and in 1997 Geoff was approached by Guitarist Neil Savins and drummer Brad Foan to join them in creating a three piece rock outfit. This request also brought the challenge of Geoff dropping his guitar in turn to play Bass and sing. Always happy to take a challenge, Geoff agreed and "Nightshift" was born.

(Nightshift 1997 with new guitarist Rod Wilmott)

Nightshift became a tight outfit and played many venues across the west of NSW. After leaving Nightshift, Geoff was offered the position of Bass player in a local Armidale band called "The Axemen".

(The Axemen Club Hotel 2002)

Geoff enjoyed playing with the Axemen for several years, but eventually felt the need for another outlet for his musical talents. Deciding that it was time to make some money out of the music industry, Geoff set about putting together his first Duo. Geoff joined fellow singer/guitarist Matthew Anderson to create the very popular Armidal duo "Crash".

(Crash at the St Kilda Hotel Armidale 2004)

Geoff and Matt enjoyed a medium level of popularity for 3 years in Armidale before they both moved to other areas of the country in 2004.

During his time playing in "Crash", Geoff was also asked to play drums for another local band called "Toybox". After making sure the two musical projects would not interfere with each other, Geoff agreed to join the group and spent 2 years drumming and having a good time.

(Toybox the band 2002)

In December 2004, Geoff, along with his girlfriend Sarah, moved to Brisbane to start a new chapter of his life. Starting a new duo which he called "Toybox", Geoff enjoys regular work every week and is finally living the dream of working in the industry he loves so much.

(Toybox the duo in its beginings)

Toybox has undergone many changes in the last 2 years including a change of partners to Geoff's wife Sarah. Now playing more clubs than pubs, Geoff has begun to find his musical calling back in his country roots. Coupled with positive responses to his music wherever he plays, Geoff has set out to make a mark in Australian country music.

After recording his first solo album in 2006 as an experimental work, Geoff has honed his skills and written a new album far more worthy of the general public. Requests for copies of 'Take me back' began as soon as people heard the title track. So do your ears a favour, and get a copy of Geoff's latest album and enjoy Australian home grown country music.

You can catch Geoff playing solo or duo in many clubs across south east Queensland and you will also find him entertaining at many weddings around the traps..