Little Heroes

The Little Heroes were a popular Australian rock band in the 1980's. Hailing from Melbourne, The Little Heroes were formed from the remnants of The Secret Police by the singer, Roger Hart (real name: Roger Wells)). The original Little Heroes line-up was Roger Hart/Wells (lead vocals/guitar), David Crosbie (keyboards), John Taylor (bass)and Bruce Pumpa (drums). In 1980 the band won the national final of the 'Battle of the Sounds' competition in Sydney. This resulted in the band being signed to Giant Records and the release of their debut single "She Says"/"Coming Home" in November 1980.

Bruce Pumpa was replaced by Huk Treloar. The band's self titled debut album (August 1981)produced the singles "For a Bleeding Heart"/"She Says" (March 1981), "Last Number One"/"Catch Me" (June), and "India Was Calling Me"/"Pretty Shadow" (September).

Alan "Clutch" Robertson then replaced Treloar on drums mid 1981, their next recording session at Armstrong Studios Melbourne early 1982 produced the single "One Perfect Day"/"Just Can't Wait" which reached number 11 nationally and number 4 in Victoria (May 1982). That session also produced the track "Young Hearts", the lineup of Hart, Crosbie, Taylor and Robertson then toured Australia to promote the successful "One Perfect Day".

Mid 1982 Martin Fisher replaced Crosbie on keyboards and Peter Leslie replaced John Taylor on bass. The new lineup (Hart/Wells, Robertson, Leslie, Fisher) recorded a second album, "Play by Numbers" (August 1982)at 301 Studios in Sydney Australia with Australian producer Dave Marrett. The album featured "One Perfect Day" and "Young Hearts". "Play by Numbers" peaked at number 25 on the national chart and also yielded the second single "Young Hearts" with "Please Don't Wear That Hat" [B side] followed by "Saturday (Afternoon) Inside". The album was supported by a six month national tour.

Fisher and Leslie were replaced by Paul Brickhill (ex MEO245)on keyboards and Ric Loriot on bass at the end of 1982. Loriot only lasted four months and was in turn replaced by Anthony Tavasz. With added guitarist Paul Bell the band (Hart/Wells, Robertson, Bell, Brickhill, Tavasz) traveled to the UK in June 1983 to record their third album, "Watch the World" (September 1983) at Farmyard Studios with UK producer Rupert Hine (The Fixx, Howard Jones).

The album reached number 24 nationally and featured the singles "Watch the World"/ "Whose Turn to Cry?", "Bon Voyage"/"Let It Go", and "Modern Times"/"Painting Pictures." To support the release of "Watch The World" the band toured Australia over a six month period.

The Little Heroes disbanded in June 1984.

Members

*Paul Bell (g, bv) 1983-1984 Makano
*Paul Brickhill (k, bv) 1982-1984 Meo 245, The Glory Boys
*David Crosbie (k) 1980-1982 ---
*Martin Fisher (k) 1982 Swanee, Breakers, Innocents, Dear Enemy, Cheetah, The Gang Bang
*Roger Wells (v, g) 1980-1984 Cruisers, Secret Police, Brass Sanction, James Griffin and The Shadow Gang
*Peter Leslie (b) 1982 Dear Enemy
*Ric Loriot (b) 1982-1983 Inserts 1986-1988 Tin Drum
*Bruce Pumpa (d) 1980 Secret Police, Do 4 U
*Alan Robertson (d, perc) 1980-1981 The Lovers, 1985-1987 Camras in Paris
*Anthony Tavasz (b, syn) 1983-1984 Guided Tour, Danger Dancer, The Neons, Modesty, An Affair, Makano
*John Taylor (b, bv) 1980-1982 Hot Rocket, Uncle Bob's Band, Phones, Secret Police, Routinos
*Huk Treloar (d) 1980-1981 Bleeding Hearts, Blackfeather, Cruisers, Hot Club, Sneakers, Paul Kelly and The Dots, Young Homebuyers, Living Legends