Zarks


Clockwise from left : Terry Bradley, Denis Winters, Mike Harrison and Larry Killip.

Original Line-Up:
    Greg Sharples (Lead Guitar)
    Larry Killip (Lead Guitar / Vocals)
    Mike Harrison (Bass Guitar)
    Dennis Winters (Drums)
    Terry Bradley (Guitar)

The Zarks were formed in July 1965 by a group of school friends. Mike Harrison was the younger brother of John 'Yuk' Harrison, member of the Embers, Invaders and Meteors.

The group started out playing at school dances and local socials. Once they had enough experience they managed to secure professional gigs at some of the Auckland clubs, like the 1480 Village, the 410 Club and the Monaco and the Galaxy. They were basically a British covers band who played a wide variety of rhythm and blues and pop music.

The Zarks lasted from 1965 until 1967 and during that time there were a number of line-up changes. Mike Harrison left and joined Le Frame. John Morrell joined the group as a vocalist and Paddy Gibbons came in on keyboards. Greg Sharples was battling a drug problem and was asked to leave the band. He was replaced by Tim Biggs on guitar. Sadly Greg died of an overdose in 1968.

In 1968, four of the current line-up, with the addition of a new bass player, changed their name and became Omnibus. Tim Biggs was to later play in Chapeaux. The Zarks never officially recorded, but did do some home recordings, one of which, "Jumbo", found its way onto vinyl on John Baker's "Psychedelic No 8 Wire" compilation.

For some more info on the Zarks, see Zarks homepage.

The Zarks home recording can be found on the following compilation:-

 

New Zealand Music