In May , researching for Stranded in Paradise , I made the first of three extended trips across the Tasman, and there were another half dozen shorter trips. That year I spent more time in Sydney than any other Australasian city. Tasman Publications owner Geoff Adams had taken a six-month lease on a two-bedroom apartment on Bayswater Road, partly for his own use and as accommodation for his sales staff as a performance incentive.
It was perfect, just a five-minute stroll from the heart of Kings Cross. Topper had found a freedom in Sydney that was absent in New Zealand. Topper and Dave were gay, Andy and Garry were not.
They named the band Bent and Straight. Doug Hood opened his bedroom window with a scowl. With too little money for too many gigs, Toy Love had discovered hour television. Doug told me to return later. By coincidence, the band house was in the same street, Windsor Street, where Claude Papesch was living during my previous Sydney visit.
I returned to the Toy Love house later in the day. To ensure a warm welcome, I was armed with a slab of beer, a bottle of whiskey and a bag of dope. The band was playing out in the western suburbs that night and the crew had to drive out in mid-afternoon to set up.
Terence Hogan had also shifted to Sydney, assuming tour manager duties. The gig was another disappointment, but after two months in Sydney they had grown accustomed to audience disinterest. The odd punters were there to see the Hitmen, the support act was ignored.
