Vertical Smile Home Page

Vertical Smile were a rock band in the 80's and early 90's playing around South Australia, and regional New South Wales.  They carved themselves a niche with their mixture of originals and beefed up covers, performing at all of the major venues in the region - (except for that 'one' that objected to their name).  For a few years they seemed to be everywhere!  In one week they could be in a tiny bar that held 30 people on a Wednesday night, then Friday in a nightclub that held a thousand plus, and Saturday at a private functions for more again, then Sunday in a beer garden playing for a dozen or so.      In 1987 two of their original songs; "Fire" and "I'm Comin' to You" were being played on commercial radio in Adelaide and Broken Hill.  Although they received good reviews, they failed to catch the greater public's immagination and remained in the domain of their fans.  A few years later they tried releasing more songs, unfortunately with much the same response.  MEMBERS: Lead Vocals - John Oliffe Lead Guitar & Vocals - Winston Spruance Bass - Joe Perre Rhythm Guitar & Vocals -                   (1985-1986) Rhythm Guitar & Vocals - Martin King (1986-1990) Drums - Michael Letts (1985-1987) Drums - John Paximadis (1987-1991)

Click on CD icons below to hear mp3 samples

Original Songs

I'm Comin' to you - studio

Fire - live

Original Songs

Lucille - live

Take Me To the River - live

Shame - live

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? John Oliffe - Reportedly now an R.N. / Ph.D / Assistant Professor in the nursing department at a Canadian University Winston Spruance - Still playing live - currently in a duo in Sydney  Joe Perre - ?? Martin King - Still a recording artist - see www.martinking.com Michael Letts - ?? John Paximadis - Driving a truck while earning his commercial pilot's licence.

Brad Sharp

darrensaway@yahoo.com.au