Beginnings In the winter of discontent (1984) "Orion" (not called that yet), consisted of Phil (vocals), Bruno (Keyboard) and Peter (guitar & bass). They found Steve (guitar & sax) in the classifieds. Rehearsals were difficult without a drummer and without a suitable studio. Rehearsals were held in Phil's flat, Bruno's flat and then the AMC, Sydney. Sometime during the spring of '84 Steve invited Felice, alias 'Vinnie' (guitar & bass) to come along to a rehearsal. Vinnie Jammed along and become part of the Band. At about this time the name ORION came into being. I have no recollection as to who thought of this. If you know please email details to me. Vinnie knew Theo (drums) and encouraged him to join. This had the added advantage of being able to rehearse at Theo's home. Hence Orion was born with the first official lineup of Phil (vocals), Bruno (keyboards), Peter (bass & guitar), Steve (guitar, sax & bongos), Felice (guitar & bass) and Theo (drums). First gigs towards the end of 1984 included The Dee Why SDA, Pymble Anglican, Woolahra SDA churches and Phil's wedding.

1985 - Consolidation Steve met Eva at the Australian Christian music seminar (January) and as Phil wished for backing vocalists, Eva joined Phil's wife Elise in this role. Rehearsals continued at Theo's home and also at the Wahroonga Activities Center (Sydney). A regular Wednesday night gig commenced at Kings Cross (Sydney) then the first major gig at the Cell Block Theatre (East Sydney). Just after this Phil and Elise quit and over a meal at Taco Bill's (George st. Sydney), it was decided that Eva take over the lead vocal role, with Bruno, Pete and Steve impersonating the Russian choir as backup vocalists. Material changed as Phil had contributed much of the band's early repetoir. Bruno became the principle writer with Pete and Steve contributing and collaborating musically. This began a highly creative and productive time. Other gigs during 1985 included Bondi Beach Pavillion, Black Stump, Woolahra SDA and Caringbah COC. 1985 also realised recording sessions at The Loft, Broadway, Sydney.

1986 - More lineup changes This year was Theo's final year at High School, so it was generally agreed that he should concentrate on his studies. So the search for a knew drummer was commenced. Eva had met Sam in the prior year and invited him to join. Sam fitted in right away and bought with him a monthly gig at the 'Minda' remand centre (Lidcombe) and also the odd one at the 'Cobham' remand centre, somewhere west of Sydney. Felice left in the first half of the year and was replaced by Simon (bass - ex Damascus Road). Major gigs included The Argyle Theatre, Saturday Date, Lakemba Baptist Church, Epping COC, culminating in "Orion's Last Stand" at "Mac's" - Springwood. Steve left in December to live in the country.

The Solo Years Bruno, Pete and Simon continued for a while. Later Pete and Bruno also formed the bands "Passion Play" and "Prominant Racing Identities". Pete married, with one child and is living on the NSW central coast. Bruno parties hard throughout Sydney, whilst masquarading as a scientist (MAD). Steve formed Ceramic Pig, and later collaborated with Bruno for the infamous "Pig Gig" at the Corowa RSL Club (1987). Steve also played in "A ot J" - Albury NSW. He is now married with 3 children, living in the obscurity of the NSW north coast. Sam sold his drums and is married with 4 children. Eva disappeared into obscurity and has just recently re-appeared, seen here with Solid Rock (September 2000) and Steve is Jamming along. Simon married and his whereabouts are unknown to date. Felice is married, with one child living in Sydney.Theo - no contact. Phil - no contact.

Other Important People Dave - PA, Beeby - Lighting, Gary - ministry support.

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