Have you ever heard the phrase everything old is new again? Let's explore that notion by looking back at my time playing in a surf band.

Back in 1983 I joined a band in my hometown, Hamilton, a small town in Western Victoria, Australia.

Formed in 1982 and hailed as the Western District's premier inland surf band, The Swingin’ Hi-Tones were a unique feature on the local music scene.

Each member of the band appeared under an alter ego, taking on a name as a homage to surf music and popular culture icons of the early 1960’s.

I chose the name Dip Dimucci in honor of the great American singer/songwriter Dion Dimucci.

The Swingin’ Hi-Tones billed ourselves as Australia's premier inland surf band. Frankly, we got nervous too close to the sea.

Table of Contents:

The Lone Surfer Rides Again

Here’s a video featuring a re-issue of one of our most-loved tunes; The Lone Surfer.

Produced for Thong 'n' Dance Films by our bass man, Rick Schweitzer Jr., I'm confident you'll enjoy the archival footage from nearly 40 years ago that accompany this haunting, melancholic track.

The clip includes images of both the band's original rhythm guitarist, Ed Tide, and myself together with a few glimpses from the reunion gig celebrating Rick’s 50th Birthday celebrations.

First There Was The Beat, And The Beat Was Strong

The Hi-Tones were formed by guitarist and primary song writer, Ken Allen, and bass player Ray Wilson. Our drummer was the ever reliable David Hodkinson.

Back then Ken and Ray were both high school teachers. It’s funny looking back at it now because, being a few years older than me, those guys seemed positively ancient at the time.

You know how it is when you're young, a five year gap can seem like forever.

During the bands relatively short first life a live set Alive Alive-Oh was released on cassette tape.

I was approached to join the band following the departure of original rhythm guitarist, Ed Tide.

During my tenure we played a range of local gigs, from a friend’s living room to the George Hotel in Hamilton, and also at the Duke of York Hotel in South Yarra, Melbourne.

Here’s what I remember from that memorable Melbourne gig.

While setting up for the gig one of the crew suddenly turned around and whacked me in the head with a surfboard.
I was approached for a special favor by a rather revolting senior citizen in a trench coat.
During the gig I got zinc cream in my eyes and couldn’t see a thing.
I used to love my Boss Phaser PH-1 pedal, but I had a lot of trouble switching it on and off with flippers on my feet.

I was only with those guys for six months. But it was a busy and creative period during which time we played a variety of gigs, from a living room to an inner city pub in the big smoke (i.e., Melbourne).

During my time with the Hi-Tones we recorded the band’s seminal album The Fabulous Surfin' Sound of the Swingin’ Hi-Tones.

The album was recorded, old school, onto a reel to reel tape from which a limited edition of 50 cassette tapes were issued.

I still have number 4 of that limited edition series. That's the front cover with me on the right of the picture.

The Swinging’ Hi-Tones | Thong n Dance Label

It might now be time for some clarification to ease the minds of the faint hearted.

Both Ken and Ray have been involved in other groups and musical projects over the years, some of which are represented by the Thong n Dance label.

It needs to be stated that, in Australia, a thong is what's known as a flip flop in the USA. You know, an open, casual piece of footwear often kept in the cupboard until the summer months.

The label is a project of Ken's and I was happy to collaborate with both Ken and Ray (who's responsible for making the bands videos) on a new website, which I've put together for my friends.

The website is a great way to remember the fun times we shared together and a solid base from which new Hi-Tones projects can be launched.

Feel free to check out the Thong n Dance website. It features blurb on all the bands in the Thong n Dance stable, and includes a couple classic videos from the Swingin’ Hi-Tones.

Swingin' Hi-Tones Hi-Atus 1983-2013 CD cover art.

Swinging’ Hi-Tones: Not Dead, Just Resting

Over the years the Hi-Tones have reformed several times including recording a few new tracks for the band's album, Hi-Atus.

Released in 2013 this album refreshed old Hi-Tones classics and showcased several new tunes from the band.

We also reunited for the 50th Birthday celebrations for our drummer, Sandy Beach at the now defunct Mentone Hotel in Melbourne.

This majestic building, overlooking the sea, proved to be a great venue for the band's 30-year reunion gig.

Unlike the Beatles, the Hi-Tones never really broke up. That's right, just one more difference between the two bands.

It's frightening to think that, somehow, after a thirty year 'Hi-atus', the band managed to fit into their old board shorts and record together again.

Hi-Tones Staying Busy: The Years In Between

Over the years I’ve often been asked what happened to individual members of the Swingin’ Hi-Tones during those long years between reunions.

While it could me considered an invasion of privacy to discuss what actually happened, I thought it might be interesting to talk about what could have happened.

Hank C. Marlin

A childhood bowling prodigy, Cool Hand Hank returned to Ten Pin bowling in a big way soon after the Hi-Tones break.

Trading on the success of his World Champion status Hank opened a chain of Bowling alleys, which were really a front for the sale of the extremely popular Hanky Spanky Creaming Soda for which Hank became the Australian distributor.

His slogan "Put some Pop into your Bop" brought an escalation in sales which resulted in Hank being appointed President and COO of the Beverages Division of Golden Pineapple Inc.

Sadly this initial success was soured when the similarly named "Pop till you Drop" slogan used to promote a 24-hour dance marathon was associated with the death, by gunfire, of two horses.

This event was inaccurately rumored to be the principal theme underpinning the film 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They'.

Hank’s position as the King of Soda was now untenable, though friends and fans alike still refer to him as 'Pops'.

Hank returned to Australia, where he dabbled for a time as a cabaret singer, prior to a chance meeting with Rick at a pizza place in Lake Bolac.

The old friendship was reignited and the idea of getting the band back together was, at last, refloated.

Rick Schweitzer Jr.

During the Hi-Tones hiatus bass man Rick undertook a solo career. Hits followed including "wave to me baby" and the rhythmic "wax on, wax off'.

While highlighting his obvious sex appeal and charming vocalizations Rick and fans alike felt incomplete without his board buddies beside him.

Rick's penny-pinching days proved an asset when he opened a chain of successful dry cleaners throughout rural Australia.

The jingle "Puttin' the Starch back in your Arch" proved to be very successful though, ironically, it was the last time Rick's voice was recorded.

Sandy Beach

Sandy was at first devastated by the band's break (though, of course, they never actually broke up).

Study in Tantric Meditation and a short period in the fashion industry followed, prior to a 2-year reign as the undefeated Brass Knuckles Champ, Middle Weight Division, for the Oceania Region.

Upon retirement from the ring Sandy opened a second hand car dealership in the town of Sea Lake in north west Victoria.

It wasn't long before Shoddy Motors began featuring regularly on so-called current affairs shows. Sandy was often quoted as saying "I like to close the deal with a tyre iron".

But Sandy is, very much, a multi-sided character. In addition to being the (rumored) inventor of the Ugg Boot and Hammock, Sandy's more philosophical moments are, perhaps, best summed up in the following quote.

"A flat sea has no waves."

Dip Dimucci

A little unknown fact is that Dip Dimucci was adopted. He was born Diplomos Dimucciartos to a greek mother and a mexican father in the back of a Sandman by the Grange Burn in Hamilton, Victoria.

His father, Speedy Dimucciartos, was a Mexican entrepeneur reported to be the man responsible for putting the worm into the Mezcal.

Dip changed his name after hearing the song The Wanderer by Dion Dimucci. Incidentally, The Wanderer (really did) reached number one in Australia around the time of Dip's birth.

An excellent swimmer Dip was the only member of the 'Dab Four' who didn't mind getting his feet wet.

A perennial favorite at Pipeline, time spent as a film scout for Jacques Cousteau and as the concept designer for 'Wet n' Wild' theme parks underpin the years Dip spent between significant Hi-Tones moments.

An animal lover, known to keep lions as pets, and a keen traveler Dip is rumored to have met German photographer Astrid Kirchherr at his favorite sunset locale: Lake Hamilton Spillway.

“Up and down” is all Dip has said of their time together.

The Swingin’ Hi-Tones Line Up

The Swingin' Hi-Tones are:

Hank C. Marlin lead guitar and fishing enthusiast.
Rick Schweitzer Jr. bass guitar and good looks.
Sandy Beach drum kit and security.
Dip Dimucci (Me) plays rhythm guitar.

The Lone Surfer Credits

Composed by Marlin/Schweitzer.
Originally recorded by Ray Batten at Western District Recording Studios, Panmure, between June and August 1983.
This latest recording was made during August and September 2013 by Chris Wilson at Chris Wilson Recordings, Clayton.

The Call Of The Wild Surf courtesy of Alexander and Vincent Media.

Conclusion: And The Beat Goes On

During 2019 the band got together again to record a new EP titled ‘The Swinging’ Hi-Tones By Request: Volume 2’.

To mark the release of our latest work we reunited in Hamilton to record a video of one of the EP’s tracks titled ‘The Call of the Wild Surf’.

Special thanks to the guys from Alexander and Vincent media for doing such a great job producing this video.

I'm very happy to share these memories with you. While, to me, it all seems like yesterday, it’s a glimpse back to days long past. I hope you’ve found it as much fun as I have.

Never lose the beat my friend.

It's a great thing to live a creative, purpose-driven and meaning-rich life. My dear old mum was my first great love. Music, photography and travel followed.

It's great being involved in music once again. It's just a hobby and a very occasional pursuit for me, but it's fun and brings joy into the lives of others. After all, isn't that what matters most.

As always my friend, feel free to share widely and wildly. And, please, enjoy the music.

Glenn Guy, Travel Photography Guru

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