CATHY McQUADE

Cathy McQuade is a vocalist and bass player. In the late 70s she joined Melbourne art-punk outfit, The Ears with Sam Sejavka becoming their enigmatic and theatrical front man. Alongside bands like The Boys Next Door, Models, Whirlywirld and The Fabulous Marquises, The Ears became one of the most popular bands on the Melbourne inner-city /Crystal Ballroom scene. The Ears broke up at the end of 1981 with Sejavka, Til and Manuel forming Beargarden who were signed to Virgin Records Australia and had a minor hit with their single 'The Finer Things' and the album 'All That Fall'.

McQuade went on to join Deckchairs Overboard. The band had minor hit singles "That's The Way" (1983) "Shout", (1983) with McQuade on vocals, "Walking In The Dark" (1984) and "Fight For Love" (1985). McQuade was also involved in ABC's TV series Sweet and Sour (1984) supplying the singing voice for one of the lead actors, McQuade also provided bass guitar; Deckchairs Overboard also performed "That's the Way" for the soundtrack. The group's self-titled first album had an alternative front cover for its Canadian release showing McQuade and Clifforth. The film, I Can't Get Started (1985), starring John Waters had two tracks "Mixed Low" and "Legion" on its soundtrack. 

Cathy has released two solo albums 'Perfect Storm' and 'Kiss Him Goodbye'. She performed as bass player, backing vocalist with Dr Hernandez from 2019-2021. Their electro cumbia grooves were a regular hit around Melbourne live venues with a guarantee to have to whole room dancing.

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