Ayers Rock
Advertisement
Advertisement
Top Related Artists
Biography
Ayers Rock was formed in Melbourne in Augustâ¯1973 by Ray Burton (guitar, lead vocals), Mark Kennedy (drums), Duncan McGuire (bass) and Jimmy Doyle (guitar). The groupâs early work included the single "Rock 'n Roll Fight" (Decemberâ¯1973) and the debut album Big Red Rock (Novemberâ¯1974) on Mushroom Records, which peaked at Numberâ¯32 on the Australian Kent Music Report and introduced a jazzârock fusion sound. In Februaryâ¯1975 the band signed with A&M Records and released Big Red Rock in the United States, touring with acts such as BachmanâTurner Overdrive and supporting major international artists in large United States stadiums. The second studio album, Beyond (Aprilâ¯1976), charted at Numberâ¯50 and featured collaborations with Col Loughnan on saxophones and flute. After a brief split in 1976, the group reâformed with new members and released Hot Spell (Mayâ¯1980) on their own Red Rock Records, though it failed to chart. Ayers Rock disbanded in 1981; the members pursued individual projects until the late 1990s, with posthumous recognition of their pioneering contribution to Australian progressive rock. Bassist Duncan McGuire died in 1989; bassist Steve Hogg died in 1990; guitarist Jimmy Doyle died in 2006, and drummer Russell Dunlop died in 2009. On February 21, 2026, original drummer Mark Kennedy died at the age of 74.
Read All
Read Less
