Perico in Santa City Dress-Up

With loud guffaws of "perico-ho-ho", that zany group of Brunswick musicians, Perico, took to the streets yesterday, delivering Christmas cheer to all and sundry, dressed in Santa costumes.

"It's really great to be able to walk around the city streets without being recognised and harassed." explained Santa Gartland.

"We were just ignored by everyone. I guess that at this time of the year we just blended in with everyone else."

Perico, who yesterday performed such wacky versions of popular Christmas Carols as "Violent Night" a song about hanging out in Queen Street on a Saturday evening, vowed to steer clear of such renditions at their Saturday evening performance at the Retreat.

"We might sing 'Jingle Bells, Richo smells' , though" said Col.

Perico play at the Retreat Hotel from 7pm on saturday 22 December 2007

Perico Claim Credit for Election Victory

Perico have been quick to take credit for the massive election loss for John Howard on the weekend, claiming their relentless 3 year campaign had "really started to bite".

Speaking from the election tally room in Canberra on Saturday night, Perico drummer Col Robertson, a hard Labor man, said that Perico's hit song "Johnny" really proved the power of music, demonstrating how a simple idea can eventually turn the tide.

"We've been playing the song now for almost three years, and it seemed that every time we played it, the polls went down for Howard. I guess I was a little surprised at how well it worked, though."

The song, written and sung by Tim 'rebel' Gartland, has devastating lyrics that refer to not only Howard, but Peter Reith and Phillip Ruddock. The song has now managed to knock two of those three out of public office.

"Watch out Phillip Ruddock, I say." said Col.

New Outdoor Stage Thrills Perico Fans

Completely unconfirmed rumours of a new outdoor stage being built at the Brunswick Green to handle crowds expected for Perico's Sunday afternoon gig have been met with derisive laughter by Brunswick Green management.

"They haven't actually denied it" said a hopeful Tim Gartland. "and that's about enough proof as we need to spead the story."

Regular Brunswick Green drinkers have been complaining for years about the lack of world-class facilities despite the Galstonbury style feel of the regular Sunday arvo gigs.

"Yeah, they need a big outdoor stage" confirmed Brunswick music critic and local hippy, Damo Wilding " but they also need truth in their advertising. I can't find any Brunswick green at the Brunswick Green."

Perico Raise Critics' eyes

Hard-nosed Brunswick music critics, Andy (left) Danny and Danny, have given Brunswick band Perico their enthuastic blessings with reports circulating that they actually raised their eyebrows during Sunday's Edinburgh Castle gig.

"That's a massive nod of approval" a cheerful Col Robertson said. "Well, not really a nod, because a nod would be even huger, but normally we just get a blink out of them, so we know we must have played a pretty special gig on Sunday."

Perico are excited by the prospect that the public might see even more animation from these well-respected gentlemen, when they play at the Empress in North Fitzroy this Sunday night. Perhaps they might tap a finger on their beer?

"That would make our day" confessed Col, who really should get a life.

Controversy over "worm" idea

Drummer Col's suggestion to introduce the worm for the audience at Perico's Sunday gig at the Edinburgh Castle has been met with scepticism by his fellow band mates.

"If he tries to do it" said bassist Greggy Ay, "I'm pulling the feed."

New Song Loaded to Myspace

Perico are stoked to advise that yet another new song "Willing and Able" has been loaded onto the band's myspace page.

"This is a little more rock and roll than you might normally expect from Perico" explained songwriter and singer Tim Gartland "but it's really worked out great live."

The track was recorded during the band's recent demo session out in Sunbury in August and is rumoured to be under consideration for inclusion on the band's EP due out next year.

"I'm a bit concerned about where these constant rumours about Perico are generated. There's obviously somebody in Perico leaking confidential information and I blame the drummer." Tim said.

Though it is generally accepted that drummers are the scapegoats for everything and that's usually the end of it, Tim was quick to set the record straight.

"The truth is, despite what a drummer may have told you, it's a bit too early to tell whether this will be on the EP or not. Overall, though, we're pretty happy with it. "

Perico Praise Creche Security

Perico have officially thanked the organisers of the Moreland Community Child Care Fete for their foresight in erecting a protective fence to keep the hordes of toddler fans at bay during a fiery performance in Brunswick on Sunday.

Speaking from his palacial Donald Street home in the Paris end of Brunswick, bass player Greggy A recounted the scary moment when he thought the fencing wouldn't hold.

"At first we thought the fence was way too low, but luckily many of the kids moshing at the front were even smaller. Some kids were screaming, others had gone naked. It was pretty tense."

Perico's successful gig was a welcome result after having their last fete gig cancelled in November last year. Perico return this Saturday to the Brunswick Green.

Perico Guitarist in Sixties Lovefest

Perico guitarist, singer and harmonicist, Richard Oldfield insists he's not planning to quit Perico, go solo and join a hippy commune, despite rumours circulating Brunswick today.

Perico drummer and anti-drugs campaigner, Col Robertson, said he would be disappointed if Richo started smoking pot because that would confirm he was looking to revert to the 60's.

"Any self respecting rock star of the 21st century should be taking ice, so let's hope that that is the drug of choice for him." he explained.

Richard was dismissive of the attack on his character.

"It was a dress up for a fortieth birthday party. You shouldn't be so judgemental."

Sure it was, Richo.

Perico Make Technological Breakthrough

In the biggest technological change to Perico's marketting capacity since band members discovered this new "internet thing" , Perico have unveiled one of the recordings made in Sunbury in August and loaded it onto their myspace page.

The new song, entitled "tickets", is, according to reliable sources, destined to be a hit. Those who who want to be hip are strongly advised to listen to it now while it's a relatively unknown song so they can later tell their mates how they "discovered" Perico before Perico sold out and became mega rockstars.

More snippets from the August recording will be loaded at a later date.

pictured: the spanking new computer that Perico management recently purchased

Perico breather, my idea says singer

As Perico lead singer, Rockin' Timmy Gartland, enters his third week of total abstinence, he admitted on Tuesday night that Perico's 3 week breather from gigs was associated with his desire to breathe something more than the putrid air from a styvo.

"Perico gigs always make me drink too much, smoke a lot, and generally overdose on happiness" he told pericoloco.

"I need a break from happiness and fulfilment, so I'm pleased we're not playing again until Thursday the 11th of October, at the Brunswick Hotel, with RPG Radio.

Guitarist in Name Sabotage Scandal

Brunswick has been rocked as allegations surfaced last night that Perico guitarist Richard Oldfield, is behind a school boy prank to rename Perico as "Pericho", after himself.

"Yes, we've always wondered when he was going to make his move" confessed Perico drummer Colin Robertson, who was unsuccessful in renaming the band Pericolin in November 2005.
"but quite frankly I didn't think he try it on when the band had its biggest gig for 2007 scheduled this Saturday."

Mr Oldfield wants to rename the band after himself.

Mr Oldfield has denied the allegations and has, according to reasonably unreliable sources, been ringing the Retreat, street press and anyone who'll listen to try and get the name changed back. But pericoloco can report that he missed this one.

Perico, who play the front bar of the Retreat Hotel on Saturday night, are part of a four band mega night, with Wild Turkey (7:30pm) , Mick Thomas & Craig Pilkington (10pm) and The GoSet (11:30pm). Perico come on at 8.30pm in the front bar. Entry is free.

Tart(an)s out in force at Edinburgh Castle

Saturday afternoon's supergig by alleged rockabilly pop band Perico, attracted record numbers of hardmen, lasses and their bairns.

Perico was happy to see these fans supporting the Scottish theme.

"Away an bile yer heid ya numpty, ye dinnae ken whit yer sain" said Edinburgh Castle regular and Scottish-born drinker Damo Wilding, in response to suggestions by top Brunswick music blog, pericoloco, that some members of the audience had carried the Scottish theme a little too far.
"Ya kens hee haw aboot hee haw."

Anyway who can work out what the haggis Damo was talking about is invited to let us know.

Perico Relive Sunbury

Perico have recorded a new 3-track demo featuring 3 previously unrecorded songs, the Perico official website pericoloco.blogspot.com announced today, in this article that you're reading at this very moment.

Recorded in picturesque Sunbury, not far from the location of the legendary festival of the 1970's, the demo will be posted on myspace very soon.

"Yes, we intend to post the new songs on myspace very soon" confirmed drummer and spacist co-ordinator Col Robertson in response to the statement in the previous paragraph in this very post that you're reading this very moment.

"so you should watch this space, or rather myspace."

Perico to tour Scotland?

Brunswick rockabilly popstars, Perico, venture into virgin territory with a two-set twilight gig at the Edinburgh Castle this Saturday night.

"We've never played there before, and heaps of our fans have never been there either." explained Perico drummer and intellectual, Col Robertson, "In fact I'm not really sure where abouts in Scotland it actually is."

Refreshed from a weekend in the Victorian alps, the boys are raring to go and are predicted to be "rocking it up" after three recent gigs down the road at the Brunswick Green, where everyone else seemed to rock it up more than strictly required.

Perico play between 5pm and 7 pm, this Saturday 11th August. Entry is free and meals are available. The Edinburgh Castle is on the corner of Albion St and Sydney Rd, Brunswick.

Carnage at the Brunswick Green

Out of control fans at Perico's Brunswick Green gig last night have left a trail of carnage that has threatened to destroy Perico's wholesome family image. Pericoloco has received reports of:

• patrons kicked out for verballing bar staff
• a fan collapsed drunk in a coma on the street in front of the bar
• underage patrons as young as 12
• public urination
• glass smashing

Perico singer Tim is believed to be in hiding and has not returned calls, but drummer Col was adamant that the above incidents had been blown right out of proportion.

"Look, we dressed well. We played great. It was a good night. I'm not proud of everything that happened and I'm the first to put my hand up and say 'guilty as charged', but this isn't play school, this is rock 'n roll."

Brunswick Green regular Damo Wilding has been quick to leap to the band's defence and denied that any of the above incidents had occurred at all.

"I know Perico" he said "and they're gentlemen, and so are their fans. Whoever is spreading these rumours ought to be shot."

Back in Green

For those about to rock, but not quite ready yet ... Perico dress up for a classy double set at the Brunswick Green beginning soon after 5pm this Saturday. Free entry, great meals (all $15), fine company, and best of all - superb and entertaining musicianship.

Bass Player Suffers Pianist Envy

Perico enforcer and regular bass player, Greggy Ay, is believed to be furious over funny-man Richard Oldfield's foray into keyboards at last week's Brunswick Green gig.

Attentive audience members had already noted that the piano was one instrument that Richard "Renaissance Man" Oldfield had not previously played - that is, until last week's cameo during Perico megahit "Aberdeen".

Mr Ay, an extremely competent pianist himself, is apparently concerned about being sidelined by the "little firking upstart" and is believed to have refused to ever make soup for him.

"That big firker has never even made soup for me" Richo told pericoloco when confronted with the rumour. "If he wants to play keyboards, he can go play with his organ..."

Audience Smarting over new Perico

Brunswick was still reeling from Saturday's night appearance by Perico which seemed to point to a new direction for the all-star band . Renowned more for their sweet harmonies and laconic wit than their dress sense, two members featured black jackets, white shirts and identical shoes.

Guitarist, harmonicist, pianist and metrosexual Richard Oldfield told pericoloco that "after the 3/4 length incident in January we've made a very special effort to smarten up our act. It's just a pity that certain unnamed members of the band - Greg and Col, haven't come on board as yet."
Described as "Reservoir Dogs meets the Beverley Hill Billys" by one punter who was very impressed.
"I'm very impressed" he said.

Perico to Defy Smoking Ban

Brunswick rebels, Perico, yesterday vowed to defy smoking bans introduced last saturday night by performing a "smoking" gig this Saturday at the Brunswick Green.

According to a spokesperson, the band will be rehearsing all week under specially rolled match conditions and are sure to be in fine form come Saturday.
Perico's set begins at 6pm this Saturday. Free entry.

Perico are a pack of hippy vegetarian, whale-saving Greenies, says Wilding

Well-known Brunswick drinker, Damo Wilding, has attacked all-star band, Perico, over its foray into what he describes as "vegetarian" music.

"They're supposed to be a rock and roll band" he told pericoloco.

"Instead they spent Saturday evening at the Brunswick Green, with acoustic guitars, and brush strokes on the drums, and those dammed sweet harmonies which are still ringing through my ears."

Perico guitarist Richo, who is, in fact, vegetarian, responded by announcing that Perico has booked two further gigs at the Brunswick Green for July 7 and July 28.

Perico Go Green

This Saturday arvo Perico oust popular singer Tim, hand the brushes to Col and return to the location of Col's wedding for a special "Go Green" gig at the Brunswick Green.

Also featuring The Vile Reign, from 5pm sat 23rd June at the brunswick green, 313 sydney rd, brunswick.

free entry

Perico to end Fitzroy Hiatus

In breaking news, Brunswick home-boys Perico have announced their return to the Fitzroy pub scene next Sunday. Opening up a double-header set with fellow Brunswigians The Vile Reign, Perico play their virgin gig at The Old Bar in Johnson St, Fitzroy.
Perico renaissance man and Lions supporter, Richard Oldfield has been reportedly ecstatic since hearing the news and allegedely hasn't stopped singing to the tune of the Marsellaise "we play The Old Bar in Fitroy..."

Perico Take Sponge bath

Last night, Brunswick studs Perico, showed why they are more than just career-focused money-grabbing, slightly hedonistic rock stars, by performing in front of nurses at the Children's hospital.

"I've always wanted to perform in front of a nurse, " declared frustrated drummer Col, "instead of just behind one." - a reference to the many years Col has spent sitting behind singer/guitarist and male nurse Tim Gartland.

The gig, part of a nursey cocktail celebration and awards night, was attended by close to 100 people. Band spokesman and harmonicist, Richard Oldfield, told pericoloco that "there were dozens of excessively drunk nurses everywhere."

However, he was quick to reject reports circulating the hospital of untoward activities involving a sponge, a stethescope and a rectal thermometer.

The Dinner Set, this Sunday.

Following the staggering-home success of Two-Up Tuesday at the Brunswick Hotel on ANZAC Day eve, Perico are proud to announce this week's barbeque stopper, this Sunday evening, May 6th 2007, at the Retreat Hotel, 280 SydneyRd, Brunswick.

Located allegedly only a torpedo punt from Perico House in David Street, the Retreat is in many ways the spiritual home for the band. Certainly Tim, Richo, Greg and Col have spent a lot of time there drinking spirits.

Apart from regularly featuring the best musical talent going, or supporting Perico's drinking habits, The Retreat is also renowned for its hearty and well-priced meals. That's why Perico have found the best combination evening for you that's possible.

We suggest you get there at about 6pm, grab your table near the front (if you haven't already reserved one), and join Perico for a counter meal and jolly conversation. Soon after, Mark Sinton, a fine friend of Perico, and a sharp musician, will provide entrée with a one-off solo set. The main course (Perico) will be served shortly after, and will consist of some new exquisite tastes as well as some old favorites.

The whole thing will be over by 8:30pm (it is a school night after all) and entry is free. Meals are extra.

Hope you can make it. See you there this Sunday.

Perico in early retreat

Fresh after a sizzling performance on ANZAC Day eve at the Brunswick Hotel, Perico will soon hit their favourite drinking haunt and Brunswick's premier venue for live music, The Retreat Hotel.

From 6pm on Sunday 6th May, enjoy Mark Sinton (solo) before Perico play a dinner set performance starting at 7:30pm.

Free entry and great meals. Book your table soon.

Contact Us

If you'd like to contact Perico, you can email them, or phone Colin on 0425 746936.

Perico to play Gig for the Diggers

Brunswick musicians Perico have confirmed their return to the live scene with a special "Two-up Tuesday" supergig with Mark Sinton and the Prefabs on ANZAC Day Eve at the Brunswick.

"This gig is just like the Essendon-Collingwood ANZAC Day clash" explained Perico drummer Col.
"except that we'll be playing music, not football, and it's on the night before ANZAC Day, and not at the MCG but at the Brunswick Hotel."

"Otherwise, it's pretty much the same."

Perico Announce New Recording Project

Perico today confirmed reports that they would be seeking to record an EP for release later in the year. The songs have been selected under a complex voting system that was described by Perico Renaissance man, Richard Oldfield, as "akin to Australian Idol without the sms part" and are believed to include a number of new tracks, yet-to-be performed live.

"There'll be something for everyone in this EP" said new family man and gung-ho drummer Col.

In an exclusive interview with top Brunswick music blog pericoloco, Perico also indicated that a number of gigs have been lined up for April and May, including a possible return of the extremely successful "Sunday Drivers".

Sunday Drivers in Smash Hit.

Around 100 people packed out the Retreat Hotel on Sunday night to see the inaugural Sunday Drivers gig featuring Mark Sinton & the Prefabs, Thrill City Radio and Brunswick super-rockers Perico.

Well-known Brunswick drinker, Damo Wilding, was impressed.

"It was so pumped in there.. it was like a Saturday night, not a Sunday." he said.

"Only it was different 'cos I would have had to get up early the next day, being Monday, if I actually had a job to go to, that is."

Perico, who had just completed 6 gigs in 4 weeks and were in white-hot form, are likely to be in short recess for a month or two before re-appearing in March. More details to follow.

Check out Col's comments, plus see more video footage from Yarrawonga on the pericogigs blog.

Perico Returns

Hot off the tails of a whirlwind regional tour, Brunswick quartet Perico return to familiar territory this Sunday 21st Jan at the Retreat Hotel, Brunswick as part of the "Sunday Drivers" megagig.

First off the grid, and firing on all cylinders will be Mark Sinton and the Prefabs, followed by Perico, with the turbo charged Thrill City Radio gunning it down the home straight.

Engines will be started at 7pm, and $5 gets you pole position for all the action. The Retreat kitchen is open all day for re-fuelling.

Retreat Hotel is at 280 Sydney Road Brunswick (near corner Glenlyon Road)

Party - Yarrawonga 2nd January 2007

This is a rough edit of "Fall of Rome" performed at a party in Yarrawonga on the 2nd of January.

Farewell Show for TCR at Sunday Drivers

Thrill City Radio have announced that their final ever gig will be as the final act on the 21st January's Sunday Drivers gig at the Retreat.

Also on the bill is Northern-irish born Mark Sinton and his band, the Prefabs and Brunswick all-star rockers, Perico.

The line-up for this supergig is one of the strongest assembled this year so far, and appears to be a sho-in for next week's Golden Parrot.

Sunday Drivers kicks off at 6:30pm at the Retreat on Sun 21 jan. $5 cover charge.

Perico Gigs Blog Updated

Read reviews by Perico drummer Col about past Perico gigs here. Col promises to make an effort to backdate and list every Perico gig ever played. What a list. What a guy.

3/4 lengths back in as Yarrawonga ROCKS

"The fashion police haven't made it up to Yarrawonga as yet" said a disturbed Richo last night, commenting on the 3/4 lengths being worn by both bass player Greg and guest muso Sean Payne.

"I thought we had an agreement about wearing that type of thing ... obviously I was mistaken."

The 3/4 incident was the only sour note on an otherwise successful 2 gig tour to the Murray.

Perico return to Brunswick on the 21st of January at the Retreat Hotel.

For more photos from Yarrawonga, click here.