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In May 1972, their debut album, Awake, was released (it was recorded at HMV Studios and released on the Down Under label). A third single Stoned Condition//Then You'll Fly was released on the Down Under label, but it was banned from air-play by the NZBC. June 1972 saw Ticket cross the Tasman, to perform a month long residency at Sydney's Whisky a go go nitespot, and they were a massive hit to the extent that rather than return to Auckland, NZ they accepted another residency at Chequers in Sydney, subsequently perfoming in Queensland and Victoria. Whilst in Australia, a single was released, Awake//Country Radio, on the Atlantic Label. They also recorded their second album, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie in Melbourne. This album was self-produced and recorded at Channel 9's 16-track studio before release in late 1972. Eddie was becoming unhappy with the acid rock life-style and the frenetic beat. Returning to New Zealand in November 1972, Ticket opened the new Auckland venue, Levi's Saloon. Followers didn't seem to notice the growing animosity in the band, but it came to a head at the Ngaruawahia Festival - although the fans loved the performance, Eddie was less than happy, and as it transpired it was their last gig. Another single was released in New Zealand, Mr Music//Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, while in Australia the flip was Them Changes. Mr Music was an uncharacteristic piece of funk which should have been a hit but wasn't. After a few months off, Eddie reformed Ticket, with Glen Absolum on drums, Billy Williams on bass guitar and Steve Gunn on vocals, but the recipe was not the same - even when Tombleson returned to take over from Steve Gunn. Ticket had disbanded by the end of 1973. |
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