John Farnham & Shirley Strachan - Women In Uniform | Reaction

[@shaz464]

Shirley’s surname is pronounced Strawn. The guitarist is Red Symons. He is a character in his own right. RIP Shirley.

[@noone6559]

Red was the 'nasty judge' on the talent show on Hey Hey It's Saturday.... before anyone EVER heard of Simon Cowell etc. lol..... absolutely brilliant, along with Willy :D

[@cookieo-fin]

RIP Shirley. Gone to soon😭

[@1lighthorse]

If one takes a look to the right they will notice the guitarist in white...

[@pauldonald4676]

Red Symon was a character in his own right sure enough. But apparently not such a great guitarist. I waa told by someone who's opinion I respected that they usually had his guitar turned down.

[@warrenbridges1891]

@@1lighthorse That's the bass player Greg Macainsh in white.

[@ladylynnmaree]

Shirley was so loved. R.I.P.

[@leandabee]

Sitting here having a little sook🥺, remembering Shirley and thinking how grateful we/I am to have grown up in the 70s with our superb talent that we didn't have to share with the world. The 60s, 70s, 80s really boomed with talent Miss Shirl a lot 💕, but glad to still have our amazeballs John. Shirley's last name rhymes with Strawn 🤗

[@gragrn]

Shirley was a very successful TV presenter after his rock career was over and he was also a helicopter pilot. Sadly he was flying one day when he had a catastrophic malfunction and crashed. His real name was Graham but he was called Shirley because of his curly hair, like Shirley Temple. A great singer and legendary character, rest in peace Shirl, you are still sadly missed.

[@L-K-Jellyfish]

Shirl the Curl!

[@WilliaminOz]

Yep crashed just up north from here near Caboolture. Women in Uniform and Jukebox in Siberia two of their best.

[@ChrisFirth-do2sm]

If I remember rightly, it was Molly Meldrum who named him that.

[@jacquieholmes4064]

R.I.P. Shirl the Curl. Great singer and human being.

[@northeastdroneproductions]

Sad story with Shirley, he was killed in a tragic helicopter crash back in 2001. Great bloke and lead singer of skyhooks.

[@iankearns774]

Helicopters dont fly upside down, it was a very sad tragedy.

[@helenchapman546]

My uncle actually saw the crash. He lived not far away. :(

[@leglessinoz]

yeah it happened in bad weather up near Mt Archer in Qld.

[@dianaperry1929]

RIP Shirley,Sadly missed even today❤️🥲

[@carolynh8866]

John sure did Justice to Shirley's song. And love how he just went backstage to back him up. Absolutely no tickets on Mr Farnham.

[@julzstock]

John & Shirley go back such a long way with their friendship ... Our Aussie finest rub shoulders & gel into one huge amazing Muso family .... thank you for sharing ..❤ You'll have to get your Butt down under on a holiday & sample our legends in concert in person ... x

[@gledisjuresko7157]

239292.65

[@amygone2pot]

Farnsie just rockin out on the tambourine 😂

[@paulettebrown5741]

RIP Shirl - you were one of a kind. Always loved it when John does a cover as a form of respect to other great Aussie artists.

[@laurengracepop]

Johns commitment to denim in this video is on another level! #proudAussie

[@starlightshimmery]

😂 💯

[@Jaydaydesign]

And matchy-matchy denim at that!!!

[@ozfroggirl9221]

That denim just drew my eyes the entire video.

[@aries898]

I think back in the day the long overcoat look too really suited him and the style he was trying to achieve, helping him really break away from his ‘clean cut boy looks’ of the 70’s

[@baird55aus]

I love how John is quite prepared to go up the back with Lindsay and Lisa and sing backing vocals.

[@ceepax6197]

It was a skyhooks song, originally performed by Shirley, so it was the humble thing to do. A bit of hi-jynx in the handover but they would all be honoured to be celebrated this way.

[@mrmockatoo6786]

This is a Skyhooks song written by the bass player and sung by Shirley. Obviously from Hey Hey it's Saturday and a chance for John to do a Skyhooks song and introduce Shirley.

[@rachelg785]

Bass Player = Red Symons

[@mrmockatoo6786]

@@rachelg785 Red - rhythm/lead guitar. Greg Macainsh - bass.

[@jgsheehan8810]

@@rachelg785 Bass player = Greg Macainsh

[@rachelg785]

@@mrmockatoo6786 My bad - you are correct.

[@rachelg785]

@@jgsheehan8810 My bad - you are correct.

[@linmonash1244]

Great trek down Memory Lane - LOVED IT. RIP Shirley. God that man could BELT!

[@markjames3522]

It was the Hay Hay It’s Saturday Whispering Jack promotion . John was using Greg Macainsh as he’s bassist at that time with Red Symons in the Hay Hay house band it was a great idea to get Shirley Strachan in for mini Skyhooks reunion

[@jgsheehan8810]

it was so exciting watching this live as an old Skyhooks fan. This shows Johns good nature as his bass player and the hey Hey guitarist (in the suit) were in Skyhooks together - they just needed to invite Shirl to the party! it was a complete setup and i loved it!

[@starlightshimmery]

Yes this was cute loved how Hey Hey always seemed like a get together of mates. We really were spoiled in those days, just took for granted it was normal to have all that great talent rock up every week.

[@jomiiller6297]

So glad you reacted to this. Graham (Shirley) Strachen pronounced Straun was lead singer of Skyhooks who had a massive hit with this. Whilst I love John can sing anything Shirl will always do it better. RIP Shirl

[@KarinainOZ]

One of my fave HHIS memories. They looked like they were having fun, loving their ‘jobs’, mucking around with mates. We should all enjoy our work as much!

[@bradwalkeden306]

Don't know if you remember but you did a reaction of Shirley Strachan singing Living in the 70's which was a sound check. you thought he was a female at first and he walked on stage like he just came from the shops lol

[@PhilippinesCarl]

Amazing Talent right there. Iconic Aus Singers. Funnily enough, both John and Shirley had their stints on TV as I was growing up. John had a show called Bobby Dazzler a Sitcom of all things in 1977 when he was very young. Shirley hosted a Kids TV show called Shirl's Neighbourhood in 1979-1983. I remember sending in some Toenail clippings and a drawing to Claude The Crow for some prizes! lol....great memories..

[@franceskrahe6261]

I loved his kids show, I had a Claude the Crow puppet , I loved that thing so much, lol. I also remember Shirl doing carpentry segments on a home improvement show later in life. I was so sad when he died so tragically, he was a really lovable person to follow. John Farnham had an amazing and unique voice.

[@berranari1]

That theme song (Shirl's Neighbourhood) had great lyrics. "Do you want to start feeling good?" .... "'cause you're in my neighbourhood" 😀His best mate was a kangaroo! I remember Claude the Crow had a verse in the song.

[@carolynh8866]

John also had the Farnham and Byrne show which was awesome. Bobby Dazzler was a bit of a soap/comedy based on a young singer making his way to stardom. Totally hilarious 😂

[@anthonypirera7598]

That was awesome and it shows me how much we miss Shirley he was a great man

[@GENX.80SGIRL]

Shirley straughn passed away suddenly in a helicopter crash in 2001 Nick.. we miss him!! Check out Skyhooks they were really big in the late 70s & early 80s.. legend aussie rock band!!!!

[@robby1816]

And Farnsey is humble enough to just be Shirley's backup singer; letting him sing the song how it was meant to be sung.

[@lyndamac1058]

Wow this August is Shirley's 20 anniversary of his death.. Time certainly goes by all to quickly. I remember it like it was yesterday.

[@lyndamck3446]

This August will be 21 years since Shirley died. A few days after my mum died and 11 days before 9/11 - the day the planes crashed into the World Trade Centre.

[@scratchback2001]

What a terrible lost and 9-11 occured the next month.@@lyndamck3446

[@SwayDarling]

I was on the bus to school when I heard the news he'd died. I was a complete wreak. Love skyhooks!

[@aries898]

As mrmockatoo said, this song was written by the bass player Greg Macainsh, who is/was part of the band skyhooks with Shirley and Red (the guy in the suit on lead)…. He played for John Farnham occasionally in the 1980’s and in this instance they did a whole episode of hey hey it’s Saturday with John and the band providing music. Red was a regular on the show and shirl made a guest appearance in a segment so it made sense to do a duet of sorts… I just love the playfulness of this version to be honest and thank you for taking my request 😁

[@iankearns774]

Dont forget Bongo Starkey on lead guitar and Freddie Strauks on drums.

[@samsta65]

This whole episode of Hey Hey with John was great 😊

[@lovemyrainydays]

Yes! Glad you found your way to this one. My favourite Skyhooks song (Shirl's band) - and man it was brilliant back in the day - Shirl's voice back then was so dead cool.

[@karenstrong8887]

It is so good to see Shirl from Skyhooks and Red with John. Shirl loved to fly helicopters and he died doing it. RIP. John was singing his song and he hands over the microphone and plays the tambourine. They were all good friends. No one was more important than the others.

[@ingridclare7411]

The bassist is the infamous Red Symonds!! Hahaha. Oh lord he's a character. See him in my local supermarket ( inner city Melbourne) getting his groceries for his family ( 3 kids) . The is a Skyhooks original, the band of Red And Shirley.

[@divinemadness7119]

Wow! I don’t remember this being on Hey, Hey! What an absolute gem! Thank you for sharing this with us. John, Shirl (RIP), Lisa, Lindsey & Red and my favourite Skyhooks track - bloody brilliant!

[@sociallyawkwardqueen6303]

I remember the guitarist Red Symons as a really funny comedian on the Australian tv show , Hey Hey it's Saturday. Good memories lol.

[@gwb2012]

R.I.P. Shirley

[@scratchback2001]

Unfotunately Graham Shirley Strachan died in a home made ultra light plane which crashed into the side of a mountain in August 2001. His last name is pronounced STRAWN. He was the front man for an aussie band Skyhooks and were very much loved in Australia. 9-11 happened the following month. He got his knickname Shirley because his curley hair was like Shirley Temples. Look up a lot of skyhooks tracks. Theyre a great band.

[@carissaf6909]

I actually loved Shirley Strachens voice. I loved the song " ego is not a dirty world" and "Horror Movie" catchy timelss favourites, from glam rock band Skyhooks. Also the "No way , shut up, F off" song was Doc Neeson of the Angels, " Am i ever gonna see your face again"

[@kazhausler3430]

Strawn!!!! Is how its said! ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️

[@mjustjeanette7026]

Skyhooks remains one of Australia's best bands ever.

[@George-j8h]

Shirley was the lead singer of skyhooks rest in peace Shirley we will never forget you

[@TazzzieAdventures]

Love Skyhooks RIP Shirley & John in there doing his thing and to put some comedy into the act awesome.

[@bobbiesnodgrass4380]

Graham "Shirley" Strachan (strawn) red Symonds and Greg Macintosh are three original members of the Aussie band skyhooks. In of the top bands in Australia. They are joined in the clip from hey hey it's Saturday by John Farnham and his band.. Graham's nickname Shirley came about cause it looked like he had Shirley temple curls.. Shirley was training to be a helicopter pilot and we lost Shirl in a helicopter crash in dense bushland due to a heavy gust of wind.. It was a bad month for Aussie music that month as a week later we also lost music legend ted Miley from cancer..

[@lynmar77]

Great song from the early seventy’s. I saw them live when I was 12 also playing were Sherbet( lead singer Darryl Braithwaite )

[@4adgray2]

NB This is Shirley's song not John's! 🤪 "Sherbet" were the good boys, but "SKYHOOKS" were the bad boys that ROCKED OUR 70's!!! You need to check them all out! SKYHOOKS: "Horror Story" (about the Vietnam reports on TV), "Balwyn Calling" (we lived in the same suburb), "Living in the 70's", "You just like me cos I'm good in bed", and the most well known ones "Ego (is not a dirty word)", and "All My Friends are Getting Married" SHERBET's Best was "Howzatt" (a nod to our 1970s Cricket phenomenon 20/20 matches) Yet more Rabbit Holes for you! Chookas! 💖

[@margiewhitehead2453]

Mr . Singers reactions are the best !

[@1dalmac]

Shirley was the lead singer of a band called Skyhooks and this song is one of theirs.

[@georgeibrahim7945]

RIP Shirley

[@its_Today_]

Yeah, that note, that Shirley misses at the end? Do yourself a favour Dom, Go Back To Earlier Version, It Is Incredible when Sung As Intended!! God, he had Such a Soaring Voice earlier days.. This was a later, hurts my Soul Knowing How Extraordinary It Was!! Truly wish you’d hear THAT at the this time but he’d Retired for awhile,just couldn’t hit it But man, damn. Best memories of days When, and Here, just to see him Perform, was Big News at the time.. Thx man, Loved this Cheers 🍻

[@samsta65]

Nick, this is the song you saw on the side on the sound check I sent you of Shirley Strachan. You couldn’t decide if he was male or female for a few minutes 😊

[@berranari1]

Like you I discovered Shirl's music and Skyhooks long after the 1970's. This music can be used to time travel back to that period. One song is actually called "Living in the seventies"!

[@robertthomson2159]

Shirley was so well-loved in Australia.

[@KatherineBright]

So the band is Skyhooks and Shirley Strachan is singing their song with John Farnham guesting. The guitarist with the tongue out is Red Symons. Seen these guys a few times live in the 70s. Known for their risque lyrics.

[@heathercraig526]

I'd forgotten this...wow..thankyou for great.memories❤❤❤👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@queenslanddiva]

The bass player is Red Symons. He and Shirl were in Skyhooks. Another great rabbit hole for you to go down.

[@juliannerobinson3845]

I don't remember this but OMG its so great. Love Skyhooks love John.

[@leemackie8434]

It’s Shirley’s song 🤣🤣🤣🤣👏👏👏👏👏💗💗

[@teresaharvey9447]

Bass player Greg MacIntosh wrote Women In Uniform. Great to see Shirley Greg & Red Symons, the tongue sticking out guitar player back together again. Just need Freddie & Bob there & Skyhooks reunion

[@katea6885]

Hey, I'm pretty sure I remember seeing this at the time! It was well after Skyhooks broke up; Shirl had a TV show and Red Symons, the lead guitarist, was playing in the house band on the variety show 'Hey Hey it's Saturday' and was famous for his grumpy arsehole persona as one of the judges for the talent show segment 'Red Faces.' When the host Darryl introduced the song I remember thinking it was pretty cheeky of John to cover a Skyhooks song in Red's house. Then I wondered why it was in the original key, because it didn't really suit John's voice. And *then* Shirley came out of nowhere in one of those very non-rock-band jumpers he wore on TV and tapped John on the shoulder and I realised, hang on, Johnny-boy's having a bit of fun again. You never knew what he'd do next when you went to one of his shows. He has a wicked sense of humour and would crack jokes and play gags like nobody's business.

[@JoeSweeneybigjoe]

He is amazing live even still now!!!! He can still belt out all the tunes. even a an ACDC tune.

[@kallimoore3817]

Thanks Nick. I hope someone requests the original version. Skyhooks were awesome.👍

[@aries898]

I love this *shirley takes over* John: It’s my show! MY SHOW! 🤣🤣🤣 Hamming it up

[@kimbennett2369]

I miss our Shirl so much. He was gorgeous & brilliantly lovable😓❤️🇭🇲🦜

[@MrFavoursongs]

I am / wS SO blessed to grown up in 70z and 80z B L E S S E D

[@flip8702]

I also see David Hirschfelder on keyboard in this. Great composer. 👍

[@Minty77777]

Love Shirl from living in the 70’s days till the end. I actually think he had it over John in this one 🎤

[@gbsailing9436]

LLLLLLLLOOOOOOONNNNNNNNGGGGGGGgggggg before "KISS" was a thing in the States...there was RED Simons, his tongue and Shirley Strachan (Straw...n)!!! RIP Shirl and "Skyhooks"....

[@renzy5270]

THe back up singer youre referring to is Lisa Edwards,who had success of her own in the early 90s with her cover of the song (you make me want to) Cry Well worth a look

[@StumpyTales]

You previously did a reaction to Shirl doing a soundcheck song (I forget which song it was). Strachan pronounced "Strawn".

[@meganjordon]

Wasn't it Living in the 70's?

[@samsta65]

Yes it was my request. Living in the 70s

[@aries898]

Living in the 70’s live in Melbourne 1988 soundcheck I think

[@traceyanderson7489]

I’ve seen John miss the mike stand a couple times, it’s rare.

[@goldstandardmusic3684]

You need to see Skyhooks (Shirley's band) do this 💥

[@christineyates2618]

Shirley or shirl was a name given to any man with long hair back in the day, and it's Strac - an. Shirley decided to learn to fly his own chopper, he didn't last long after that.

[@onlymelbourne2842]

this song was written by the bassist in this Mr Greg McCainsh also this song was covered by Iron Maiden back in the 80s and the guitarist next to shirley is Red Symons another member of Skyhooks you have 1/3 of the band on stage

[@muzza1967]

originally a Skyhooks song. The first album I ever bought was Skyhooks "Living in the 70's"

[@terryaustin1422]

Only realising how much ya miss hearing Shirl on the radio and that many years on. Skyhooks was known to absolutely everyone I've met with a musical inclination sad day when he passed. Skyhook are a great fun band always good for giving you a smile. You won't e able to do a reaction but watch the film clip to you just like me cause I'm good in bed and yes that is a real song by the Skyhooks

[@kathymason9730]

This song was also covered by Iron Maiden, I have the 12" single of it.

[@hollygranger3734]

So good!

[@mariadore7000]

Would love for you to react to one of Skyhooks greatest……”Horror Movie”…. It’s message is timeless…..

[@belindasmith9638]

The guy with the tongue 😝 is "RED" from hey hey its Saturday. Red faces..

[@antheabrouwer3258]

John Farham is incredible with his songs. But Shirley owns his own songs. You gotta see Skyhooks perform this in the 70's. Gold!!

[@TheNakedWombat]

Skyhooks was a glam rock band. One of my favourites of their songs is Smut.

[@svensshed1564]

Shirl was an absolute hero of mine and I was driving to work when I heard Shirl had been killed. I had to pull the car over and cry and I then just went home for 3 days.

[@becwrites]

Red Symons - Hey Hey It’s Saturday 🤣🤣🤣

[@dee-smart]

Shirl died in a helicopter accident in August 2001. He was the lead of Skyhooks. Before that he was a chippie (carpenter) and surfie (surf board rider). Sharyn Scott is right - pronounced not like Strachan, but like Strawn! Red Symons on the electric guitar used to be in a talent show called HEY HEY IT'S SATURDAY as a judge. He had a dong at the back of him made of copper and he used to strike it when he didn't want to continue hearing the act that was up there. He notoriously gave really low marks to the 'talent'. Got a funny feeling Paul Hogan was an act once off the top of my head. He played Crocodile Dundee, remember?

[@dee-smart]

@@serenepeacefulrelaxingmusi3874 Right. I was born in 1960 and should know that. Had a cloudy moment LOL!!

[@racheltrezise1132]

That's why Daryl had the blue card with the "2" written on it 😅

[@moniquem783]

Ahhh, double acid wash denim. Brings back memories 😂

[@JudeAussie]

RIP ‘Shirl’ 😔❤️

[@carissaf6909]

Iron Maiden did a cover of this song.

[@eggy4152]

If you are wondering what John was say to Shirley, when Shirley took over is it my show over again, because John just did a big tour of Europe in 87,88 ,the show that they were on was called hey hey its Saturday, no longer on any more.

[@eggy4152]

And John also said mongrel as well,be 4 he walks to Lisa Edwards,& Lindsay fields his back up singers.

[@giuseppesavaglio8136]

John may be the voice...but this is Shirley's song and no one sings it better. Aussies at their best. Great reaction. The audio does not showcase Shirley's or John's voices in this song...oh well still better than most modern music😁😁.

[@teresaclark3291]

Ahh.. Shirley is no longer with us.. Skyhooks another amazing Aussie bands..

[@barbaramartin6018]

Red Symonds guitarist, he is brilliant 👏 👌 😀

[@GrahamEdwards-p2u]

John and Tom Jones singing acapella on Hey Hey its Saturday is worth a look

[@morbius076j]

John Farnham Bridge over troubled water is a song you need to listen to. It’s phenomenal!!!!

[@renzy5270]

Favourite skyhooks song

[@michaelfreedman1006]

You gotta watch some of their early live stuff - Livin in the 70's....

[@alandoherty1332]

Women in uniform is a skyhooks song, shirley was the lead singer.

[@claireadams3814]

Where do you find these crazy old songs from...my childhood!!?

[@ceepax6197]

You really have to revisit the early Skyhooks material to appreciate Shirl' extraordinary high tenor range. Even for the1980's Skyhooks reunion tour, he was no longer going for the notes he was hitting ib the bands heyday in the 70's.

[@4adgray2]

Lisa Edwards and Lindsay Field are his 2 main backing vocalists and have been with him since he formed his solo career 1980. As have Angus Burchell on drums and Brett Garsed on guitar and others who have drifted in and out.

[@aries898]

I believe this might be possibly one of the first times Lisa sang for him? By the dates this occurred in between the whispering jack tour and the jacks back tour, of which Lisa doesn’t appear to be a part of, but then she shows up again on age of reason…. There’s a full length version of this show on KZbin dated 1st August 1987 Forgive me if I am wrong though

[@firecrakka]

...and David Hirschfelder on piano.

[@4adgray2]

@@aries898 Thank you, I stand corrected. I presumed they'd been with him from the start, but on further investigation the line up we're used to seeing support him joined him for the 1988 released album of "Age of Reason" and the following tour, although he first sang with Lindsay in 1985. However, Brett did do the guitar on the 1986 album "Whispering Jack" with David Hirschfelder on keys.

[@microfichestix5779]

And don't forget the legendary Venetta Fields!

[@aries898]

@@4adgray2 yeh - Lindsay and Venetta joined for the whispering jack tour, so hypothetically you could say Lindsay has been there from the beginning of Johns ‘revival’ too 😁

[@Rosannasfriend]

Please do more of the Shirley person. I’m curious about him.

[@lyndamck3446]

Someone pronounce their surname as Strackan but Shirley pronounced his surname "Strawn".

[@suefraser3611]

I was thinking why is Red Symonds on stage? Oh duh he was in Skyhooks too 🤪

[@Lovebug06901]

Women in uniform, "Skyhooks" set piece. Was also covered by Iron Maiden .

[@debracadman4212]

Our John Farnham singing here is very sick in hospital rite now as l write this,please send hom all your prayers❤x