Biography
Christchurch-based 4-piece pop-rock group featuring Peter Cooke, Anton Jenner, Johnny Brinson and Richard Hlavac. A short lived 4 piece who had an EP and an appearance on Pagan’s Kiwifruit Salad compilation under their belts before disappearing in 1984.
Anton Jenner was also in The Solatudes and the group regularly played alongside the Dance Exponents.
After winning a local band competition in 1982 the group recorded ‘The Jenner Affair’:
A TVNZ Shazam televised concert in May 1984 (with The Mockers, The Body Electric and Netherworld Dancing Toys) promised bigger things but momentum was finally lost when guitarist Peter Cooke fractured two fingers when an amplifier fell on him.
Audio Culture profile on The Wastrels
The group were touted as the next big thing (after the success of The Dance Exponents), but never kicked on to wider success
Members
- Peter Cooke (Guitar/Vocals, 1982 – 1984)
- Anton Jenner (The Solatudes, Vocals, 1982 – 1984)
- Johnny Brinson (Bass, 1982 – 1984)
- Richard Hlavac (Drums, 1982 – 1984)
Discography
- Out of Sea 12″ Single (1983, Hit Singles, HITM011)
- The Jenner Affair EP (1983, Hit Singles, HITM010)
My Brother Jonathan Brinson was in the Wastrels and I knew all the other members of the band to. Peter Cooke who was in the band has a sister Judy and she taught my son at Ilam Primary
I remember you Rachael
The Wastrels were great. Jonathon was a friend of mine. Do you have news of him?
I have been living away from NZ for quite some time.
richard van der Aa
I lived in a lively shared house in Dryburgh st North Melbourne circa 87-88
with Peter Cooke (ex Wastrel).We had many a late night listening to and discussing the finer points of rock and roll ! I well remember Peter taking exception to the drum machines and cold production of The The’s Infeected
(fair call!) but loved me playing my Byrds albums especially Sweetheart of the Rodeo. All round good bloke !
I’ve had plenty to do with Peter over the years and slept at Dryburgh St in 1986 and Carrington St in Coogee later, he’s a 60’s child