ABSTRACT
Melbourne's counterculture happened in the 1960s, but in some ways came to fruition into the 1970s. The Sharpies were an integral part of this scene. The Sharpies were a network of Melbourne gangs, characterised by Italian fashion, sharp' looks, fierce music and high levels of violence on tribal grounds that was directed at out-groups like hippies. The Sharpies were mostly white, working-class youths who wore distinctive clothing knitted cardigans and jumpers, known as Connies', manufactured locally by textile companies in suburban Brunswick. Lobby Loyde was born John Basingdon Lyde at Longreach, Queensland in 1941. His guitar work covers the entire span of rock music from Ventures style covers to the rhythm and blues of The Purple Hearts to the psychedelia of the Wild Cherries, Chicago blues with the Aztecs, Sharp music with the Coloured Balls, progressive rock with Southern Electric and so on.
