The story of THE REEELERS begins in 1992 when crew member Jimmy Parbuckle (alias James Parbery) formed a band aboard the British sailing ship, Soren Larsen during a voyage from Australia to England (by way of Cape Horn!). When the ship arrived in Liverpool eleven months after leaving Sydney the band made its public debut, performing live on Merseyside radio and on the docks of Liverpool.
The Reeelers then performed in every port of call on Soren’s European tour, which culminated at St. Katherine’s Dock in London, followed by a recording session at Waterlogged Studios on the River Thames. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, the historic tall ship, James Craig was slowly being restored, and after her recommissioning in 2001 a new band was formed amongst the crew.
THE JAMES CRAIG REEELERS have performed mostly at sea and on Sydney harbour, also at functions alongside, such as The World Ship Trust Award (before the Governor-General of Australia), the inaugural Sydney Harbour Awards, and numerous wild parties! They have also ventured ashore, even as far inland as the National Folk Festival in Canberra! The Reeelers sailed to Hobart in James Craig in 2005, where they launched their debut album. Upon return, they played for Angela Catterns’ Breakfast Show, live on ABC Radio.
