Effective period / Period of releases: 2006

Members: Mike Andrews (3), Peter Baylor, Andy Baylor, Rick Dempster, Paul Neuendorf

"The Dancehall Racketeers was formed in June 1981 by Rick Dempster and my older brother Andy Baylor. The original line-up (which included Paul Neuendorf, Graeme Thomas and the Andrews brothers, Mike and Steve) made a big impact on Melbourne and Sydney, but unfortunately broke up after only seven months. After a twelve month hiatus, Rick and Andy sought about keeping it going, knowing that it still had unfulfilled potential. They were right, and with a new line-up that included my younger brother Peter, Ed Colbourne, Ian Hayes and I, it grew quickly and we were soon busy in a way that is hard to comprehend now. Rick and Andy were definitely our musical mentors and had the experience and knowledge to create and run a working band."
Donal Baylor