Ayers Rock (band)

Ayers Rock (band)

Ayers Rock were an Australian jazz fusion, progressive rock band which formed in 1973. They issued three albums, Big Red Rock (1974), Beyond (1976) and Hot Spell (1980) before disbanding in 1981. Early members were Ray Burton on guitar and vocals, Duncan McGuire on bass guitar, and Mark Kennedy on drums who formed a trio Burton McGuire & Kennedy in June 1973. In August, after James Doyle had joined on lead guitar, the group changed their name to Ayers Rock. The group disbanded in 1981, according to Australian rock music historian, Ian McFarlane, the members "were seen as 'musician's musicians'. The band issued a series of technically proficient recordings, but in the long run any quest for commercial acceptance was marred by the seriousness of the music".