CODA played at a huge variety of gigs both in Geelong and regional Victoria.The Trio was formed when Joe returned from his 5-year work post in Horsham. After sacking an unsuccessful drummer, we managed to recruit a very young school-boy aged 15, through a local music school located at the top of Moorabool street. His name was Michael Stangel and he also played for his school band.
Rob and Joe were suitably impressed with his skills, and saw huge potential here. The only problem was that Michael was a minor, and consequently, needed to gain the trust and parental consent to take him to the various gigs. Given he was an only child, it wasn’t all that easy. After much rehearsing, we were ready to hit the road and the bookings started coming in fast. Our popularity was such that Haze Music placed us in equal top billing with Haze Brothers, along with several other talented Bands, which earned us lots of well paid shows.
Michael’s parent would tag along in the early days, but eventually realised that their son was in “good hands” and blessed our union – lol. In our heyday we were constantly booked up to two years ahead, 3-4 days a week, whilst holding down our full-time jobs. If we had a cloned band, it would’ve been just as busy, from all the work we knocked back…and cash was king back then.
After 4.5 years in CODA, Michael decided he wanted to pursue his musical career further and go full time. Joe being a family man by then, couldn’t commit to full time music and touring. So Rod Hoe took over drumming for the remainder of our bookings for 1987. After that the band folded. Joe took a year’s break, and Rob went on to form several rock bands. All 3 of us remained close and for a while we would have an annual “Coda Reunion”. Its safe to say that our group was probably the pinnacle of our young musical lives.
Sadly, we lost Rob a few years ago due to ill health. So the GMR in October will be a reunion in memory of our musical brother. May he Rest in Peace.
