The Stray Dags a feminist post-punk band with reggae and ska influences was formed in Sydney in the late 70s. The bands first gig was at the Toucan Cafe in Glebe with a few songs including ”Jenny the Jillaroo” and ”Elsie Blues”, about the Elsie women’s refuge. During these early years, the Dags played regular Thursday nights at the Sussex Hotel and monthly rent dances to support the Women’s Warehouse at the Haymarket. They also toured Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Melbourne. The Dags performed at Frock Rock in 1982, a Sydney Festival women’s music event at the Sydney Town Hall and Petersham Town Hall with women’s bands from Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne.
In 1983 they released an album ‘Lemons Alive!’, which featured a range of lesbian-feminist songs, including ”Het Jungle”, ”Avon Calling” and ”Rude Girls”. The album went to number one in the independent album charts. Both the single ”Self Attack” and the album were well supported by 2JJ and community radio. They disbanded in 1984 but have done the odd reunion gig since. Chris Burke died in 2016.
Members
Tina Harris (vocals/guitar), Chris Burke (drums), Celeste Howden (bass),
Mystery Carnage (vocals/percussion) Ludo McFerran (sax)
