Greg Lyon was born in Stawell, Victoria and grew up in Melboune. Studied guitar and piano . Formed early bands with fellow music student Ray Smith [guitar] -first gigs at age 13. Attended Trinity Grammar School and University of Melbourne , studying Law before leaving and becoming a full-time musician. 60's bands included The Deakins ,who had a couple of hits in the 60's. Played organ and guitar and often backed pop artists [ Little Johnny Farnham and Olivia Newtown-John..] around the busy Melbourne dancehall circuit.
1969-1973 moved to SE Asia and worked in Japan,Guam,Hong Kong,Vietnam and Bangkok . Lots of musical work around due in part to US forces on leave from the Vietnam war.Mainly playing bass now -worked with Australians Noel Quinlan [gtr] and Basil Green [piano] , an Italian band -The Roberto Fracassini Band - and later with NZ singer Peter Nelson [of The Castaways] where he met Jim Kelly and Michael Kenny [ later to become Crossfire buddies ] and keyboardist Lance Dixon [Max Merritt / Ram Jam Big Band]
1973-74 lived in London , working freelance in a variety of gigs including touring Europe with US singer/songwriter Tim Hardin who was based in the UK at the time - and projects with Aussie trombonist Peter Thoms ,who works for the Musician's Union in London now.
1974-1985 Spent 10 wonderful years in Sydney ,which was a great city for music at the time. Helped form the jazz-fusion band Crossfire in 1975 [see Crossfire page] , which had much success and critical acclaim , recording several albums and touring nationally and internationally . During this time he was one of the first-call session bassists in Sydney as well, playing hundreds of dates on recordings, jingles, TV shows and movie sountracks, and working with many fine artists in many different fields of music. Credits include : Renee Geyer, Ricky May, Doug Parkinson, Glenn Shorrock , Georgie Fame , Ben Sidran,Jimmy Witherspoon, Barry Leef, Richard Clapton,Doug Ashdown,John Schuman Graeme Connors,Ray Burton and many others. Writer/producers included Mike Perjanik, Pat Aulton, Alan Dean and Bob 'Beetles' Young .
1985- 2010 With the arrival of his son Sam, moved to Byron Bay in northern New South Wales [ about 800 kms north of Sydney] - now a wonderfully vibrant musical and creative area with a fantastic climate and relaxed lifestyle.. Far from retiring , Greg completed university studies and has taught in the Contemporary Music course at Southern Cross University in Lismore since 1988, for many years as a fulltime lecturer, and more recently as a casual academic. He continues an active musical career- performing ,recording , writing and producing .
The East Coast Bluesfest is an annual highlight in Byron Bay , and has offered the oppotunity to perform with artists like Elvin Bishop ,Norton Buffalo, Jon Cleary , Maria Muldaur, Screamin' Jay Hawkins,Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Earl King and more recently Rodriguez. Many older profeesionals from many parts of the world now call Byron Bay home , and the music course at Southern Cross University means there are many fine and enthusiastic younger players around as well.
A typical week these days includes a couple of days teaching / working with younger musicians, two or three performances, some time writing ,rehearsing or recording in his studio, a little work around the house and if possible some quality time on Suffolk Park beach.
