As the seventies hurtled headlong into the dirge decade, the one bright light in Adelaide, later shedding its

Standing out amongst its pop oriented contemporaries, MOONSHINE JUG AND STRING BAND erupted

from an atmosphere of blandness, spreading its good time salute to the fundamental skiffle, jug and string

rebel music of the thirties and forties.

The band raised a ruckus in Adelaide for almost two and a half years and sparked a revival in jug and string

music, a revival that culminated in headlining their own shows, and eventually featuring in numerous pop

festivals. A major highlight for them was playing at Melbourne’s infamous T.F. Much More Ballroom with the

Those of us who were around in Adelaide in those days could never forget the mania that enveloped

Adelaide in 1972, due to the fun evoked by the band. For those who were not around, there is nothing today

that could compare to the madness, the pure skiffle infection.

Formed in North Adelaide in 1971, MOONSHINE JUG AND STRING BAND first rehearsed in the basement

of St Mark's Church, with 9 members, but eventually cut back to just 5 as their sound and style evolved.

With zany antics, wild clothes and boundless humour the group showcased many instruments including

guitar, banjo, mandolin, kazoo, harmonica, washboard, washtub bass, tuba, trombone, piano, fiddle, cello,

jaw harp, and, of course, the jug …….the jug …….Don't forget the jug.

MOONSHINE JUG AND STRING BAND today works as a four piece band with three original members:

John Brewster - guitar, harmonica and vocals

Rick Brewster - washboard, vocals, jug and guitar

Spencer Tregloan - banjo, tenor guitar, vocals and kazoo

Paul Robert Burton - double bass, vocals, percussion, ukelin,

guitar & ocarinas

In January 2008 The Moonshine Jug & String Band re-united and joined forces

with upright bass player Paul Robert Burton to record their first album in over

15 years, “No Place Like Home”.

2004 Darling Harbour Jazz Festival

2004/2005 Australia Day Festival Darling Harbour

2008 Port Fairy Folk Festival