The Phantom

I am enjoying your website and wanted to say that I just love The Phantom. I had never seen Country Goss' before, but I am enjoying it immensely. The Phantom obviously had good connections or was heavily involved in the country music industry. The cryptic nature of the column certainly lends an air of "is this true or not?" I don't suppose you could tell us who it is and how they came to be connected with Country Goss'? Anyway, looking forward to my next Phantom fix.

Dan Barrie

Clayton, VIC

Dan, "It" is a good way to start! Some say the Phantom was just a shattered soul discarded from the pages of a Stephen King novel or pretentious glossy country music magazine, left to roam in search of acceptance, but shunned by all. Drawn to the sorry songs and deep shadows of smoke-filled country bars and illegal gin joints, the Phantom lurked, listened and loathed. Legend has it, tucked away in a damp dark corner of a sleazy gin joint in Geelong one night reflecting on how sad country songs were, a ball of crumpled discarded paper caught the Phantom's eye. Discreetly retrieving the scrunched-up ball, the Phantom proceeded to gently unfold it revealing the name - Country Goss' edition #1. It is said, the normally eerie blank eyes became luminous and transfixed and that those seated within earshot could hear faint mumblings coming from the dark corner: "Behold the Phantom the Ghost who Stalks, behold the Phantom the Ghost who Squawks, the Secrets and Stories I've chanced Across, will soon fill the Pages of this Country Goss'". True!​

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Curious

Flicking through the March/April issue of Country Goss', I was curious to know if the businesses Pandarra Trading Company, Hi Fi Vision, Country Connection, Blue Ribbon Saddlery and The Strand Hatter are still around?

Joanne

Orange, NSW

Hi Joanne, Pandarra's closed a considerable time ago. In fact, Oxford St Darlinghurst where Pandarra once traded is now a huge building site, HiFi Vision's owner John Penhallow has retired, Country Connection may have ceased business. However, we believe the Strand Hatter and Blue Ribbon Saddlery are still operational. We are told that these businesses and many others, experienced a whole new market by advertising through Country Goss' over the years.

 

Real Time Accounts

Congratulations to the people behind this website for providing a genuine history of line dancing in Australia. Too often we read distorted facts and timelines however it is the "real time" accounts from those directly involved in this historical piece that makes for compulsory reading. The timelines, the venues, the dancers, the instructors and most importantly - a tangible reference to the very first dances that were introduced and taught in Australia through the Bootscoot Manual. ​Geoff Perkins, Ian Wilby, Trevor Smith and his brother Mark, are now names that will live on forever in line dance history along with all the others that followed quickly afterwards. ​I am looking forward to reading Trevor's personal account of this history in the later edition of Country Goss' but I'm sure you have done the article proud with your highlights. So, thank you.

Andy Flemming

Ryde, NSW

Andy, thank you for your letter. This also gives us an opportunity to ask our readers if they have any photos of those early years - the 80's, we would love to see them, especially of Geoff Perkins, Ian Wilby & Alan Hibberd.

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Sorry, I'm 30 Years Too Late

I would like to respond (although I'm probably 30 years too late) to the Letter from M. Johnstone in the Country Goss' last issue regarding the system used for judging at the Line Dancing Championships. The writer points out that when a judge scores a duo, one of the criteria judged against is "unity of team" which goes up to 10 points. But because the section also includes Trio (Duo/Trio), one would assume 3 people dancing in unity would be a lot harder than 2 people dancing in unity and therefore have scope to score more points ie 15 points max. I totally agree and can understand now why there was so much angst happening back in the day. No idea how it is done these days. Regards.

Cheryl

Mudgee, NSW

Um, hopefully M.Johnstone is reading this response 30 years later Cheryl!

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Longest Line

Thank you for the ABC video on the 1995 Longest Line in Tamworth last issue. So many familiar faces from days gone by. 

Jean

Newcastle, NSW

A record breaking 1,206 dancers!

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Peel St in 1995

Just finished reading the March and April update for Country Goss'. The picture with Kath Mcmanamon and the long view down Peel St reveals so much about how the Festival has grown. The additional pictures and videos that are provided with each update are superb. But boy, time has gone fast!

Kelly Sweetman

Keilor, VIC

 We have been very fortunate in having so much more material available to us that would not have been available to the Editor at the time. However, as the magazine progresses and more content fills its pages, there will be less of us, especially when it moves into its very large newspaper format.

 

Spot The Celebrity

In the March edition you had a photo from New Zealand asking who the circled celebrity could be. Is it Josh Talbot? I also recognised Eddy May but unsure of the person under the cowboy hat.

Pat

Kurnell, NSW

Good spotting Pat.

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Line Dance Origins

To the team behind Line Dance History Australia. I am really enjoying the development of the Line Dance Origins Page. Each update contains something new. South Australia's origins were particularly interesting as was the history of the music used back in the early 80's. Looking forward to John Bishop's story on Melbourne and hopefully down the track, something on WA. Keep up the good work. 

Stewart Waugh

Cremorne, NSW

Your feedback is appreciated by our team.

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Mother And Daughter

I was fascinated to see that Melinda Schneider's mother - Mary, was a part of the Bootscoot Manual with her song Mule Skinner Blues for the dance Ten Step. I had never heard of the dance Ten Step, however the song is absolutely fabulous. Thank you for providing a link to the song on the site.

Les

Cambridge Park, NSW

Both exceptional performers.

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Slappin' Leather

One of my all-time favourite dances from the Bootscoot Manual is Slap Leather. The music we use is Sawyer Brown's The Race Is On. It is very fast! Really enjoy the website and reading the old news. Regards.

Deborah 

Wodonga, VIC

I've had a listen to the song Deb, and it is indeed very fast!

 

Music Suggestions

I was reading the music choices for the dances in Maxcy Moon's Bootscoot Manual and you were asking what music others might use. Two of the dances I recognised were Slap Leather and Tahoe Kick. My old teacher used Boys from the Bush by Lee Kernaghan for Slap Leather and  Down at the Twist and Shout by Mary Chapin Carpenter for Tahoe Kick. 

Joanne Clements

Balcatta, WA

Thank you Joanne, they're both great songs.

 

Bootscoot Manual

Just wanted to thank you for adding the original music to most of the Bootscoot Manual dances. I have been trying each of them out and love them. They obviously had so much fun back then when it was all so new. Thanks again.

Barbara Quinn

St Kilda, VIC

Thank you for the feedback Barbara.

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Hard To Believe

Thoroughly enjoyed the latest LDHA update and of course the Country Goss'. Hard to believe it was all 30 years ago as it just seems like yesterday. The Dance of the Year back then was Girls Night Out. Each time I go back to re-read it I find something new. Thanks.

Kelly

Springwood, NSW

Thank you for your letter Kelly.

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Set The Mood

What a great website. You have asked readers for any additional news or photos for the website that may be appropriate. I hope these photos I have sent are useable. I would also like to offer a suggestion about setting the mood with each of the Country Goss' supplements that you publish. By that I mean with each Country Goss' that comes out, can you let us know what the most popular dance or song was at that time, sort of a "wow, I had forgotten about that dance" or "I had forgotten about that song". Just a suggestion.

Thank you.

Sue Bolton

Frankston, VIC

Hi Sue, thank you for the photos, we will sort through them for their appropriate timeline. With regards to your "set the mood" suggestion, the team have picked up on your idea and ran with it. After viewing charts and other historical records, we have gone back through the last few issues of Country Goss' and included the most popular song and dance at that time. Picking just one song was hard but hopefully it rekindles some good memories. Be sure to have a look!

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Goss' Hoarders

Hi there, we still have every edition of Country Goss' and since learning of the Line Dance History Australia website we are now pulling them back out to read. Some of the later editions are extremely big so we're not sure how you are going to reproduce them for the website.

Regards,

Kim and Robert

Clayfield, QLD

My goodness, every issue of Country Goss'. Amazing!  Those bigger issues will definately be a challenge for us.

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I'm Seeing RED

Just a short comment on that last issue of Country Goss, the red one. I quite liked it. It wasn't that difficult to read and really stood out. I'm looking forward to all the following colourful editions.

Joanne Baxter

Umina, NSW

Well Joanne, there are 3 more colours to come before the magazine moves to its new format. We hope you like them too.

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Bootscoot Manual Music

I have been following Line Dance History now since it first went online and I absolutely love it. Thank you for sending me the updates. The dances in the Bootscoot Manual do not have the song that the dance goes to. Can you recommend a song for each of those dances?

Regards.

Barbara Quinn

St Kilda, VIC 

Hi Barbara, great letter. The Manual was in a bad state of repair and whilst there were "suggested" song scribbles, there was no singer or band referenced and so we weren't 100% sure which song was right. We have since delved deeper into names, artists and release dates and believe we now have the right music for at least 10 of the 17 dances. We have now updated both the Original Bootscoot Manual and Line Dance Origins pages accordingly.

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Just Right

With all the drama about Melinda Schneider being denied Award nominations by the CMAA because her song WASN'T traditional country, how many people might have missed this - In a column of Country Goss', The Phantom spoke of how on the 1995 Billy Joel Australian tour, his national support act, Troy Cassar-Daley was supposedly bumped from the bill after just 2 shows because wait for it........ he was TOO COUNTRY! What in the hell were they all smoking back in '95.......too country, not country enough!

Paul

Glenelg, SA

Paul, this has just come in from The Phantom:

"They were smoking Country Lights, American Blend.  Apparently, these were JUST RIGHT"! 

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Kimmee, Look At Moi

The Country Goss article "Mulray" CG Jan/Feb 1995 unknowingly sums up the argument itself of whether Tighten Up Your Pants was country or not. It talks about blending fiddle, banjo, yodeling and line dancing with an "up-tempo techno beat". It's definately the techno beat the stands out the strongest with the yodeling providing an unusual "Kimmee look at moi" twist. Throwing those dudes in doing their line dancing added to the country visual appeal of the song.

Dawn McLoughlin

Emerald, QLD

Dawn, you cracked us up with the Kimmee, look at moi quote. We can't stop saying it now!

 

Game Changer

Hi Line Dance History Australia. I am loving the additional news and pictures and videos that your team is publishing with each issue of Country Goss'. The magazine was a real game changer back in the day but the addition of the videos are a real insight into that period of time. Thanks.

Corrine,

Stanthorpe, QLD

Thanks for the feedback Corrine. The team work hard at trying to tie it all together.

 

Country Music Radio 

I was reading through some old Country Goss' and was amazed at the amount of country music radio stations that were advertised back then. I don't think there are too many left these days?

Shona

Coffs Harbour, NSW

Good question Shona. We will soon be bringing readers a history of country music radio past and present with Kelvin Dale. 

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​Where has the time gone?

Thank you for such a great website. It has bought back many memories for us re-reading the Country Goss'. The Reg Lindsay Rodeo and Country Music Weekends, the Farm Hand Appeal, the Hunter Valley Dance Championships, the music reviews, the letters and that cheeky bugger The Phantom. Oh my, time goes so fast, we still cannot believe the news is 30 years old and still so enjoyable! 

Sarah 

Scone, NSW

Yes, 30 years old Sarah and still just as entertaining.

 

Bring Back The Yodel

What a kerfuffle over nothing. If Tighten Up Your Pants was released today it would be nominated for Awards across all categories of music - especially country! The uproar of the day would have been such a huge disappointment for Melinda and her band back then. Just look at the many types of entertainers in the country music industry today, their styles, their appearances, their songs, their tattoos, oh shock horror! We've come such a long way from the industry's "closed shop" days of yesteryear. Melinda's track was (and still is) such a great anthem for night clubs, parties, school discos and line dancers. Her voice and yodeling was so good. Bring it back I say!

Dave Collins

Craigieburn, VIC

Could we have yodeling in the national anthem Dave, that would be inspiring!

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Technically Not Country

I have just finished watching the two videos of Melinda Schneider singing Tighten Up Your Pants. I can understand now why the CMAA did not accept her nomination for a Country Music Award. While it had the yodeling which is very unique, it wasn't your typical country tune. The clips however were terrific to watch. A bit too much strobing and technical effects from the Doug Mulray Show clip but we still loved watching the dancers in both videos.  

Terry 

Strathfield, NSW

So pleased you enjoyed the videos, Terry.

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More Please

As a new subscriber to Line Dance History Australia, I am thoroughly enjoying the website. It's a pity though that you don't publish more regularly.

Thank you.

Carol

Petrie, QLD

Thanks Carol. It does take quite a bit of work getting each new issue up and ready and we are publishing the Country Goss' bi-monthly exactly as it was 30 years ago to the day.

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Hmmm

Melinda Schneider can yodel. Her song Tighten Up Your Pants had a bit of everything - country, techno, rap, pop, yodel. It even had line dancing. Never seen anyone line dance to yodel before. So yes, maybe it was country, no was it techno, no hang on, maybe......? 

Kevin Hart

Springwood, NSW

Let us know when you make up your mind Kevin.

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Definately Not Country

Just got through reading the January/February issue and wanted to respond to your question about the track Tighten Up Your Pants being country or not country. Well, its definately not country. Don't even know why you would bother asking the question as it is techno music.

Neil Hill

Lidcombe, NSW

Thanks Neil. We like to be democratic.

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75 Years Young

I thoroughly enjoy watching all the videos and reading about the history of line dancing on your website. I only started line dancing after my husband passed away several years ago. I enjoy the friendship and social aspect. I am somewhat disappointed that I did not get involved earlier as I am now nearly 75 years old. Regards.

Margaret 

Brisbane, QLD

Hi Maragret. Line dancing really is the secret to the fountain of youth. 75 this year but only 74 next year!

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​Friendships Forever

What a treat. One of the many things I used to look forward to when Country Goss' was in print, were the many line dance holidays that were advertised. Travelling either throughout Australia or overseas. My wife and I were very fortunate in meeting so many lovely dancers on several of the trips, creating friendships that we still maintain today. We do not dance any more but still want to thank you for all the memories. We will be looking forward to the regular updates.

Colin and Barbara,

Townsville, QLD

Ian, we are pleased that you can now re-live all of those great memories through Line Dance History Australia.

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A Bit Crappy?

Love the site. Had to jump on the keyboard and thank you for re-introducing everyone to the Country Goss'. I know the on-line editions are still relatively new and few, published bi-monthly to replicate the timing of 30 years ago, however back in the day at its peak, Country Goss' was the talk of every dance class - "did you read this, did you read that, who did you think they were referring to in Believe it or Not, what about that outrageous letter in the Bushwire from so and so".........it was just the best read around and strongly supported by the record companies and advertisers. Started out a bit crappy (sorry, I know they had to start somewhere) but boy it grew quickly. If you wanted to know about Copyright, Licencing, AMCOS or ARIA then just read Country Goss', if you wanted to know what was happening with line dancing across Australia or in Japan or Ireland or Alaska or Germany or Indiana or anywhere else on the planet for that matter, then just read Country Goss'. In need of a dance holiday, some cool country clothing, a cordless microphone, a cowboy hat, a dance class in woop woop land or have your line dance horoscope read, then just read Country Goss'. Fundraisers, choreographies, competitions, music reviews, country music radio stations, cheeky letters to the Editor, tour news, Tamworth news, dance videos, dance CD's or industry gossip from the Phantom..... yep, then just read Country Goss'. I could go on, but I think you get my drift! Thanks again Line Dance History Australia for a great website. Go the Goss'!

John Fitzgerald

Rooty Hill, NSW.

John, we get your drift, what more can WE say?

Oh yes, of course ......just read Country Goss'!

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Our Original Line Dances 

What a sensational find coming across this website. Going as far back as 1986 for line dancing in Australia, the dancers of the day and the instructors that evolved from this time in history was so inspiring and to see the original line dance instructional manual by Maxcy Moon is incredible. We have come so far over the years from those original 17 line dances, haven't we? 

Amanda 

Geelong, VIC

Yes Amanda, line dancing has come a long way thanks to Maxcy, Trevor Smith and the Aussie pioneers of the day.

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We Need More History

Hi there. Your article on The Early Years of Line Dancing in Australia was terrific. The names, locations and dates really put everything into perspective. Just one question I have. Are you able to expand on those early years of line dancing with some history from the other states? I'm sure there would be lots given the hundreds of photos of the different Instructors you have published. Thankyou.

Anthony 

Glen Waverly, VIC

Anthony, thank you for your fabulous letter. We expect that the Early Years article will continue to grow. In getting this site up and running we needed to capture the earliest inception of line dancing in Australia which we were able to do from a Country Goss' article in their July 1996 edition. And you are right, there is more history out there. In time, we will be reaching out to other States to source additional information to compliment the article. We also invite readers, dancers and Instructors to respond with their line dance history memories. 

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I Just Couldn't Resist It

Thank you, Line Dance History Australia. The pictures of all the Instructors on the Photo Wall is such a great idea. I recognised so many faces.

I particularly like the history page and all of those old videos are very entertaining. I have to admit though that I did hit the "Sneak a Peak" button to see more, I just couldn't resist it! Sorry! I would recommend to others to try and resist the temptation of the button and wait for the surprises down the track.

Jenny Barnes

Blacktown, NSW

Oh no Jenny, you were tempted with our forbidden fruit!​​

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Maxcy Moon and the Paddington Green

I loved reading about the history of line dancing in Australia and in particular that very first instructional manual by Maxcy Moon introduced into Australia by the Paddington Green dancers all those years ago. Thank you so much.

Dianne 

Hawthorn, VIC

Yes, we owe a lot to Maxcy and the Paddington Green dancers. We also owe a considerable thanks to Trevor Smith of WA for donating the Manual to Country Goss' way back in 1996.

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Still Learning

Just came across the Line Dance History Australia website. Your article on the Early Years of Line Dancing 1986 was a highlight and bought back a lot of memories for me since moving to Queensland. It took me a while however to realise that I could click on the Country Goss' and read it as it was originally printed. I'm looking forward to seeing a whole lot more.

Bev 

Gold Coast, QLD

Hope you enjoy the latest Jan/Feb 1995 issue Bev.

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More Phantom "Phan" Mail

Just received a link from a friend about the Line Dance History Australia site and was excited to read that you were incorporating Country Goss' magazine into the history. As a regular subscriber to Country Goss' many years ago, I used to love reading all the articles and letters, especially the column by The Phantom! I still like to read and listen to country music. I have subscribed too.

Patricia 

Sydney, NSW. 

Hi Patricia, we are pleased to say that there will be much more Phantom to come. Thank you for your letter.

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An Interest That Has Never Faded

Thank you so much. Line dancing has given us an interest that has never faded. We are so excited to be able to relive those memories through this fabulous journey.  

Maureen and Phil

Sussex Inlet, NSW 

Maureen and Phil don't stop dancing!

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Memory Lane

Thank you for a marvelous walk down memory lane! My time at Arizona Cowboy Bar was one of the best times in my life. The atmosphere, the friends, the music, all have a very special place in my heart, and I feel blessed. Remember, if you can walk you can dance, if you want to kick, dance country!

David Jones

QLD

You look very cool in those old Arizona videos David!

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My Story...... I love you mum
In 2022 I went to the Gympie muster for the very first time and it blew my mind. Reading the line up I saw they had line dancing on twice a day with Chris Watson. Mum and I went along to the first class and from the first dance I was hooked. My mum said I have never seen you smile and enjoy something so much in your life.

 

When I got back home to my small country town, I researched where the closest class was. It was 2 hours away, way too far for me to go. So, I jumped on YouTube and learnt some dances, I even started a small class to share the love I had.

After moving back to the city, I took myself along to Shelley Heard Line Dancing at Ipswich and everyone welcomed me. However, as I could only attend the Friday morning class I looked around and discovered Dallas Line Dancing with Debbie Greaves and Uber Line Dancing with Luke Watson. I was now dancing 6 times a week. I was obsessed. I attended these classes for a few months and felt I needed another challenge. It was then suggested to me by Shelley Heard to look into competition dancing.

 

At this point I was receiving help from Roxanne Moates. Roxy helped me get ready for my first competition which was to be the very last Mayworth in Tamworth run by Chris Watson. I was petrified. For my first dance I was so emotional (nervous, excited, petrified and proud). I missed a few steps but kept going. I was dancing amongst the best dancers in Australia. To my surprise I won 3rd place, I was shocked beyond belief. The next day I entered with 2 more dances and walked away with Gold. Since then, I have been accepted into the Allstars with Roxy and her amazing crew.

This year, not only have I been competing, but I have also started teaching which has lead me into music events, private functions and starting my own competitive team. Life just seems to be getting better and better every year and in 2026 I am looking to head over to Blackpool to compete at Worlds with my Allstars team. This is an amazing journey that I hope never ends.

Thank you to everyone that has supported me along the way from Chris to the Allstars, Maddison Glover, Kevin Formosa, Adrian, Williams, Simon and Maggie. I could go on for days but most of all, to my family especially my mum, who has stood by my side this whole time cheering me on. I love you mum.

Christie Ward

QLD

Thank you for this amazing story Christie. Both you and your mum are an inspiration to all of us.​

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​Darkes Forrest Woolshed

I remember many of those Instructors (Photo Wall) and had many come and teach at my dance classes at the Darkes Forrest Woolshed in Helensburgh every Friday Night. 

Michael Fletcher

Wollongong, NSW

Thanks Michael.

How about sending us your photo for the Photo Wall?​

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Love that picture

What a great website. I just love the picture of the two gorgeous kids at the bottom of each page. Who are they? Thank you.

Jenny  

Adelaide, SA

​Hi Jenny, thanks for your letter!  The two children are Lucy Leicht and Dylan Adamson from QLD (we've now updated their details). They featured on the front cover of the Tamworth edition of Country Goss' way back in 1999, that's 25 years ago! Next question is "Where are they now"?

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