REGARDING MANDRAKE: please everyone get along and see them whenever you can, they are a great band, If I could get there I would be there, but it is a bit far away - so do me a favour and can all members attend on behalf of the fan club? ONYA CONRAD, GET IT HAPPENING,
Sue Flavel, President - Deep Purple Downunder 20.4.01

Mandrake were absolutely fantastic both Saturday night and Sunday at the convention. It was a real pleasure to hear the Mark III/IV stuff live (and so well done).
Deep Purple After-Show Party. 10.3.01

The opening act was Mandrake, and their set of originals was excellent. Certainly the best of the opening acts for the concerts I saw IMHO.
They had played in Sydney not as the support act, but straight after the concert and on the Sunday arvo at a fan club get together. They played alot of Mark III material, and were very, very good. Bass player had an uncanny resemblance to Uriah Heep keyboard legend Ken Hensley.
Newcastle Entertainment Centre 14.3.01 (Supporting Deep Purple)

DEAR DRUM,

Having been an avid reader of Drum, and fan of of live rock for a long time, I was compelled to write regarding the review of the Boys Are Back In Town gig at Selinas 12/7/97. Unfortunately, the opening act Mandrake was missed.

I HAD a friend who went to the previous night at Revesby Workers, call me on the day to tell me he saw this band the night before and was mesmerised by their show. We organised to be at Selinas with a bunch of friends for the start. I'II give you a quick review. What I saw was one of the best rock bonds I've seen. I sow a band that could give a live show that l'II remember for a long time. Who are these guys? A three piece band that played some killer rock songs with considerable energy. They said it had been I I years since they were together, I wish l'd have seen them in their heyday. Three guys who can play and sing well. A guitarist that can pull off a solo in style (he played the Smoke On The Water riff with his teeth) and a powerhouse rhythm section as tight as any you've heard.

THEY also seemed to have a lot of fun doing it, a rare commodity these days. That was Mandrake. In the short set they delivered they proved to be one of the best acts of the night. Those who came late missed out, but those who were there know what l'm talking about.
I hope they do more shows.
Yours, DON STEWART Engadine.