Falling Mirror


Falling Mirror was an alternative rock band from Cape Town, South Africa founded in 1978 by cousins Allan Faull and Nielen Marais, who had adopted the stage name Falling Mirror.
The band gained popularity during the late 1970s and 1980s, and they are often associated with the alternative rock scene in South Africa during that time. The band’s name was derived from the duo’s surnames.
Falling Mirror’s music is characterized by its eclectic style, incorporating elements of new wave, rock & roll, blues and psychedelic rock, blended with a dark pop sensibility.
“Everything we do is psychotic…” — Nielen Mirror, 1985
One of their most well-known songs is “Johnny Calls the Chemist,” which became a radio hit in South Africa in the ’80s and is considered a classic.
While Falling Mirror may not be widely known on the global music scene, they have left a significant impact on South African music history, particularly within the alternative rock genre.
Allan Faull died in September 2013.
Nielen Mirror died in September 2024
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Discography

Singles

  • "I Am The Actor" / "Makin' Out With Granny" Warner Brothers, WBS 722
  • "Highway Blues"
  • "If I Was James Dean" also released by WEA Europe
  • "Neutron Bop"
  • "Johnny Calls The Chemist"
  • "Let's Paint The House Pink"
  • "Cosmic Night" Warner Brothers, WBS 775
  • "As Sly As The Fox"
  • "Encounter In A Takeaway Shop" WEA France

Albums

Zen Boulders WEA Records, WBC 9011The Storming Of The Loft WEA Records, WBC 9013Fantasy Kid WEA Records, WBC 9021Johnny Calls The Chemist WEA Records, WBC 9029Shattered Tusk, TUSB 3008Shattered Tusk, TUCD 3008Hammerhead Hotel Spaced Out SoundsJohnny Calls The Chemist RetroFresh, freshcd 112Zen Boulders / The Storming Of The Loft RetroFresh, freshcd124Singles and Rarities Spaced Out SoundsSpecial Agent Duck Spaced Out Sounds

Various artist compilations

Sharp Cuts Volume 1 Tusk, WOND 103Sharp Cuts Volume 2 Tusk, WOND 12140 Single Hits 40 Hit Singles Volume 2 Sony Music, CDSM 010 ZSA Top 40 Hits Of All Time Volume 6 Sting Music, STIDFCD 037SA Rock Gold Universal Music, TUMGCD 100

Guest appearances (Allan Faull)

  • McCully Workshop Inc, Trutone
  • Buccaneer - McCully Workshop MicMac, MS001