The Dishes were formed in 1975 with a lineup of Tony Malone (keyboards), Scott Davey (guitar), Murray Ball (vocals), Steven Davey (drums), Ken Farr (bass) and Michael LaCroix (saxophone); later joined by Glenn Schellenberg (keyboards) who replaced Tony in early 1977.
Their sound was heavily influenced by art-rock bands and artists such as Roxy Music, David Bowie and Sparks, with a fondness for Bonzo-style comedy and the use of props during their live shows.
Among their friends and admirers were future members of The Viletones, the B-Girls, and Martha and the Muffins; The Diodes played their 2nd gig opening for The Dishes at the OCA.
Later, collaborations with art collective General Idea (who designed their two record covers) and starting a fanzine as well as engaging in other photo-arts situations, established them as artists rather than just a band.
When Tony Malone left in '77 he started Drastic Measures, a band that would achieve greater heights than The Dishes and even land a record deal with CBS and score a minor hit single.
Scott Davey joined a new band The Sharks with Sherry Kean and played with Rough Trade and then retired from music.