Fable: Australia’s little record label that punched above its weight

Fable Records was an independent Australian label founded in April 1970 by producer and entrepreneur Ron Tudor. Tudor had previously been a key figure at Astor Records, where he helped shape the local pop scene. When Astor was sold, he launched Fable to maintain creative independence and continue promoting Australian talent at a time when local artists were fighting for airplay against international acts.

Fable Records quickly became known for its distinctive bright label and strong focus on homegrown performers. Tudor’s vision was simple but effective: identify unique Australian voices and give them the production and promotion needed to compete on the national charts. The label struck distribution deals that ensured its releases reached a wide audience, helping it punch above its weight in a competitive industry.

Among Fable’s most successful artists were The Mixtures, famous for In the Summertime and The Pushbike Song. John Williamson released his debut hit Old Man Emu on Fable. There was also the likes of Liv Maessen, Jigsaw, Hans Poulsen, The Strangers, and Drummond which featured members of what became Little River Band.

Brian Cadd, formerly of The Groop and Axiom, worked for Fable in the early ’70s as an A&R manager and record producer. He and Tudor set up the offshoot Bootleg label to which Brian made some successful signings. Bootleg also established a house band to support solo artists.

Bootleg’s artist roster included Brian Cadd himself, the house band called The Bootleg Family Band, Kerrie Biddell, Dutch Tilders, Phil Manning’s Band of Tabalene, Mississippi, Bluestone, Taste and there was even a one-off single by Lobby Loyde.

Fable scored one last hit in 1980 with Mike Brady’s VFL anthem Up There Cazaly, which became the HSV-7 football theme song and the biggest-selling Australian single released up to that time.

Although Fable’s peak was relatively brief, its impact was significant. It had played a crucial role in the early 1970s boom of Australian popular music, helping prove that local artists could achieve commercial success on their own terms. Today, the Fable label is remembered as a pioneering force that helped shape the identity of modern Australian rock and pop.

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