 Band member Don Sleishman will "hang up his drum sticks" after entertaining Leagues Club patrons for just under half a century.
Musical talent and a revolutionary invention bestowed international stardom upon the 69-year-old during his career.
"There are so many highlights working at the Club," the Roselands resident said. "From doing major production shows such as My Fair Lady to Sweet Charity, as well as working with top artists such as the Bee Gees, Neil Sedaka, Olivia Newton- John and Des O'Connor."
 Mr Sleishman shot to fame when, as an 18-year-old Novocastrian, he successfully auditioned for a role on the John Conrads show.
"The show was presented as a package by an entrepreneur at St George Leagues Club," Mr Sleishman said. "They would perform on the television show on Thursday night then back at the Club on Saturday - it made rehearsals a lot easier."
The unrivalled success of the St George Dragons in the 1960s generated great excitement around the Kogarah area and Mr Sleishman always kept the beat up.
 He proudly lists playing "Oh When the Saints Go Marching In" after premiership wins among his career highlights.
At Just 16, Mr Sleishman's inquisitive mind saw him make a personalised range of drum products that would eventually sell internationally.
He revolutionised the way drums were played with his invention - the Sleishman Twin Pedal.
"I looked at the drums and I saw how they had two big base drums and I thought, 'Why do you need two big base drums, why not just have two pedals on one drum?'"
"So I came up with the first twin pedal for the base drum."
In retirement, the past winner of the Australian Club Entertainment award for the longest-running musician in the club industry hopes to continue the prosperity of the Sleishman Drum Company.
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St George Leagues Club
LEAGUES CLUB JOURNAL
