In a recent article where I explored the brief history of some bands that played a significant role in the local rock scene of the 1980s (read here), I mentioned how difficult it is to find documented information about that era and its protagonists. While some of us lived through those times, fading memories and the loss of key figures have made it increasingly challenging to piece together the full story. However, the article seems to have sparked interest, and several artists from that time have reached out to share valuable information. This has opened the door to further exploration, and this article is a continuation of that journey into the past, with more to follow.
In the early 1980s, Malta’s music scene thrived in the AST (Associazzjoni Sportiva Tigne) in Sliema, a hub for burgeoning rock bands. This former British military barracks, converted into rehearsal spaces, witnessed the rise and fall of numerous groups. Out of this vibrant environment, Structure was born in the autumn of 1983. Emerging from the remnants of two other bands, Shaktonyx and Chi2, the group quickly distinguished itself with its progressive rock style and evocative themes.
Drummer Joe “Dusty” Farrugia and bassist Mike Harrison from Shaktonyx joined forces with keyboardist Pierre Caruana, whose compositions became the cornerstone of the band’s sound. They were soon joined by Mike Bukouski of Chi2 and synth player George Falzon, completing the instrumental lineup. The group’s first composition, “3 Min to Midnight,” was an instrumental overture inspired by the nuclear clock, reflecting the existential fears of the era.
With their debut piece, Structure established themselves as a progressive band, exploring themes of war and global tension.
In December 1983, the band expanded with the addition of vocalist Toni Sant St. John, whose dynamic presence introduced funk elements into their repertoire. Tracks like “Into the Black Door” and “Off Key” demonstrated the band’s evolving style. By early 1984, Structure debuted live at the AST grounds, delivering a performance that resonated with audiences. Their set-list included the powerful “Personal Message” and the pop-rock anthem “Structure of My Mind.”
By 1985, Structure underwent significant transformations. Vocalist Toni Sant St. John departed, and Giorgina Sammut briefly took over as lead singer before pursuing a solo career. Claudio Tonna, with his robust and husky voice, joined as the new frontman. The departure of guitarist Mike Bukouski and synth player George Falzon, who left to work abroad, necessitated a shift in the band’s style and roles.
Keyboardist Pierre Caruana described this period:
“With this came a change in music direction. Without a guitar and George Falzon also leaving the band to work abroad, I became a more important frontman, apart from the fact I composed practically all the compositions. Also, the music became more new wave style as that was the mid-80s, and a change in clothes and looks style.”
As technology improved and electronic music gained popularity, Structure adapted their sound, drawing inspiration from artists like Visage, Howard Jones, and Gary Numan. Pierre’s expanded role in the band saw him using arpeggiators and synthesizers to create intricate melodies, compensating for the absence of a guitarist.
“This 2nd version of Structure endured far longer,” Pierre recalled. “We also took part in Kanzunetta Maltija with ‘Windsurfer,’ a song penned by Alfred C. Sant and Ray Mahoney. We had various concerts, more singles out including ‘Shout’ and ‘Personal Message,’ and played with foreign acts like Dee D. Jackson at venues in Malta and Gozo.”
The addition of Mark Tonna, Claudio’s brother, on guitar and backing vocals in the band’s final year added further depth to their sound, supported by session musicians during live performances.
By 1987, Structure had achieved nearly everything a local Maltese band could aspire to. Their disbandment marked the end of an era, but their influence remained strong.
Pierre Caruana ventured into new musical projects in the years that followed. In the early 1990s, he collaborated with singer Mark Tonna to form Megapulse, releasing one of the first CDs produced on the island. Together with David Cassar Torregiani, Pierre formed Scar in the late 1990s, contributing to the band’s first local success with the song “Calling Out.”
Pierre then joined Earth, a band featuring drummer/percussionist Fish and vocalist Kathy Manuel. This collaboration deepened Pierre’s creative range and culminated in his evolution as a solo artist. Adopting the name My Freespirit, he released his debut CD, Real Life, in 2009. This album marked a shift toward intimate and personal songwriting, tackling themes such as societal outcasts, the terminally ill, and global tragedies like the tsunami disaster.
“My Freespirit” allowed Pierre to explore freedom of expression in both music and lyrics, creating a deeply personal and evocative body of work. The album, recorded at Mandala Studios and produced by Kathy Manuel and Jewls Verse, featured collaborations with artists including Liam, Mark Tonna, and Mike and George Hersey. It was dedicated to Dave Goodman, producer for the Sex Pistols and a mentor to Pierre, and to Pierre’s late mother, Anne Caruana.
Pierre followed Real Life with his double album Tnejn in 2015, further solidifying his reputation as a solo artist.
Meanwhile, Mark Tonna pursued a flourishing solo career, winning local music festivals and exploring theatrical and choral avenues. Both Pierre and Mark ensured that Structure’s legacy endured through their continued contributions to Malta’s music scene.
From their origins in the rehearsal spaces of AST to their reinvention in the new wave era, Structure was a band that captured the essence of musical adaptability and innovation. Their legacy, rooted in powerful compositions and evocative themes, lives on through the artistic journeys of their former members.
Bibliography
“New Single by Pierre Caruana,” Malta Independent, May 2, 2010. https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2010-05-02/news/new-single-by-pierre-caruana-273887/
“Megapulse – Chains of Love (Promo CD),” Discogs. https://www.discogs.com/release/13933666-Megapulse-Chains-Of-Love
Structure Band Profile, ReverbNation. https://www.reverbnation.com/structure2
Facebook posts on Structure’s history and interviews with Pierre Caruana.
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