Despite any highlights, 2009 will always be the year I lost my bandmate and best friend Kristen McCall. Because of his sudden death I didn’t go out of my way to see many bands. Chances are if they’re on this list it’s cos we played with them.
THE HUTT RIVER SOLUTION – Melbourne 4-piece that just blisters, too good for Stooges comparisons, but Mark Ryan wails like his middle name is Asheton.
THUNDABOX – Despite being mates with them I didn’t actually rate their songs too highly to start with. By the 4th time I saw them though, I couldn’t get enough. GREAT FUCKING PUNK BAND. “The man who made John Lydon cry” is about the song of the year for my money.
THE HOLY SOUL – Saw them twice, once with Abbe May at the Vanguard and then at their album launch at the Red Rattler. Just too good for words.
ABBE MAY AND THE ROCKING PNEMONIA – One of the greatest live acts in the country, full stop.
THE TOMBSTONE RAMBLERS – Includes Rick and Martin from The Dolly Rocker Movement. Liked them so much I started playing drums for them.
THE TOOT TOOT TOOTS – Another Melbourne band. Go-Go girls and 2 singers, one who plays a snare drum. Not much not to like.
THE REBELLES – female punk choir, holy shit!
ROLAND K SMTH AND THE SINNERS – As authentic sounding as it gets, without coming off corny. Harder than it sounds kids.
CLAIRY “BABY” BROWN AND THE BANGIN’ RACKETTES – The filthiest doo-wop you will ever hear.
THE JIMMY NICOLS – Imagine the Beatles were too lazy to ever go to Hamburg……. These guys write the classiest rock n roll you are ever likely to hear. Actually, scrap that, you aren’t likely to hear it cos they’re too lazy to organise gigs. If you set it up though, they will turn up and make every other band you’ve heard redundant.
Honourable mentions – THE SNOOZEFESTS, KIRK SPECIAL
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