The best Aussie band of all time

April 12, 2015 5:24 am 328 comments Views: 216
Industry favourite ... AC/DC has been selected Australian music’s favourite local band.

Industry favourite … AC/DC has been selected Australian music’s favourite local band.
Source: AFP

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Best Ever Australian Bands

Which is the best band to come out of Australia?

National music writer Cameron Adams asked the biggest names in Australian music for their picks to come up with the definitive list.

150 musicians – everyone from Judith Durham to Kylie Minogue, Darren Hayes to John Farnham and Kate Ceberano to Megan Washington – took our survey. Here are the results, and the reasons these bands have entertained and inspired audiences worldwide.

Who else made the grade? See below for the bands that made up Numbers 21 to 50.

One constant ... Iva Davies is a stalwart member of Icehouse.

One constant … Iva Davies is a stalwart member of Icehouse.
Source: Supplied

21. ICEHOUSE

With Iva Davies as the one constant, Icehouse went from covers band to icy cool electro chart toppers, before swapping the Fairlight (technology they were among the first to embrace) for the guitar and mullet as globe conquering rockers. After a long break, they’re back on the road again without ever joining the retro circuit.

Sneaky Sound System are huge Icehouse fans. “Iva’s music and production has stood the test of time,” says Sneaky’s Angus McDonald. Boss.”

Sneaky singer Connie Mitchell loves their ‘well-crafted’ songs. “Hey Little Girl is hauntingly beautiful. I like the light with which they painted Australia in their music, a softer gentler Australia, ‘cause boy we were pretty rough in the 80s!”

Kate Ceberano says Iva Davies is “Australia’s version of David Bowie … At least to me. Orchestral and avant-garde.”

Musician Michael Paynter went from fan to Icehouse band member when Davies recruited him to join Icehouse on stage four years ago. “I’ve won the gig lottery,” he says. “Iva is one of the greatest songwriters to have ever come from our country.”

Best of the west ... Tame Impala hail from Perth

Best of the west … Tame Impala hail from Perth
Source: Supplied

21. TAME IMPALA

Formed in 2007, and with just two albums so far (another due this year) Australia’s musicians fell fast and hard for Kevin Parker’s music.

“They exemplify the uncanny ability Australian bands have to produce work that is ahead of the curve,” says Melbourne muso Ben Abraham.

“Kevin has an amazing melodic and harmonic sense that blows me away,” says Joel Quatermain of Eskimo Joe. “I think the next album is going to raise the bar for Australian music.”

“Kevin Parker is a very clever boy,” says Melbourne singer and songwriter Rebecca Barnard. “ Great melodies and musicianship.“

Early hipsters ... Daddy Cool, with frontman Ross Wilson left.

Early hipsters … Daddy Cool, with frontman Ross Wilson left.
Source: News Limited

22. DADDY COOL

Formed in Melbourne in 1970, Daddy Cool were the first Australian band to sell over 100,000 copies of an album.

“They just had fab songs, simple as that,” Colleen Hewett says.

“They were quirky yet so cool,” notes Mike Brady. “They always blew audiences away. “

“Daddy Cool were completely unique and one of our best shots at world domination,’’ recalls Brian Cadd. “Can’t believe they didn’t conquer America.”

Just as Daddy Cool’s Ross Wilson continues to be inspired by new music (he is a huge fan of the Preatures) it goes both ways for the next generation.

“Ross Wilson is an incredibly versatile and talented songwriter whose music never ceases to astound me,” says Megan Washington

23. THE LOVED ONES

Their career really only stretched from 1965 to 1967, but those two years left enough of an impression to still be cited as one of our favourite Australian bands, with hits including Ever Lovin’ Man and The Loved One, later covered by INXS.

“They only had one album but what an absolute classic,” says Iva Davies of Icehouse.

“Really out there. Helped pave the way for INXS in my opinion,” Doug Parkinson says.

“There still hasn’t been a more original Aussie rock recording than The Loved One,” states Brian Cadd.

Hoodoo Gurus’ Dave Faulkner was heavily inspired by the band. “When I was 21 years old I walked into Bleecker Bob’s in New York City, which at that time was probably the coolest record shop on the planet,” Faulkner recalls. “Bleecker Bob himself didn’t suffer fools gladly, and when he noticed my Aussie accent the first thing he said was “You’re Australian — do you like The Loved Ones?”. Lucky for me, I gave the right answer otherwise I reckon he would have turfed me out into the street. Most serious rock ‘n’ roll fans know that The Loved Ones’ Magic Box is one of the best Australian records ever made. It was their only album and it has never been out-of-print since it was released in 1967. No-one’s beaten it yet in my opinion.”

Punk royalty ... The Saints.

Punk royalty … The Saints.
Source: News Corp Australia

24. THE SAINTS

Founded in 1974, their 1976 single (I’m) Stranded was released before the Sex Pistols and the Clash would make what was known as punk. They’ve continued in different formations, with Bruce Springsteen covering their `80s hit Just Like Fire Would on an album last year. Tellingly, most of their votes came from people born long after their debut, including The Veronicas.

“The original bad boys but I just love the songs,” says Isabella Manfredi of the Preachers. “Ed Kuepper is up there for me with Australia’s great guitarists.”

“They released (I’m) Stranded the same year The Sex Pistols released Anarchy in the U.K and The Ramones released Blitzkrieg Bop,” says James Tidswell of Violent Soho. “I pretty much like all of their albums regardless of the line up. Definitely the best band from Brisbane.”

“Paralytic Tonight Dublin Tomorrow was really important for me,” Mick Thomas says. “The band was wild but all of a sudden melody and songwriting were important again.”

The last word goes to Adalita. “The Godfathers of Australian punk, that’s why.”

25. EMPIRE OF THE SUN

Their debut album Walking on the Dream saw Luke Steele (The Sleepy Jackson) and Nick Littlemore (Pnau) combine to get instant global attention, something they managed to hold with the follow-up Ice on the Dune. They’ve since written with everyone from Beyonce to Usher to Groove Armada.

“Far more deserving of the accolades that have been given to other Australian artists of late, Empire of the Sun managed to produce cool, catchy tunes that will be heard all over the world for years to come,” says Kris Schroeder of the Basics.

“I think these guys shook things up a bit too with the playfulness and all out catchy pop,” says Melbourne muso Ben Abraham.

“I love everything about them,” notes Ricki-Lee. “Not only the incredible music but the crazy costumes, the amazing theatrics of their live shows, the outrageous videos! Everything is so out of the ordinary and I love that. Alive is my favourite song — it’s so epic.”

First lady of Aus rock ... Suze DeMarchi with the Baby Animals.

First lady of Aus rock … Suze DeMarchi with the Baby Animals.
Source: News Corp Australia

26. BABY ANIMALS

Formed in 1989, the Baby Animals’ self-titled 1991 debut went eight times platinum in Australia and provided a string of hits which still sound impressive. The band reformed in 2007 and released a long-awaited third album in 2013.

“They should have been massive,” says ex AC/DC member Mark Evans. “Massive!”

“Great Aussie rock songs and a fantastic front lady in Suze DeMarchi,” says John Swan.

“Suze — what a great singer,” says Mahalia Barnes. “She was someone I really looked up to growing up. I was lucky enough to get to watch these guys live a fair bit as a kid as they toured with dad. Dave Leslie, is an amazing guitarist, great fun too. But most importantly, great songs!”

“Suze DeMarchi is one of the best female rock voices I’ve heard,” says Keith Potger of the Seekers. “It’s wonderful news they are touring again.”

27. THE GO BETWEENS

Brisbane’s The Go-Betweens weren’t just critics’ darlings, they were a major influence on their peers, even if they never achieved the mainstream success they courted in the late `80s.

“Classic, Australian pop,” says Lisa Mitchell of the Go-Betweens, the first band that came to mind when picking favourites.

“The slow unfolding that was my education in The Go Betweens went from my own quiet discovery and fascination, to realising that they were loved by all and sundry and had laid the very paving that bands like mine trod upon,” says Frente’s Angie Hart.

Musician Scott Spark, from Brisbane, is one of many touched by the The Go-Betweens’ way with words. “I knew the smell and sight of sugarcane crops burning, and the taste of it, chewing the stuff whilst sitting cross-legged on the trampoline after school. So Grant McLennan’s Cattle and Cane was my world too. And just like Grant, I was torn being wanting to belong and the desire to escape.”

Former Magic Dirt singer Adalita is also a convert. “Immaculate band, immaculate songs, their music makes me happy.”

Sandgroper ... Late singer David McComb on stage with The Triffids.

Sandgroper … Late singer David McComb on stage with The Triffids.
Source: News Corp Australia

28. THE TRIFFIDS

And after the Go-Betweens we complete the set of arguably Western Australia’s most influential band, fronted by the late, great David McComb.

Alex Gow is one of countless musicians changed forever by encountering the Triffids’ music. “The songs of David McComb and The Triffids are timeless. A constant companion,” Gow says. “The sound is dizzying. It’s expressive, other worldly and arguably naive. The organ, the chorus laden telecaster and pedal steel are icy, yet hit you hot as hell. The sound is naked. It’s body beautiful, adolescent and unashamed. The violin, the drama. It’s ancient music, timeless music. David’s writing is kilometres ahead of the pack. Still is. It’s desperate, dangerous, romantic, fully formed. It’s a sound that crawled through my eye sockets and burrowed in my temples. It lingers, it always will.”

Angie Hart points to Wide Open Road and Raining Pleasure as “raw and rugged” Australian anthems plus “David McComb had the sexiest sibilance I’ve ever heard.”

Vanessa Thornton of Jebediah says The Triffids “sound and feels like my hometown of Perth, but also like a band in a van on the road. Two of my favourite things in the past 20 years.”

Melbourne musician David Bridie says the Triffids “did wall of sound better than most. They also made inroads in Europe. Wide Open Road, Trick of the Light and Bury Me Deep in Love are amongst the great Australian songs. Born Sandy Devotional is not only a great album but has one of the best album titles. David McComb’s early death was a sad loss, their vision has continued with some fine work by the Blackeyed Susans and some Triffids tribute shows.”

29. HUNTERS AND COLLECTORS

Another band with a varied trajectory, the Hunters and Collectors began in Melbourne in 1981 as an underground act and by the time they disbanded in 1998 they’d become commercial rock radio staples and had their song Holy Grail seized by the AFL. After a few reformations, the band did what they claim was one final victory lap around Australia last year, thrilling fans new and old with the tour they never thought they’d see.

“Great songs, great live band, love the rawness,” says Pseudo Echo’s Brian Canham.

“Hearing Hunters and Collectors reminds of the (Crystal) Ballroom and those early punk beginnings in Melbourne,” says Kate Ceberano.

30. THE DINGOES

This Melbourne based country rock band, fronted by Broderick Smith, operated between 1973 and 1979 and are probably best known for the song Way Out West. Their peers have no doubt how influential they were on the Australian music scene, and the band were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2009 as well as reforming for a new album and tour.

“I think it is important that we all acknowledge that The Dingoes were the founding fathers of our most important subculture which came to be known as Oz Rock,” says Richard Clapton. “They clearly influenced all the Australian artists who followed in their wake and wrote about our own country rather than plagiarising songs and topics from overseas.”

James Reyne, who’d later cover Way Out West, pinpoints his love of the Dingoes as being due to “great songs, great playing and the great Broderick Smith.”

Mick Thomas notes “The first Dingoes album was really important for me and I think pretty influential with a whole generation of Melbourne songwriters. It was an honour to open for them when they first reformed a couple of years back.”

31. HOODOO GURUS

Arrived in 1981 with a bang that’s not left them since. “The essence of everything pub rock had to offer with a camp twist and too much paisley,” says Darren Hayes. “And I love it all.” Vanessa Thornton from Jebediah loves the fact the Gurus still deliver live and make new music. “If I had to pick a band I would like to follow in the footsteps of, it would definitely be Hoodoos.”

Don’t forget ... Air Supply are one of our biggest selling music exports.

Don’t forget … Air Supply are one of our biggest selling music exports.
Source: News Limited

32. AIR SUPPLY

Often cruelly forgotten when people list Australia’s biggest selling exports, Air Supply took power ballads to the world and the world took them to their hearts. They were finally inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame two years ago. “I am a fan of smooth ‘yacht’ rock,” says Angie Hart. “Love and Other Bruises and All Out Of Love are two of our country’s finest in the genre.” And even metalcore band I Killed the Prom Queen need a hit of pure Air Supply. “All Out of Love can make its way onto any movie soundtrack with ease,” they note.

Controversial ... The Angels, fronted by the late and indeed great Doc Neeson, were unluc

Controversial … The Angels, fronted by the late and indeed great Doc Neeson, were unlucky to land so far down our list.
Source: News Corp Australia

33. THE ANGELS

Still on the road, putting a messy split with the late Doc Neeson behind them as they continue to play their classic catalogue.

“In my opinion the greatest pub rock band ever,” says Doug Parkinson. “Doc, what a performer. What a gentleman.” Isabella Manfredi from the Preachers spent time with Doc Neeson in his final years. “I took so much from Doc Neeson,” she says. “The man loved being on stage. He had so much raw energy, passion and intelligence — a real natural performer. There was a lot of joy there for him, and a lot of pain. Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again is an Aussie classic, but I also think the love people had for Doc carried a lot of what The Angels did. He was the closest thing I’ll ever have to a mentor and I’m grateful for the short time I had with him. RIP.”

34. REGURGITATOR

One of Australia’s more creative bands. “I love their many different styles and flavours,” says Vanessa Thornton from Jebediah. “But mostly I love them because they make me want to dance.”

“Smart, innovative, idiosyncratic, great lyrics and songs,” says David Bridie. “They have played the industry in an interesting and self motivated way. When friends from overseas ask for a unique Australian band, Unit and Tu Plang are records that I give them. I bonded musically with my oldest daughter listening to Black Bugs.”

Ross Wilson chose them as one of his favourite Australian bands “because they kept on changing.”

35. THE REELS

Dave Mason is another Australian musical visionary whose talent is not lost on his peers including Boom Crash Opera’s Dale Ryder who calls them “musical and cheeky.”

“If they only ever released Quasimodo’s Dream they would still earn classic status among Aussie bands,” says Paul Gray while Ross Wilson notes even without that song “they are startlingly original and very musical group of individuals. Way ahead of the pack then and now.”

“Love Will Find A Way and Quasimodo’s Dream are two of the finest Australian pop songs ever written,” notes Angus McDonald of Sneaky Sound System, “but also their cover of This Guy’s In Love will always make me weak at the knees.”

David Bridie says “Dave Mason at his best sung with a beauty and wrote lyrics that cut through with observations about Australian suburbia and relationship dysfunction.”

Treat for the ears ... Augie March.

Treat for the ears … Augie March.
Source: Supplied

36. AUGIE MARCH

Another band who Australian musicians can relate to, sometimes more than the mainstream.

“They have written such wonderful, curlicue songs whose slow-release melodies, coupled with Glenn Richards’ heart-wrenching voice, have continued to draw me in and whoosh me down delightful new rabbit holes,” says Abby Dobson.

“Nobody writes lyrics like Glenn. Nobody,” says Megan Washington. “Augie March has this way of sounding familiar and twisted-traditional and somehow sinister at the same time.”

Musician Whitley is another fan. “Glenn Richards, much like Gareth Liddiard, is in the very top few lyricists and melody makers of our age in Australia. Pick up the first two Augie records for a real treat to the ears and the heart.”

37. THE MASTERS APPRENTICES

Formed 50 years ago in South Australia, as Russell Morris points out you still hear Masters songs like Because I Love You and Turn Up Your Radio today.

“They were the band that most personified the rock lifestyle in Australia in the `60s,” says Brian Cadd. “Great look, great stage shows and original records. And Jim Keays!” Dave Faulkner of Hoodoo Gurus notes. “The Easybeats were our first pop stars but The Masters Apprentices were our first rock stars. Jim Keays looked the part and his band played the part. Jim Keays, Mick Bower and Doug Ford between them have penned some of the finest songs to come out of this country. They made their mark in the UK. too, where they were released on Vertigo Records, the home of Black Sabbath and a lot of other “happening” music at the time. RIP, Jim!”

38. THE AVALANCHES

One album? No matter. It’s 15 years on and the Melbourne band still haven’t followed up their classic debut Since I Left You.

“An innovative outfit,” says David Bridie. “Only one album, but what an impact.” Ben Abraham notes “With only one record they were game changers.”

Hugo from Flight Facilities is one of many electronic acts who owe them a debt. “Their album is one of the greatest ever made. It’s only when you take it apart that you start to appreciate the amount of work and sheer genius that was required to complete it. Even more so when you consider that it’s now 15 years old, and still sounds like nothing else from the past or present.”

39. CUT COPY

The Melbourne band formed in 2001 and hit No. 1 on the ARIA chart with their album In Ghost Colours, opening doors for all manner of electronic acts. They’re also huge overseas, regularly selling out live shows across the globe. Tania Doko says their “infectious electronic soundscapes and melodies” makes them “so deserving of their international success and regular spots in the biggest international music festivals.” Hugo from Flight Facilities adds Cut Copy are “one of my favourite bands and a constant inspiration for making music. Their longevity and ability to write different music is hard to ignore. They’ve been a staple in almost every DJ set I’ve ever played.”

Boys light up ... Australian Crawl, with frontman James Reyne having a lie down, in 1980.

Boys light up … Australian Crawl, with frontman James Reyne having a lie down, in 1980.
Source: News Corp Australia

40. AUSTRALIAN CRAWL

James Reyne is in the midst of playing most of the Australian Crawl songs he’s avoided for years, embracing the band’s impressive tunes. “Sirocco is one of my all time favourite Australian albums,” says Mark Sholtez. “There’s nothing better than strutting along to The Boys Light Up,” says Voice winner Karise Eden. “Love a good late night singalong to Reckless too.” Guitarist Phil Ceberano is in Reyne’s latest live band. “Great songs,” Ceberano says. “Surf, sun and sardonic lyrics. Bronzed Aussies miscast in the Aus Rock pub scene. Under appreciated for the cleverness of the lyrics but loved to death for The Boys Light Up, the classic Australian dichotomy.”

Much loved ... The Seekers.

Much loved … The Seekers.
Source: News Corp Australia

41. THE SEEKERS

They started in Melbourne in 1962 and they’re still going. The Seekers remain one of Australia’s most beloved bands and that crosses over into their peers.

“Still one of the most internationally-recognised Australian bands, The Seekers conquered Europe, America and other parts of the world before anyone else,” Dave Faulkner of the Hoodoo Gurus notes. “Their joyful music has stood the test of time and Judith Durham has one of the most glorious voices in music history. She is also one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. Her spirit is inspirational.” Mark Holden notes “Judith Durham is one of a kind in the universe.”

42. MEN AT WORK

Another Australian band that didn’t need a string of albums to leave their fingerprints all over our musical history. Aside the novelty success of Down Under, Overkill is one of the best Australian songs of all time.

“They took Aussie original pub music to a new market,” Mike Brady says.

“Men at Work, like Icehouse, are a group that used tender brushstrokes to paint Australia,” Connie Mitchell of Sneaky Sound System says. “Down Under — just wow, an Aussie band through and through.”

43. MODELS

Models morphed from cult post-punk new wave act to chart toppers in the mid `80s and are still trading, leaning on their early days after the death of James Freud.

David Bridie says they created “innovative electronica pop and sounds.”

“The early line up of this band had a cult following for their quirky alternative new wave,” recalls Painters and Dockers’ Paul Stewart. “Sean Kelly is the ultimate brooding frontman.’’ Kate Ceberano loved the Models so much she briefly joined them. “I first fell in love with the Alpha Bravo album and my love affair was later consolidated when I was asked to do BV’s across Out of Mind, Out of Sight,” she says.

Nearly 20 years on ... The Drones’ 2015 line-up. 

Nearly 20 years on … The Drones’ 2015 line-up. 
Source: Supplied

44. THE DRONES

Formed in Perth in 1997, The Drones moved to Melbourne and in 2005 their album Wait Long By The River And The Bodies Of Your Enemies Will Float By won the inaugural Australian Music Prize.

“Through a series of painful screams and melodies on the edge of collapse, the philosophically rich, nihilistic sigh of Gareth Liddiard is the foreground, the background and the middle of all that is the incredible band we know as The Drones,” says musician Whitley. Mango Hunter from Kingswood loves their “raw energy, soaring riffs and great lyrics.” Birds of Tokyo’s Ian Berney is also a major fan. “Gareth Liddiard is possibly the most impassioned singer/songwriter in Australian history. He never moulded his voice for anyone. If you didn’t like his Australian twang then you could just fly back to the mainstream where you belong. Haha!”

45. DIED PRETTY

From 1983 the partnership of Ron Peno and Brett Myers would enchant many as the band left calling cards like Everybody Moves and DC for those who cared to listen.

“Ron Peno will always be one of my favourite performers,” says Angie Hart. “His unique, emotional delivery slays me every time.”

“Ron Peno — frontman extraordinaire and a band and songs to die for,” says Hunters and Collectors’ Jack Howard.

46. THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Originally The Boys Next Door, the Birthday Party gave the world Nick Cave, Roland S Howard, Mick Harvey and Tracey Pew. They took a path many would follow, moving from Melbourne to London to try their luck. By 1983 it was all over.

“The Birthday Party did edgy punk unlike anything,” David Bridie recalls. “Roland Howard and Tracey Pew were icons and devil musicians, Cave was demented and it worked for me when he was younger. Anarchic, throbbing, loud and wild.” Dave Graney recalls seeing the band in Melbourne. “I saw them develop so rapidly, trying out all kinds of stuff. Always great. Every member was interesting and charismatic.”

“They went out of their way to offend and annoy,” says Paul Stewart. “Nick Cave before he became mainstream.”

47. ROSE TATTOO

Angry Anderson kicked off Rose Tattoo in 1976, with Guns N’Roses among their biggest fans and highlighting their cult status around the world.

“Greatest rock band of all time,” says original AC/DC bassist Mark Evans. “Angry for PM.”

“They’re part of the fabric of Australian rock,” says Beccy Cole. “This band had the biggest heart of any Aussie band.”

“They don’t make men like Angry, Geordie (Leach) and Mick Cox any more,” says Skyhooks’ Greg Macainsh. “Like all great bands the element of unpredictability meant that their gigs varied from chaotic potential bust-ups to exhilarating exhibitions of sheer power and intensity.”

“Rock and Roll Outlaws,” says Ross Wilson. “I rest my case.”

Get free ... The Vines became an international sensation when they burst on to the scene

Get free … The Vines became an international sensation when they burst on to the scene in the early aughties.
Source: News Limited

48. THE VINES

Formed in 1994, by 2002 Craig Nicholls and co were on the cover of American Rolling Stone. After a few years in the wilderness (and with a new line-up) Nicholls reformed the band last year for a new album.

“The Vines are my favourite Australian band,” Declan Melia of British India says. “I remember seeing Craig Nicholls in the Outtathaway video in a green hoodie rolling around the floor, he was the messiah. I looked at the TV and went “I want to do that’. That first record was phenomenal. To this day I’m staggered it was so well produced.” Whitley notes “In some ways, aesthetically speaking, The Vines almost made the mistake of being parodies of themselves. Though, somehow the insane melodic genius in between Craig’s ears just seem to make the daggy rock thing okay, and you end up just dancing around, alone in your house at 3am.” Guy Pearce notes “I felt I was always listening to something special and unpredictable. Accessible, but also melodies I’d never heard before.”

49. WARUMPI BAND

In 1980 in Papunya in the Northern Territory schoolteacher Neil Murray met singer George Burarrwanga and formed the Warumpi Band, whose songs include Blackfella/Whitefella, My Island Home and Jailanguru Pakarnu. “George Burarrwanga was the most charismatic front man,” Rebecca Barnard says.“Great songs. A great band.”

“This is the stuff I grew up on, and finally visiting and playing in Papunya in 2009 was for me like visiting Liverpool for Beatles fans,” says Kris Schoeder of the Basics.

“Warumpi Band had riffs every bit as good as AC/DC but with much better lyrics,” says David Bridie. “The tripartite of George Burarrwanga Neil Murray and Sammy Butcher, were the perfect foil. Each having very different personalities that helped them soldier on through the rigours of countless outback tours and made whitefellas stand up and take notice. George had the X factor, he was the consummate front man who could kick box and roam the stage taking the crowd with him.”

“One simple act of generosity can sometimes outweigh a lifetime of good deeds, and that’s what Warumpi Band’s My Island Home is for me,” says musician Scott Spark. “A lullaby, a hymn, a protest song, a serenade, and ultimately our national anthem. It leaves me in awe, and with a lump in my throat each time. And that is why they are quite simply my favourite Australian band.”

50. RADIO BIRDMAN

One of the most influential Australian bands of all time.

“My stepdad played me this in my young teens and regaled me with stories of their gigs,” says Todd Trevor of rock band Warped. “Really sticks with me as he realised this was what to show me when he could see where my musical taste was heading. So glad he did.” James Tidswell of Violent Anthem says New Race is an Australian rock anthem. “If you like rock and roll and you’re from Australia you love Radio Birdman as very few bands have done it this good.” Mark Gable of the Choirboys remembers seeing Radio Birdman early on. “I was in a band in the late 70s who did its thing and even I was bored. Then (Birdman) are on stage and lead guitarist Deniz Tek was tuning his guitar at full volume. I was at that moment hooked. These guys were the real deal.”

Here’s who voted in our poll

360

Adalita

Ben Abraham

Bonnie Anderson

Tina Arena

James Ash (Rogue Traders)

Kylie Auldist

Nick Barker

Rebecca Barnard

Casey Barnes

Mahalia Barnes

Nick Batterham

Gideon Bensen (The Preatures)

Ian Berney (Birds of Tokyo)

Joel Birch (The Amity Affliction)

Mike Brady

Rick Brewster (The Angels)

David Bridie

Catherine Britt

Brian Cadd

Joe Camilleri

David Campbell

Brian Canham (Pseudo Echo)

Scott Carne (Kids in the Kitchen)

Kate Ceberano

Phil Ceberano

Chris Cheney (The Living End)

Kim Churchill

Richard Clapton

Beccy Cole

Travis Collins

Damian Cowell (TISM)

Harrison Craig

Iva Davies (Icehouse)

Chris Daymond (Jebediah)

Shaun Diviney (Short Stack)

Abby Dobson (Leonardo’s Bride)

Chris Doheny

Tania Doko (Bachelor Girl)

Judith Durham (The Seekers)

Karise Eden

Mark Evans (ex AC/DC)

Morgan Evans

John Farnham

Jon Farriss (INXS)

Dave Faulkner (Hoodoo Gurus)

Amy Findlay (Stonefield)

Styalz Fuego

Mark Gable (Choirboys)

Generik

Gossling

Alexander Gow (Oh Mercy)

Dave Graney

Paul Gray (Wa Wa Nee)

Hugo Gruzman (Flight Facilities)

Angie Hart (Frente)

Darren Hayes

Ben Hazlewood

Colleen Hewitt

Marcia Hines

Mark Holden

Harry Hookey

Ella Hooper

Jesse Hooper (Killing Heidi)

Jack Howard (Hunters & Collectors)

Jeremy `Mango’ Hunter (Kingswood)

Adam Hyde (Peking Duk)

Clint Hyndman (Something For Kate)

I Killed the Prom Queen

Laura Jean

Hiatus Kaiyote

Wally Kempton (Even)

Lee Kernaghan

Ilan Kidron (Potbelleez)

Grace Knight (Eurogliders)

Markus Kurban

Kelly Lane (Skipping Girl Vinegar)

Ricki-Lee

Damien Leith

Jade Leonard

Jimmy Lyell (Flight Facilities)

Angus McDonald (Sneaky Sound System)

Greg Macainsh (Skyhooks)

Benjamin McCarthy

Sarah McLeod (The Superjesus)

Stu MacLeod (Eskimo Joe)

Isabella Manfredi (The Preatures)

Brian Mannix (Uncanny X-Men)

Masketta Fall

Declan Melia (British India)

Tim Metcalfe (Undercolours)

BC Michaels (Dune Rats)

Kylie Minogue

Connie Mitchell (Sneaky Sound System)

Kevin Mitchell (Jebediah/Bob Evans)

Lisa Mitchell

Jack Moffitt (The Preatures)

Russell Morriss

Pete Murray

Olivia Newton-John

Ngaiire

Nicky Night-Time

Katie Noonan

Lisa Origliasso (The Veronicas)

Jessica Origliasso (The Veronicas)

Scott Owen (The Living End)

Doug Parkinson

Brett Pattinson (Allnighters)

Michael Paynter

Guy Pearce

Jack Pierce (Pierce Brothers)

Pat Pierce (Pierce Brothers)

Thelma Plum

Keith Potger (The Seekers)

Joel Quatermain (Eskimo Joe)

Tom Read (Bodyjar)

James Reyne

Dale Ryder (Boom Crash Opera)

Kris Schroeder (The Basics)

Mark Sholtez

Glenn Shorrock

Matthew Sigley

Kerri Simpson

Jason Singh (Taxiride)

Grant Smillie (TV Rock)

Alex Smith (Moving Pictures)

Greedy Smith (Mental as Anything)

Scott Spark

Vachel Spirason (Total Giovani)

Paul Stewart (Painters and Dockers)

Ahren Stringer (The Amity Affliction)

Andy Strachan (The Living End)

Reuben Styles (Peking Duk)

John Swan

Red Symons (Skyhooks)

Mick Thomas

Vanessa Thornton (Jebediah)

James Tidswell (Violent Soho)

Todd Trevor (Warped)

Dan Warner

Megan Washington

Glenn Wheatley (Masters Apprentices)

Whitt (Spiderbait)

Whitley

Ross Wilson

John Paul Young

Originally published as The best Aussie band of all time
www.news.com.au/entertainment/music

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