In 1981 just as the Oz pub rock scene was really hitting its stride, a young Sydney band launched itself onto our stages in a blaze of electric guitars and foot stomping psychedelia backed with classic 60’s harmonies.
Beyond their incredible sound they were one of the most amazing looking bands around, tapping into trash culture and embracing it with self-deprecating humour.
The Hoodoo Gurus were not only a sensation here, but were also making waves overseas, like America where their debut album Stoneage Romeos topped the college charts for an incredible 7 weeks. A string of hit albums followed including Mars Needs Guitars, Blow Your Cool, Magnum Cum Louder and Kinky.
Over the years they’ve played some of the loudest, electrically charged live shows I’ve seen, needless to say I was always pumped about the prospect of seeing the Gurus play live.
Sadly in the late 1990’s they called it a day, but then after the new millennium kicked in they were invited to play at one of Australia’s biggest music festivals and not long after were acknowledged by the establishment as inductees into the ARIA Hall of Fame.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzFKYHvkhVQ
They’ve stayed in the electric saddle ever since with new albums and a touring schedule that has not only seen them become a major festival draw card, but has also included the band performing live recreations of their early classic albums in their entirety.
In this podcast Dave talks about the Hoodoo Guru’s music and career, their penchant for making complete idiots of themselves (in their videos at least!) and the strangeness of being embraced by the establishment as they became members of the ARIA’s Hall OF Fame.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YePEh3Zql3k
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Leave a Reply