“There are other Australian albums as great as Sunnyboys 1981 debut, Sunnyboys. There aren’t any that are better.” – Noel Mengel
Thirty-five years ago this month Sunnyboys released their eponymous debut. Containing the hit singles Happy Man and Alone With You plus live favourites I’m Shakin’, Trouble In My Brain, Tunnel Of Love and more Sunnyboys enraptured teenagers of the time (and generations to come) with an astute blend of hi-energy, pop hooks and brooding, longing wordplay. It was and still is a classic and has remained a constant in All Time Australian Album lists for its entire 35 year lifespan.
But the 11 songs contained on the album were just a drop in the ocean from a well of creativity amassed by singer / guitarist Jeremy Oxley in 1981, as the demo sessions from January of the same year have shown us. The songs were quite literally dripping from Jeremy’s fingers.
“In the early days I used to try and knock out a new song every rehearsal to keep things flowing and interesting. The Beatles were a huge influence, also MC5, Iggy & The Stooges, Radio Birdman and many others. The repertoire of songs grew quickly so there were quite a few to pick from to out on a decent show” – Jeremy Oxley
In celebration of the album milestone and the premiere period from when it sprang, Sunnyboys will take to the stage in February 2017 for a handful of shows playing a set entirely derived from 1981; a set that will also include Sunnyboys, the album, performed in its entirety.
“What a Thrill it will be to play our 1st album from start to finish. We have never ever done this before. Looking forward to I Can’t Talk to You (reprise)” – Peter Oxley
But wait, it gets better! For Sydney fans there will be the added thrill of seeing Sunnyboys old gigging partners Flaming Hands performing their first show since 1985! Featuring singer Julie Mostyn and songwriter Jeff Sullivan Flaming Hands’ stripped back blend of sixties influenced soul, R&B and psychedelia was the perfect foil for Sunnyboys hi-energy rock shows for many nights in 1981. But wait, that’s not all! Also joining Sunnyboys & Flaming Hands on this momentous Sydney line-up will be legendary Sydney act Shy Impostors. Fronted by singer / songwriter Penny Ward and featuring drummer Michael Charles alongside pre-Sunnyboys Peter Oxley and Richard Burgman, Shy Impostors existed for just nine months during 1979-1980 and releasing one record only; the posthumous 7” At The Barrier in 1981, their break-up paving the way for Sunnyboys to exist. Its the first time Shy Impostors have played with Sunnyboys and the first time all three bands have performed together on the one bill.
“When Peter Oxley called with the proposition of reforming the Flaming Hands for a gig with the Sunnyboys I jumped at the opportunity. The two bands have a shared history both as friends and as contemporaries that played together in what was a golden era of Australian music. I later found out The Shy Impostors are also going to be on the bill ……. perfect ….. this gig will be a massive celebration!” – Julie Mostyn
Elsewhere, and in a further series of firsts, Sunnyboys will be joined by the legendary X for their Melbourne show while a dynamic bill of The Celibate Rifles and Ed Kuepper with Mark Dawson will join Sunnyboys for their only Queensland appearance.
Tickets for all shows are to go on-sale Tuesday 27th September via the venues and usual outlets.
Don’t miss the feel good tour of this summer: Sunnyboys 1981 live! this February.
SUNNYBOYS
TICKETS ON SALE TUESDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2016
Friday 3rd February 2017
Gold Coast, The Nightquarter (only Queensland show)
Special guests: The Celibate Rifles and Ed Kuepper with Mark Dawson
Tickets TBC (includes booking fee) from feel presents.com
Saturday 4th February 2017
Sydney, Enmore Theatre
special guests: Flaming Hands and Shy Impostors
Tickets TBC (includes GST and booking fee, some transaction fees may apply) from feel presents.com
Friday 10th February 2017
Melbourne, The Croxton
Special guests X.
Tickets $63.00 + bf from feel presents.com
