|
|
This
title would suggest the Weekend Rockstars was either a band
with an oversize ego or one with its tongue firmly-in-cheek.
It did not take long to work out which of these two possibilities
was most likely!
Billy,
Geoffy, Nelly and Davey Rockstar started to make an impression
on the local music scene when they won the 3TR Battle of the
Bands (achieving the highest score since the event's conception).Originally
from Sale in country Victoria, the Rockstars had ample time
to study the country town pub-rock phenomenon from every angle
whilst extolling the virtues of 'playing at local sheep swapping
parties'. On stage and off, they had been witnesses to and victims
of the rural drinker's demands. Vilified, abused, threatened,
they decided to address the problem head-on, and released their
first single
We
can't play smoke on the water. "It was difficult for a meathead
to scream "Play Smoke On The Water!" to a band that has just
performed this piece" exclaimed Billy (the driving influence
behind the band), "It states the facts, sets the tone and allows
the band to go on and not play a whole lot of other stuff as
well". The song made explicit their utter ignorance of anything
Deep and Purple but also injected the generally bland and predictable
playlists with a dose of good old 'Orstraylyun' humour.
The
Weekend Rockstars were one of the unlikeliest groups to leave
their mark on the Australian music scene , but quickly built
up a considerable live following supporting some of the country's
biggest acts at the time and achieving a considerable name for
themselves as a band who could deliver a show with a difference.
Although on the surface the band appeared steeped in satire,
dressed in cut off footy jumpers and a repertoire that included
such songs as, Don't blame me I'm from the country, Drinkin
beer with the boys, Ocker Rocker and In the missionary
position undercover in the bedroom with the lights out.
They could also produce the tenderest of ballads. Witty lyrics,
hidden twists and finely crafted melodies didn't insult their
audience with intelligence, it wooed them.
|