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Mental as Anything, The Mentals or The Old Farts who sing "Live It Up". But no matter what name you know them by, Australia recognises them as one of our best loved bands to rock our radios, CD players and stereos in our homes and cars for the last 25 years.
So how did they start? What is their story? And where the hell did I put my car keys last night? This is a quick summary of their story Belstar style. Not 100% correct but fairly accurate , and a story non the less.
So here we go, The Artists Formally Known as Mental as Anything................
Mental as Anything were conceived in 1976 at an art school in Sydney. Martin Murphy, David Twohill, Andrew Smith, Peter O'Doherty and Chris O'Doherty shared their love for music and realised they had something special when jamming in each others garages. The name Mental as Anything came from a truck that was parked outside one of their first ever gigs. Luckily the Ladysan truck had moved ten minutes before they were looking for a name for the band.
Their first ever gig was played upon a pool table at the legendary Unicorn Hotel. They tried upon the jukebox but it wasnt quite working.
Mental as Anything became well known for their colourful and arty filmclips which they often made themselves. They were also responsible for making their own alfoil clothing that appeared in the filmclips and making their own tour posters. People flocked to their shows as they became one of Australias best touring bands.
Some of the members of the band also had side projects. Greedy Smith released "Love Harmonica" and "Greedys People". Martin Plaza released "Plaza Suite" and also got together with James Freud and formed Beatfish. Reg Mombassa and Pete O'Doherty formed Dog Trumpet and released " Suitcase". David Twohill started drinking Gatorade and finished his art degree.
In 1987 or thereabouts, tragedy struck the band in a major way. GREEDY SMITH GOT MARRIED. Thousands of girls around the world ( and a few guys) cried their eyes out for days. I remember having a good howl myself, had nothing to do with Greedy getting married, I just fell of my bike and cracked my head open. I was always a clumsy child.
Just after Greedy got married, it was rumoured (and I remember this from my teen years) that Kylie Minogue and Greedy were a hot item. Turned out to be bullshit, she should be so lucky!!!
In 1998-99 , Peter O'Doherty and Reg Mombassa left the band to pursue their careers in art and painting.
To take their spots, (as the music sounded terrible without bass or electric guitar) were David Barraclough and Murray Cook..................Not that one, dipshit!!!
Thats the one!!! (Pink pants beat red skivvy anyday!!)
And as an added bonus, the band recruited a new honorary band member, The Toyota Tarago!!! Murray and the Tarago became the bestest of friends.
And this is my dad, Trev. He plays guitar, banjo, didgereedoo and the drums. He'll be gunning for Birds spot is he ever leaves the band.
The band since their line up change have released the album, "Beetroot Stains", ( which is the best $24.99 you will ever spend, by the way), which has pleased even the biggest fans.
Apart from playing, touring, writing, painting, the band also like to get together with their all time favourite fan. (who is blonde ,cute, sexy, etc)......... AHEM!! I said FAVOURITE DAMMIT!!!
Ahhhh ! Thats better , and dont do it again, or big smacks!!
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