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Australian Crawl

From Alfawiki
Australian Crawl
Company typeRock band
IndustryMusic
Founded1978 in Melbourne, Australia
FounderJames Reyne, Brad Robinson, Paul Williams, Simon Binks, David Reyne
Headquarters
Melbourne
,
Australia
ProductsMusic albums, singles

Australian Crawl—also known as Aussie Crawl or simply The Crawl—was a rock ensemble originating from Melbourne, Australia, in 1978. The founding members included James Reyne (lead vocals, piano, harmonica), Brad Robinson (rhythm guitar), Paul Williams (bass guitar), Simon Binks (lead guitar), and David Reyne (drums). Shortly after formation, David Reyne departed and was succeeded by Bill McDonough, who handled drums and percussion. Subsequently, Bill's brother Guy McDonough joined the group, contributing vocals and rhythm guitar. The band’s name was inspired by the front crawl swimming technique.

Australian Crawl was closely associated with the surf music scene and notably sponsored a surfing event in 1984. Their songwriting extended beyond surf culture to explore themes such as consumerism, alcohol abuse, vehicular accidents, and romantic relationships.

Their debut album released in 1980, The Boys Light Up, achieved a peak chart position of No. 4. They secured two chart-topping albums: 1981’s Sirocco and 1982’s Sons of Beaches. Early singles consistently reached the top 25, with the pinnacle being the No. 1 single "Reckless" from their 1983 EP Semantics, which showcased a more sophisticated musical direction.

Starting in 1983, Australian Crawl underwent notable lineup changes: Bill McDonough exited that year, Guy McDonough passed away in 1984, and Paul Williams left in 1985. Their 1985 release Between a Rock and a Hard Place involved production costs totaling $400,000 AUD but failed to meet commercial expectations. The band ultimately dissolved early in 1986.

The group’s influence on Australia’s music landscape was honored with induction into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame in 1996. Unfortunately, Brad Robinson, who was battling lymphoma at the time, could not attend the ceremony and passed away two weeks afterward.

1975–1979: Formation and "Beautiful People"

In 1976, a band named Spiff Rouch was established in Mount Eliza, a suburb located on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula. Its members included James Reyne, brothers Bill and Guy McDonough, Paul Williams, Robert Walker, and Simon Binks. Prior to this, Reyne had experience as a drummer with Archie Slammit and the Doors.

By early 1978, Spiff Rouch divided into two separate groups: The Flatheads—comprising the McDonough brothers and Walker—and Australian Crawl. The initial Australian Crawl lineup featured Reyne on vocals, Binks on lead guitar, Williams on bass, James Reyne’s younger sibling David on drums, and Brad Robinson on rhythm guitar. Their first live performance occurred in October 1978 as they toured various pubs.

In 1979, David Reyne left to pursue an acting career and was replaced by Bill McDonough on drums. The band’s fan base expanded beyond the Mornington Peninsula to include university students and urban audiences.

Their growing reputation attracted David Briggs from Little River Band, who facilitated a recording deal with EMI and produced their debut single. Released in 1979, "Beautiful People" climbed to No. 22 on national charts. James Reyne co-wrote this track with guitarist Mark Hudson back in 1975. The song’s lyrics critique Toorak’s affluent lifestyle and reference the Bombay Rock nightclub located in Brunswick.

Shortly before recording "Beautiful People," Reyne suffered an accident where he was struck by a car resulting in broken wrists—an experience later captured in the song "Indisposed." Despite this setback, Australian Crawl made an impressive appearance on ABC TV's Countdown performing with Reyne’s arms encased in plaster casts. "Beautiful People" remains one of their most enduring tracks according to Triple M listeners’ polls conducted in 2007.

1980 The Boys Light Up

Australian Crawl's inaugural album, The Boys Light Up (1980), was produced by Briggs for EMI and included several successful singles, with songwriting credits shared between band members and collaborators. Notable tracks featured the earlier release "Beautiful People", the album's title song (written by Reyne and Mark Hudson), "Indisposed" (co-written by Brad Robinson, James Robinson, Reyne, and Bill McDonough), and "Downhearted" (by Sean Higgins, Guy McDonough, and Bill McDonough).

Their second single, "The Boys Light Up," encountered near bans on radio because of its explicit lyrics. Although many listeners assumed the chorus referred to marijuana use, Reyne clarified it was about smoking tobacco during school hours. The song climbed to No. 22 on national charts and became a hallmark of their live shows. The third single, "Downhearted," achieved greater success at No. 12 and portrayed a story of a troubled relationship.

The album reached a peak position of No. 4 on Australian charts and maintained chart presence for 101 weeks in total. It earned five times platinum certification with sales exceeding 280,000 copies, ranking it among the top Australian albums of the 1980s.

In October 1980, singer/guitarist/songwriter Guy McDonough, formerly of The Flatheads and younger brother to Bill McDonough, joined the group.

Rock commentator Glenn A. Baker compared Australian Crawl to a vibrant, youthful embodiment of Australian culture that set them apart from their peers:

Despite their commercial achievements, some critics accused the band of having demonic elements; Reyne recounted that members of Little River Band, who had embraced religious beliefs, warned them that their music was demonic.

1981–1982: Sirocco and Sons of Beaches

In 1981, Australian Crawl recorded their sophomore album, Sirocco, under the production of Peter Dawkins in Sydney. Named after the yacht owned by Errol Flynn, the album reached No. 1 on the Australian charts on August 3rd and held that position for six weeks. During this period, Brad Robinson was married to actress Kerry Armstrong, an Australian Film Institute Award recipient, who contributed as co-writer on the track "Easy on Your Own" for the album.

Sirocco yielded popular singles such as "Things Don't Seem" (released in May, reaching No. 11) and "Errol" (August release, peaking at No. 18). It also featured "Oh No Not You Again" (November). The song "Errol," which pays tribute to Tasmanian-born actor Flynn, remains one of the band's top three favorite songs among fans. Another track titled "Lakeside" received substantial radio airplay. At the end of 1981, Sirocco was ranked No. 2 on year-end album charts in Australia—second only to John Lennon's Double Fantasy and ahead of AC/DC's Back in Black, making it the highest-charting album by an Australian artist that year.

The track Unpublished Critics has been recognized for bearing resemblance to Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child o' Mine," a similarity acknowledged by songwriter James Reyne. Duff McKagan from Guns N' Roses described this likeness as "stunning" but denied any prior exposure or plagiarism claims.

Building on their momentum, Australian Crawl embarked on extensive tours that attracted large crowds at venues such as Melbourne's Myer Music Bowl (10,000 attendees), Sydney's Domain (90,000 people), and the Narara Rock festival (70,000 fans). They also set attendance records at indoor venues in Brisbane and Perth. The band was honored as Countdown's Most Popular Group in 1981; meanwhile, James Reyne won Most Popular Male Performer honors in both 1980 and 1981.

The 1982 release Sons of Beaches, produced by expatriate Australian Mike Chapman in Hawaii, showcased a tougher rock sound compared to their earlier pop rock style. This album included the June single "Shut Down", which reached No. 17 nationally, along with a re-recorded version of "Downhearted." Sons of Beaches became their second chart-topping album in Australia, holding the No. 1 spot for five weeks. EMI also issued this album in the United States market. Subsequent singles such as "Daughters of the Northern Coast" and "Runaway Girls" did not break into the Top 40.

Between 1982 and 1983, James Reyne appeared in the television miniseries Return to Eden, which premiered in September 1983. He earned the "Most Popular New Talent Award" at the 1984 TV Week Logie Awards. Despite this recognition, Reyne later declined numerous acting opportunities due to his own assessment of limited acting skills. During breaks from filming, he performed part-time with Paul Christie (Mondo Rock) and Kevin Borich in the band The Party Boys, which also featured Harvey James (Sherbet) and Graham Bidstrup (The Angels). This ensemble primarily played cover songs around Sydney; their live album Live at Several 21sts reached No. 9 on national charts.

1983–1984: "Reckless", Semantics and Phalanx

Following Reyne's completion of his role in Return to Eden, Bill McDonough departed the group amid internal disagreements.[1][2] The band’s remaining members proceeded to record the EP Semantics in 1983, featuring Bidstrup—formerly of The Party Boys and later a founding member of GANGgajang—on drums.[3] This four-track EP included their most recognized song, "Reckless" (also known as "Don't Be So Reckless" or "She Don't Like That"), penned by Reyne,[4] which climbed to No. 1 on the Australian singles chart on 28 November.[1] Subsequently, John Watson, associated with the Kevin Borich Express, became the band's permanent drummer. The live album Phalanx was released as an interim project between studio albums, achieving a peak position of No. 4 in December.[1] Their significant international exposure occurred when they supported Duran Duran during segments of the UK "Sing Blue Silver" tour.[5]

The American label Geffen Records signed Australian Crawl and issued Semantics globally in 1984, combining the EP's tracks with re-recorded selections from previous albums. In April that year, they became the first Australian group to sponsor an ASP surfing event,[6] specifically the Rip Curl/Australian Crawl Bell's Beach Surfing Festival,[6] which was won by Australian surfer Cheyne Horan.[7]

In June 1984, touring activities were halted when Guy McDonough was admitted to a Melbourne hospital and passed away shortly after due to viral pneumonia.[1][2] Australian Crawl resumed live performances later that year with Mark Greig (formerly of the Runners) joining on guitar.[1] Prior to his death, Guy had recorded demo tracks alongside Bill McDonough (drums), Sean Higgins (synthesizers), Nigel Spencer (bass and synthesizers), Mick Hauser (saxophone), and Michael Bright (guitar).[3][8] Bill McDonough produced Guy’s posthumous album My Place, released on Wheatley Records in April 1985.[1][8] Singles emerging from these sessions included "My Place" / "Things Don't Seem" and "What's in it For Me" / "Hook, Line and Sinker".[9] The track "Things Don't Seem", co-written by Guy McDonough and Sean Higgins,[4] had originally been released by Australian Crawl as a single in 1981 from the album Sirocco.[10] Material from these demo sessions was later remastered and compiled on the 1996 release Lost & Found.[11]

1985–1986: Between a Rock and a Hard Place, The Final Wave and disbandment

In 1985, Australian Crawl released their final studio effort, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, produced by English producer Adam Kidron and issued through their own Freestyle Records label. The production reportedly cost around $400,000, yet the album's inconsistent style led to disappointing commercial results, peaking at only No. 11 in August 1985 before rapidly dropping out of the Top 40. This underperformance was in stark contrast to their previous two albums, which had both achieved No. 1 status with multi-platinum sales. None of the singles from this album managed to reach the Top 40. In May 1985, Harry Brus (formerly of Kevin Borich Express) stepped in as bassist, replacing the long-serving Paul Williams.

During July 1985, the band contributed three tracks—"Reckless (Don't Be So)", "Two Can Play", and "The Boys Light Up"—to the Oz for Africa concert, part of the worldwide Live Aid initiative, which was broadcast across Australia and on MTV in the United States.

Due to the disappointing reception of their last album, Australian Crawl decided to disband but continued touring to clear outstanding debts. Their final Melbourne performance on 27 January 1986 was captured and later released as the live album The Final Wave in October of that year. The group's ultimate show took place on 1 February at the Perth Entertainment Centre.

Throughout their seven-year career, Australian Crawl sold over one million records domestically. They achieved five albums and an EP within the Australian Top 5 Albums Charts, including two chart-topping releases. Their combined eleven weeks at Number 1 place them tied for fourth among Australian bands, alongside Skyhooks, The Seekers, and Midnight Oil.

1986–1995: Pursuit of solo ventures

In 1985, Lin Buckfield of Electric Pandas collaborated with James Reyne on the duet single "R.O.C.K." / "Under My Thumb". Following Australian Crawl’s dissolution, Reyne embarked on a solo career. Although his initial singles met with limited success, he gained momentum with the release of "Fall of Rome" in 1987 and his self-titled debut album, establishing consistent popularity into the early 1990s. In May 1992, Reyne teamed up with James Blundell for a successful cover of The Dingoes' "Way Out West", which reached No. 2 nationally. That same year, Reyne formed Company of Strangers alongside former Sherbet frontman Daryl Braithwaite, Simon Hussey, and Jef Scott. Their only album produced several charting singles including "Motor City (I Get Lost)" (#26), "Sweet Love" (#21), and "Daddy's Gonna Make You a Star" (#35).

In addition to his music career, Reyne portrayed Roger Davies in the film What's Love Got to Do With It? (1993). He also appeared in twelve episodes of the television series State Coroner (1998) and featured in The Postcard Bandit (2003). Currently residing on the Mornington Peninsula with his partner Tina and their daughter, he released his eighth solo studio album, Every Man a King, in 2007 and continues to perform intermittently.

After the band's breakup, Brad Robinson took on management duties for Chantoozies—which included former Australian Crawl drummer David Reyne. Their debut single "The Witch Queen of New Orleans" (1986) peaked at No. 4 nationwide. Robinson later shifted into television production and managed both the Reyne brothers as well as sports figures such as tennis player Mark Philippoussis before passing away in 1996 due to lymphoma.

Paul Williams joined the Broderick Smith Band in 1987 before moving into music retail. Simon Binks and Mark Greig also collaborated with Broderick Smith during 1988. In 1995, Binks sustained brain injuries from a car accident involving council roadworks; after legal proceedings in 2006, he was awarded $330,253 in damages—later reduced on appeal to $304,750 following disputes concerning his blood alcohol concentration at the time of the incident.

1996–present: ARIA Hall of Fame induction and compilation releases

The 1996 release of the compilation Lost & Found featured seven remastered selections from Guy McDonough's solo project My Place. This compilation was produced by Bill McDonough alongside Peter Blyton. Among the tracks, "Too Many People" stands out as a duet between Guy McDonough and Colin Hay of Men at Work, with James Reyne contributing backing vocals on several songs. By the year 2001, Bill McDonough had transitioned from the music industry to managing construction and demolition enterprises.[12]

In September 1996, Australian Crawl received the honor of induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame; tragically, lead singer Robinson died just three weeks following this recognition.[13]

Following this period, several compilations were issued, including More Wharf (1998), Reckless: 1979–1995 (2000), and The Definitive Collection (2002), which combined the band's greatest hits with selections from James Reyne's solo career.[14]

During APRA’s 75th Anniversary in 2001, the track "Reckless (Don't Be So)" was ranked nineteenth among the Top 30 Australian songs.[15]

In October 2007, eleven songs by Australian Crawl featured in the Triple M Essential 2007 Countdown, reflecting their continued popularity among listeners. Notable placements included "Reckless" at number 39 and "Beautiful People" at number 153.[16]

To commemorate the 35th anniversary of "Beautiful People" in January 2014, Universal Music Australia released The Greatest Hits, which reached number four on the charts and was the 40th highest-selling Australian album that year.

October 2016 saw the release of a seven-album vinyl set titled The Album Collection by Australian Crawl. This collection comprised four studio albums, two live recordings, and included the US-expanded edition of Semantics, which had not previously been available in Australia.[17]

Members

Listed chronologically:[3]

  • Simon Binks – guitar (1978–1986)
  • David Reyne – drums (1978)
  • James Reyne – vocals, guitar, keyboards, harmonica (1978–1986)
  • Brad Robinson (d. 1996) – guitar, keyboards (1978–1986)
  • Paul Williams – bass guitar (1978–1985)
  • Bill McDonough – drums (succeeded David Reyne) (1978–1983)
  • Guy McDonough (d. 1984) – vocals, guitar (1980–1984)
  • Graham "Buzz" Bidstrup – drums (followed Bill McDonough) (1983)
  • John Watson – drums (succeeded Bidstrup) (1983–1986)
  • Mark Greig – guitar (replaced Guy McDonough) (1984–1986)
  • Harry Brus – bass guitar (followed Williams) (1985–1986)

Discography

Awards and nominations

ARIA Music Awards

Founded in 1987, the ARIA Music Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and creativity within the Australian music industry. Australian Crawl earned induction into the Hall of Fame in 1996.

|- | 1987 | Art Scarff for the cover of The Final Wave by Australian Crawl | Best Cover Art | |- | 1996 | Australian Crawl | ARIA Hall of Fame |

TV Week / Countdown Awards

From 1979 to 1987, ABC-TV's Countdown program hosted music awards determined by a combination of fan votes and industry peers.

|- | rowspan="5" | 1980 | "Downhearted" | Best Single Record | |- | rowspan="2" | The Boys Light Up | Best Australian Record Cover Design | |- | Most Popular Record | |- | The band | Most Popular Group | |- | James Reyne (Australian Crawl) | Most Popular Male Performer | |- | rowspan="3" | 1981 | Sirocco | Best Australian Album | |- | The band | Most Popular Group | |- | James Reyne (Australian Crawl) | Most Popular Male Performer | |- | 1982 | The band | Most Popular Group | |- | rowspan="3" | 1983 | Mark Opitz, recognized for production work with Australian Crawl | Best Record Producer of the Year | |- | The band | Most Popular Group | |- | James Reyne (Australian Crawl) | Most Popular Male Performer |

External links

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  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named APRA
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