Candy Harlots
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Defunct | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Candy Harlots were a glam metal group originating from Sydney, Australia, active from 1987 until 1995. They also performed under the names Helter Skelter and The Harlots. Their March 1992 EP Foreplay reached the Top 20 on the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Singles Chart, while their album Five Wicked Ways, released in May 1992, entered the Top 40.
History
Established in 1987, the original lineup included guitarist Ron Barrett (known as Ron B. Gypsy), drummer Tony Cardinal, vocalist Mark Easton, and bassist Nick Szentkuti, with guitarist Marc De Hugar joining shortly after. Following Szentkuti's departure, bassists Scott Millard and then Leeno Dee took over. The band cultivated a dedicated underground fanbase in Sydney by performing frequently at pubs and opening for well-known acts such as The Cult, Cheap Trick, and The Angels. Although Virgin Records showed early interest, the band’s management declined their initial offer; a contract was eventually signed four years later.
Their first single, Red Hot Rocket, was released in April 1989 through Melbourne’s 'Au Go Go Records' and produced by Mick Cocks of Rose Tattoo. This was followed by the single Danger in May 1990 on Sydney’s 'Timberyard' label. The Candy Harlots developed connections with international bands including New Jersey’s Skid Row and Mötley Crüe during their tours.
After the passing of Ron Barrett in October 1990, Peter Masi joined as guitarist. Early in 1991, Phil Bowley replaced Marc De Hugar. Vocalist Mark Easton left in March 1991 and was succeeded by Tony 'Aiz' Lynch, whose songwriting contributions led to securing a deal with Virgin Records through the track What Are We Fighting For?. With Lynch fronting the band, they gained increased media attention and expanded their reach within Australia’s hard rock and heavy metal scenes.
In September 1991, the band released a four-track cassette titled The Tease Tapes via Hot Metal magazine. The Foreplay EP achieved a peak position of No. 17 on the ARIA Singles Chart in March 1992, followed by their album Five Wicked Ways entering the Top 40. Produced by Peter Blyton, this album included the hit single Sister's Crazy.
Following Virgin Records' acquisition by EMI, Candy Harlots signed with EMI’s US division. Vocal duties shifted from Lynch to Hayden Watt. By mid-1993, Cardinal and Masi departed; Bowley, Dee, and Watt formed Helter Skelter alongside drummer Tubby Wadsworth. This lineup released one single before Watt was replaced by Jordan Howe. In 1994, under the new name The Harlots, they issued a self-titled EP prior to disbanding in 1995.
The lineup featuring Lynch reunited for a one-time performance at Sydney's Gaelic Theatre on 31 October 2009.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Post-breakup
- Tony Cardinal became a member of Screaming Tribesmen during the mid-1990s.
- Marc De Hugar also joined Screaming Tribesmen in that period. His glam rock project Dragonfly released the EP Zero in August 2007 on MGM Records, selling out all 5000 copies within one week and setting sales records. Their subsequent single, Cuts 'n' Bruises, was named 'Unearthed Song of the Year' by Australian radio station Triple J. De Hugar later engaged in performances, teaching, and clinics for companies such as Bandai Namco, Randall, and Charvel. He briefly played with Evolution X before moving to the United States to record his third solo album Trash Kats, which featured Anthony Esposito (formerly of Lynch Mob). De Hugar passed away on 7 January 2022.
- Mark Easton pursued blues-rock through his project Mark Easton Limousine, releasing albums including Coast to Coast (2001), Greener (2004), and Bandwagon (2006). In 2003 he reunited with The Kelpies for a Sydney show. Easton embarked on a solo career in 2007 with three albums: Money is the Root of All Evil (2009), Live at Sydney Blues Festival (2010), and Grind (2012). He toured extensively across Australia’s blues and roots circuits. In 2013 he collaborated with slide guitarist Adam Hole on the live album Attack of the Monster Guitars, followed by a national tour in 2014. Since 2015, Easton has played guitar and harmonica with The Geordie Leach Band.
- Nick Szentkuti transitioned into singing and guitar playing, founding folk ensemble Five Leaves Left in 2007; they were slated to perform at the Blue Mountains Music Festival in 2011.
- Scott Millard played with Crash Politics, Bell Jar, ID, and Clusterfunk before releasing a solo EP under the name Crackerjack in 1994. He subsequently worked for companies including Warner Music Group, Sega, Festival Records, Air Recordings, before relocating to Singapore in 1999 to join Namco Bandai Partners.
- Leeno Dee collaborated with Phil Bowley in bands such as Velvet Claws, The Killer Kowboys, and Dearly Beloved—who released the EP Pushover in 1997. He was also involved with Jerk and Ink before founding Melody Black. In 2016 he led Dept. of Gloom as both vocalist and bassist.
- Phil Bowley recorded with artists including Gav Darby, Envy, The Flog Puppet, Fusion, and released solo albums titled Inside the Outside (2007) and Black Ice (2008).
- Peter Masi created Stone Zone before performing with Angry Anderson–Peter Wells Band, Mark Easton Limousine, Beware of the Dog featuring former Harlots vocalist Jordan Howe, ultimately joining Ugly Little Secrets/Ugly Secrets.
- Aiz Lynch formed Angry Snuff Puppet and later fronted Ugly Little Secrets alongside Peter Masi. By June 2012 this group was renamed Ugly Secrets with new members Peter Stanton and Steve Auburn.
- Hayden Watt established rock band Mist8kez and operates independent label Illuminati Productions as well as Goat Farm Studios based in Victoria.
- Tubby Wadsworth recorded and performed with hardcore band Massappeal, Love Shark (from Machine Gun Fellatio), and Melody Black.
- Jordan Howe participated with Beware of the Dog, H8Tank, Paindivision (2007–08), and from 2010 onwards joined Saint Lucifer.
Members
Candy Harlots (1987–1993), Helter Skelter (1993–1994), The Harlots (1994–1995):
- Ron Barrett – rhythm guitarist (1987–1990) (deceased 3 October 1990)
- Tony Cardinal – drummer (1987–1993, 2009)
- Marc Lee Dé Hugar – lead guitarist (1987–1990) (passed away 7 January 2022)
- Mark Easton – lead vocalist (1987–1991)
- Nick Szentkuti – bassist (1987–1988)
- Scott Millard – bass guitar (1988)
- Leeno Dee – bass player (1988–1995, 2009)
- Phil Bowley – lead guitar (1990–1995, 2009)
- Peter Masi – rhythm guitar (1990–1993, 2009)
- Aiz Lynch – lead vocals (1991–1992, 2009)
- Hayden Watt – lead singer (1992–1994)
- Tubby Wadsworth – drummer (1993–1995)
- Jordan Howe – lead vocals and rhythm guitar (1994–1995)
Studio albums
| Album Title | Release Information | Highest Chart Position |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | ||
| Five Wicked Ways |
|
32 |
Extended plays
| EP Title | Release Details | Highest Chart Position |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | ||
| Foreplay |
|
17 |
Singles
| Year | Single Title | Peak Chart Position |
Associated Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | |||
| 1989 | "Red Hot Rocket" | - | Non-album single |
| 1990 | "Danger" | 107 | Five Wicked Ways |
| 1992 | "Sister's Crazy" | 37 | |
| "What are We Fighting for?" | 132 |
See also
References
- General sources
- Gray, Denis. Vicious Kitten Fanzine, 1995
- On The Street Magazine - Sydney
- Hot Metal Magazine - Australia
- Note: The archived online version has limited features.
- National Library of Australia catalogue entry. Note: The online edition was initiated by White Room Electronic Publishing Pty Ltd in 2007, evolving from the 2002 version.
- Specific sources
- 1987 establishments in Australia
- 1995 disestablishments in Australia
- Australian glam metal musical groups
- Australian glam rock musical groups
- Australian hard rock musical groups
- Musical groups established in 1987
- Musical groups disestablished in 1995
- Musical groups from Sydney
- Virgin Records artists
- Timberyard Records artists