Chris Murphy (Australian singer)
Chris Murphy | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 25, 1976 Perth, Australia |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Known for | Fourth place on Australian Idol 2006 |
Christopher Bryce Scooby Murphy (born 25 March 1976 in Perth) is an Australian singer-songwriter who achieved fourth place on Australian Idol 2006.
Beginning piano lessons at age 11 and picking up guitar by 16, Murphy has been the frontman of the Western Australian ensemble Murphy's Lore since its inception in 1993. The group independently produced three albums: People in Grass Houses (1995), Best Laid Plans (1999), and The Universe Conspires (2002). Murphy resumed full-time involvement with the band in 2014.
Murphy's Lore has performed extensively throughout Australia and Singapore, sharing stages with prominent artists such as Jimmy Barnes and Daryl Braithwaite, and took part in the Kevin Bloody Wilson live in the UK & Ireland 2004 tour.
During his time on Australian Idol, Murphy received notable recognition for his rendition of Evie (part 1), which judge Marcia Hines described as "one of the most exciting performances," earning a "Touchdown" from Mark Holden.
In 2008, he was an opening act for the West Australian segment of the Adam Brand/James Blundell tour. Later, in 2010, Murphy and his band supported the nationwide tour for Creedence Clearwater Revisited, playing at key venues including Sydney Entertainment Centre and Rod Laver Arena.
In 2014, Murphy opened for the Perth show of the American children's production Yo Gabba Gabba! during its national tour and also played bass at “The Angels 100%” concert in Perth. His solo catalog comprises four albums: Elbow Room (2005), Chris Murphy (2007), Look At This/Remember That – Tour Edition (2010), and Ghost Town (2016).
Alongside his brothers Kieran and Courtney Murphy—Courtney himself a Top 3 finalist on Australian Idol in 2004—he formed The Murphy Brothers, releasing their album “Thick As Thieves” in 2013. In June 2016, Murphy served as the opening act for Richard Marx during Perth performances. Following chart-topping singles on iTunes Country such as "The One," "Kid From The Country," and "Working For A Living," he released "Not Like It Was Before," the fourth single from his Zero Hour Records album Ghost Town, co-written with producer Michael Carpenter.
Australian Idol Performances
- Perth Auditions: "World and Universe" by Chris Murphy
- Theatre Round – Day Two Group: "Beautiful Day" by U2
- Theatre Round – Day Three Solo: "Cry in Shame" by Johnny Diesel
- Top 24: "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen
- Wildcard: "Holy Grail" by Hunters & Collectors
- Top 12 – Contestant's Choice: "Wish You Well" by Bernard Fanning
- Top 11 – Rock: "Is It Just Me?" by The Darkness
- Top 10 – No. 1 Hits: "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins
- Top 9 – Contestant's Birth Year: "Life in the Fast Lane" by Eagles
- Top 8 – Disco: "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry
- Top 7 – Acoustic: "No More Lonely Nights" by Paul McCartney
- Top 7 – Up Close & Personal Special: "Diamond Days" by Chris Murphy
- Top 6 – Rock Swing: "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC
- Top 5 – Australian Music: "Evie Part One" by Stevie Wright TOUCHDOWN!
- Top 4 – Viewer's Choice: "Something Beautiful" by Robbie Williams
- Top 4 – Viewer's Choice: "Mean to Me" by Crowded House
Discography
- 1995: People in Grass Houses (with Murphy's Lore)
- 1999: Best Laid Plans (with Murphy's Lore)
- 2002: The Universe Conspires (with Murphy's Lore)
- 2005: Elbow Room
- 2007: Chris Murphy
- 2010: Look at This/Remember That
- 2013: Thick As Thieves (with The Murphy Brothers)
- 2014: Happy Boy (EP)
- 2016: Ghost Town
- 2021: Fall on Me (with The Murphy Brothers)