Dear Enemy (band)
| Company type | Indie pop group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 in Melbourne, Australia |
| Defunct | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Dear Enemy was an Australian indie pop group established in Melbourne in 1980. Their sole studio album, Ransom Note, was released in 1984 through EMI and Capitol Records. This album included their most recognized track, "Computer One," which climbed to No. 15 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart and reached No. 59 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The band dissolved in 1988.
Biography
Initially performing as a cover band named Stonewall, the group transitioned to original songs and adopted the name Dear Enemy, inspired by a Ginger Meggs comic strip, in late 1980. The founding members were vocalist Ron Martini, guitarists Chris Langford and Les Barker (formerly of the Benders), keyboardist Peter Holden, bassist John Joyce, and drummer Ian Morrison. Early in 1983, Martin Fisher (keyboards) and Peter Leslie (bass), both previously with Little Heroes, replaced Holden and bassist Nevio Aresca.
Between 1981 and 1982, Dear Enemy developed a dedicated live audience through frequent performances. They secured a contract with the American label EMI/Capitol in 1983, becoming one of the first Australian bands to obtain a direct international deal. Their debut album Ransom Note was recorded in the United States under producer Peter McIan—known for his work with Men at Work and Mondo Rock—whose participation was mandated by their contract. The leading single "Computer One," composed by Langford and Fisher while in America, became their only significant hit, peaking at No. 15 in Australia. Subsequent singles "The Good Life" and "Kids on the Street" failed to replicate this success, though the album sold over 25,000 copies and reached No. 15 on national charts.
Later releases included "New Hero," which appeared on the soundtrack of the Australian movie Street Hero and peaked at No. 93. In 1985, Joey Amenta replaced Les Barker on guitar. Despite issuing singles such as "Stay" and "You're Right, You're Right" over the following four years, commercial success remained elusive. Legal and contractual complications prevented a follow-up album from being released before their disbandment in 1988.
After the split, Barker and Langford formed Among Thieves, releasing a self-titled album in 1992. Ron Martini went on to release Big Night Out in 1996 with his band Missiles of Love. In 1999, EMI compiled the band's material into Best of Dear Enemy (Ransom Note and Beyond).
Members
- Ron Martini – lead vocals (1980–1988)
- Les Barker – lead guitar, vocals (1980–1985)
- Chris Langford – guitar, vocals, harmonica (1980–1988)
- Peter Holden – keyboards (1980–1982)
- John Joyce – bass guitar, vocals (1980–1982)
- Nevio Aresca – bass guitar (1982–1983)
- Ian Morrison – drums (1980–1988)
- Martin Fisher – keyboards (1983–1988)
- Peter Leslie – bass guitar (1983–1988)
- Joey Amenta – guitar (1985)
- Jerry Leigh – guitar
- Broc O'Connor – guitar (1988)
Albums
| Year | Title | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||
| 1984 | Ransom Note
|
15 |
| 1999 | The Best of Dear Enemy (Ransom Note & Beyond)
|
- |
Singles
| Year | Title | Highest Chart Rankings | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS | US Rock | |||
| 1983 | "Computer One"/"Day to Day" | 15 | 59 | Ransom Note |
| 1984 | "The Good Life"/"On the Line" | 39 | - | |
| "Kids on the Street"/"Talking to You" | - | - | ||
| "New Hero"/"Billy's Theme" | 93 | - | Street Hero (soundtrack) | |
| 1986 | "Stay"/"Looking for Love" | 61 | - | The Best of Dear Enemy (Ransom Note & Beyond) |
| 1988 | "You're Right, You're Right"/"Love Flows" | - | - | |