Doug Anthony All Stars

Doug Anthony All Stars

Company type	Musical comedy group
Industry	Entertainment, Comedy, Music
Founded	1984
Founder	Paul McDermott, Tim Ferguson, Richard Fidler
Defunct	1994 (initial disbandment)
Fate	Disbanded; reunited 2003 and 2013–2017
Headquarters	Canberra, Australia , Australia
Area served	Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, United States
Key people	Paul McDermott, Tim Ferguson, Richard Fidler, Paul Livingston
Products	Live albums, studio album (DAAS Icon), short story compilation (Book), live concert videos, film (The Edinburgh Years)

The Doug Anthony All Stars (DAAS) were a musical comedy trio originating from Australia, active primarily between 1984 and 1994, with a reunion phase from 2013 until 2017. The founding members included Paul McDermott and Tim Ferguson as lead singers, accompanied by Richard Fidler on guitar and backing vocals. In 2014, Paul Livingston—known as "Flacco"—took over guitar duties from Fidler.

DAAS gained recognition for their provocative approach and engagement with contemporary issues, beginning their journey as street performers in Canberra in 1984. After securing the Pick of the Fringe award at the 1986 Adelaide Fringe Festival, they moved to Melbourne. Their breakthrough at the 1987 Edinburgh Festival Fringe broadened their audience in the UK, resulting in numerous television spots including appearances on Channel 4’s Viva Cabaret. Within Australia, they became fixtures on The Big Gig from 1989 to 1991 before launching their own ABC television series, DAAS Kapital.

Their body of work comprises four live albums alongside a single studio album titled DAAS Icon, which achieved independent success in Australia but faced a temporary ban in the UK. They also ventured beyond comedy with the release of a dark short story compilation named Book (1989). Additional outputs included two live concert videos and the film The Edinburgh Years. The group dissolved following a farewell tour across Australia in 1994, though occasional reunions occurred in 2003 and 2013 for benefit performances and DVD launches.

In March 2014, McDermott, Ferguson, and Livingston reunited to celebrate DAAS’s 30th anniversary at the Canberra Comedy Festival. The ensemble has remained inactive since late 2017.

Style

DAAS was characterized by a confrontational and aggressive comedic style, which author Geoff Bartlett described as "[stretching] the limits of humour and good taste to their utmost extent". Their material frequently confronted topical and taboo themes with songs such as "Commies for Christ" and "I Fuck Dogs". Ferguson emphasized that their primary motivation was to challenge political correctness. Each member crafted unique stage personas: McDermott portrayed a spiteful and harsh figure; Ferguson embodied a self-absorbed yet dim-witted character; while Fidler transitioned from a straight man role to a naturally cheerful but often victimized presence.

Drawing inspiration from ephemeral punk bands like the Fat Sluts and The Lone Reagans, DAAS’s provocative nature was rooted in their busking beginnings, where theatrical methods—including halting traffic—were employed to capture attention. McDermott acknowledged their willingness to undertake "ugly or horrendous" acts designed to spark discussion.

Neil Pigot described their style as an Australian adaptation of the Monty Python legacy and credited DAAS with influencing Australian comedy programs such as The D-Generation, Fast Forward, and Wogs Out of Work. At a time when Australian comedy largely featured joke-tellers and impersonators, DAAS distinguished themselves through their belligerent, confrontational approach that actively engaged audiences. Collaborator Mark Trevorrow praised their work as "true genius," highlighting their capacity to tap into darker audience sensibilities with a distinctly Dada-inspired method—eliciting both cheers and hostility. ABC producer Ted Robinson noted their significant contribution to elevating Australian comedy’s international reputation, particularly in Britain. British comedian Al Murray lauded their 1988 Edinburgh Festival performance as intensely dedicated and boundary-pushing.

Throughout interviews, DAAS maintained their characters by mixing playful banter with sharp critiques of media practices. They frequently supplied journalists with outrageous fabrications; most famously, they claimed that their namesake, former politician Doug Anthony, was a revered Prime Minister who had been assassinated—a falsehood published by prominent UK newspapers. This pattern of media deception persisted until 1990 when they falsely announced involvement in Batman alongside Jack Nicholson; this hoax was reported in Australian press before being exposed.

Early years

Tim Ferguson first encountered Richard Fidler while busking in Canberra in 1984 during their university days. Ferguson recalls, "Richard was strumming a guitar—playing a tune by Cat Stevens—and I joined in singing 'Wild Thing'. We earned a considerable amount of money within ten minutes." The duo began collaborating musically and, together with their friend Robert Piper, established the Doug Anthony All Stars. Their group name was inspired by Doug Anthony, who was once the leader of the Country Party and Deputy Prime Minister of Australia. Initially, Ferguson described himself as somewhat of an "explosive hippie," contrasting with the more reserved personalities of Fidler and Piper. Piper departed in 1985 due to other priorities and later advanced to a distinguished career at the United Nations, ultimately becoming Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process in 2013.

After Piper's exit, Paul McDermott, who was performing at one of DAAS's regular venues, was invited to join the ensemble. Although McDermott initially found their earlier material overly sentimental, he accepted the offer and reshaped the group’s style by composing most of their songs and adding a darker edge. Following their accolade as Pick of the Fringe at the 1986 Adelaide Fringe Festival, they relocated from Canberra to Melbourne. There, they secured a steady booking at the Prince Patrick Hotel in Collingwood, which helped them save money for a trip to the Edinburgh Fringe. Their initial reception in Melbourne was tepid, prompting them to adopt more confrontational stage personas, with McDermott and Ferguson frequently lampooning Fidler’s upbeat yet naïve character. Their debut international performance at the 1987 Edinburgh Fringe attracted sold-out audiences.

Successes

After their appearances at Edinburgh Fringe, the group experienced considerable success across the UK, featuring on various BBC comedy shows. In 1988, they earned a nomination for the Perrier Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Fidler observed that audiences in Britain were more welcoming than those in Australia, which led to national television exposure before millions and large-scale performances. The trio toured extensively through Canada, Germany, the United States, and Britain, culminating with a spot on the final episode of Friday Night Live. Despite their international acclaim, when they returned to Australia late in 1988, they were still relatively unknown domestically and resumed busking on the streets.

In 1989, ABC comedy producer Ted Robinson invited them to appear on The Big Gig, where they became a popular staple until 1991. That same year saw the release of Book, a compilation of dark short stories written before their performances. The publication sold 30,000 copies in England within two weeks but faced a ban after DAAS refused to make edits or add warning labels; this prohibition was later overturned through legal action.

Their debut official album, DAAS Icon (1990), included singles such as "I Want to Spill the Blood of a Hippy" and "Bottle". It achieved status as Australia's best-selling independent album but faced censorship in the UK because of an IRA reference in "KRSNA", a ban that was subsequently lifted by court ruling. The group maintained weekly appearances on The Big Gig until 1991 when they launched their own sitcom, DAAS Kapital, on ABC. Although it received poor critical reviews, it ran for two seasons consisting of seven episodes each between 1991 and 1992. From 1992 onward, they based themselves in the UK but briefly returned to Australia in 1993 to promote Dead & Alive, a live recording from a London performance released on CD and VHS. They performed during the opening ceremony of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and regularly appeared on Britain's Channel 4 variety program Viva Cabaret.

The reunited ensemble toured the UK once again in 2016 and received the Spirit of the Fringe Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Their Pleasance show was ranked as the second most memorable comedy performance of 2016 by Steve Bennett, editor of Chortle.co.uk.

Disbandment and reunions

In 1994, the ensemble embarked on a final farewell tour across Australia, which ABC Records captured and released as DAAS: The Last Concert. Although speculation about internal disputes surfaced, these were refuted; Richard Fidler clarified that the separation was practical—Ferguson desired to return home to Australia for family reasons, while McDermott and Fidler intended to advance their careers in the UK.

In June 2010, Ferguson revealed that his exit was primarily health-related, disclosing a multiple sclerosis diagnosis from 1996 that had impacted his stage mobility since 1993. He had kept this information confidential for many years to protect his professional life.

The trio reunited in July 2003 for "For Holly," a charity event honoring casting director Holly Robinson and raising funds for cancer research. They also performed at her funeral, underscoring their enduring relationship.

November 2008 saw the release of a two-disc DVD titled The Unlimited Uncollectible Sterling Deluxe Edition, featuring early performances from The Big Gig. The members recorded commentary and promoted the release but dismissed plans for a reunion tour.

On 13 April 2013, the group reunited for a singular performance at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to mark the launch of the DAAS Kapital DVD.

In March 2014, McDermott, Ferguson, and Paul Livingston (standing in for Fidler) appeared at the Canberra Comedy Festival celebrating their 30th anniversary, followed by tours in both Australia and the UK. Due to Fidler’s commitments with ABC Radio, he was unable to participate, with Livingston again filling his position.

Livingston published a memoir in 2016 entitled D.A.A.S.: Their Part in My Downfall, recounting his experiences as both collaborator and member of the group.

ABC broadcasted Tick Fucking Tock in October 2018, a two-part documentary examining DAAS’s origins, evolution, breakup, and eventual reunification.

Careers following DAAS

Initially reluctant to continue in comedy after DAAS, McDermott returned in 1996 as host of the satirical quiz show Good News Week, brought on by Ted Robinson. He remained until its cancellation in 2000 and resumed hosting when it was revived in 2008. In 2007, McDermott partnered again with Robinson to present ABC’s variety series The Sideshow, designed as a successor to The Big Gig. Despite cultivating a devoted cult audience, low viewership led to its cancellation after 26 episodes.

McDermott has maintained an active presence in live comedy, frequently participating in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and often captaining teams for the festival’s Great Debate since 1994. In 2002, he delivered a solo show titled "Comedyoscopy" and performed alongside Cameron Bruce and Mick Moriarty as part of the music-comedy group GUD, which shared stylistic similarities with DAAS. As of 2018, he hosts the ABC quiz program Think Tank.

Ferguson took on hosting duties for Nine Network’s comedy game show Don't Forget Your Toothbrush in 1996. Following its cancellation and uncertainty about his role, he departed to pursue other ventures including authoring his first novel, Left, Right and Centre: A Tale of Greed, Sex and Power, a political satire. His television work includes appearances on Unreal TV, Big Brother, Funky Squad, and Shock Jock (2001), which he also wrote and produced. Ferguson has developed a substantial career performing at corporate events and has lectured on narrative comedy at RMIT University. In 2010, he published The Cheeky Monkey: Writing Narrative Comedy, a guidebook on comedic writing, and hosted/co-produced the community TV chat show WTF – With Tim Ferguson.

In collaboration with others, Ferguson co-wrote and co-directed the feature film Spin Out, which Sony Pictures released in 2016. He also co-created and produced an orchestral theatrical work titled Billie and the Dinosaurs, which premiered early 2018 at Music for Canberra where he serves as patron.

After departing DAAS, Fidler concentrated on computing and multimedia projects. In 1996 he developed the award-winning CD-ROM Real Wild Child, documenting Australian rock history. He contributed regularly to internet.au magazine and participated in creating content for the Australian Constitutional Convention website. Despite initial hesitance toward television presenting, Fidler hosted several programs including Race Around the World, Aftershock, Mouthing Off, and Vulture. He spent three years as ABC-TV’s comedy editor before returning to broadcasting roles. Since 2005 he has presented segments on ABC Local Radio station 612 ABC Brisbane, including "The Conversation Hour," also aired on 702 ABC Sydney. Currently, he co-hosts ABC’s popular radio program Conversations. In 2011, Fidler co-authored the political satire Jack the Insider: The Insider's Guide to Power in Australia.

Original member Robert Piper pursued an international career with the United Nations, serving assignments in Cambodia, New York, Serbia among others before working within the Clinton Administration.

Members

Active members

• Tim Ferguson – lead vocals (1984–1994, 2014–2017)
• Paul McDermott – lead vocals (1985–1994, 2014–2017)
• Paul Livingston – guitar (2014–2017)

Former members

• Richard Fidler – guitar and vocals (1984–1994)
• Robert Piper – vocals (1984)

Timeline

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Discography

• DAAS Icon (1990)
• Dead & Alive (1993)
• DAAS Bootleg – Live in Edinburgh (1994)
• The Last Concert (1995)

ARIA Music Awards

Since 1987, the ARIA Music Awards have celebrated outstanding achievements and innovation within the Australian music industry.

| |- |rowspan="2"| 1991 |rowspan="2"| Icon | Best New Talent | |rowspan="2"| |- | Best Comedy Release | |-

External links

• AustralianComedy.net – Fan Forum for DAAS
• The Costumes of the Doug Anthony All Stars along with related artifacts belong to the Performing Arts Collection housed at the Arts Centre Melbourne