Fun Things
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Defunct | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Brisbane , Australia |
| Products | Punk rock music, EPs |
The Fun Things emerged as an Australian punk rock outfit during the height of punk's popularity, drawing significant inspiration from bands like Radio Birdman, the Stooges, and the Sex Pistols. The founding members included siblings Brad Shepherd (guitar and vocals) and Murray Shepherd (drums), joined by John Hartley on bass and Graeme Beavis handling guitar duties. Their 1980 self-titled extended play became a sought-after collectible emblematic of Australia's punk movement.
Operating mainly from 1979 to 1980, The Fun Things played a pivotal role in Brisbane's second wave punk scene, which was characterized by a rebellious intensity despite the city's traditionally conservative culture. Following their breakup, Brad Shepherd achieved recognition with The Hitmen and Hoodoo Gurus, while Murray Shepherd and Hartley initiated The Screaming Tribesmen. Graeme Beavis later became a member of The Apartments.
History
The band initially performed under the name The Aliens in Brisbane in 1978—distinct from an Adelaide-based new wave group sharing the same name—before transitioning through a period as the Phantom Agents. They eventually reassembled as The Fun Things with the addition of Graeme Beavis. Their dynamic stage presence quickly earned them a loyal local audience.
Although still in their teenage years, the group financed their 1980 EP by Brad Shepherd borrowing $400 from his parents. This release showcased intense guitar work and fast-paced rhythms that captured the essence of youthful punk energy. Only 500 copies were pressed originally; however, after unauthorized international bootlegs circulated, Spain’s Pennimann Records reissued the EP in 2000.
The band's roots can be traced back to informal jam sessions in Brisbane suburbs during the mid-1970s between Shepherd and Hartley. Motivated by Rock Australia Magazine's coverage of Radio Birdman, they shifted away from classic rock covers toward punk music. After disbanding around the time their EP was released, Brad Shepherd joined alternative rock ensemble The 31st before moving on to The Hitmen and Hoodoo Gurus; meanwhile, Murray Shepherd and Hartley founded The Screaming Tribesmen in 1981; Beavis became part of The Apartments in 1984.
Legacy
Tracks from their original EP, notably Savage and When The Birdman Fly, appeared on multiple Australian compilation CDs throughout the 2000s. In the early 21st century, the Shepherd brothers established The Monarchs, a group drawing influence from both Fun Things and Hitmen, releasing the album Make Yer Own Fun in 2001. Additionally, the original recording of Savage was featured in the 2015 compilation "Stranded, The Chronicles Of Australian Punk," issued by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Four by Four label.
Personnel
- Brad Shepherd – Lead Vocals, Guitar
- Graeme Beavis – Guitar, Vocals
- John Hartley – Bass Guitar, Vocals
- Murray Shepherd – Drums, Vocals
Discography
- Fun Things – 7-inch EP (1980)
Tracks: "When The Birdman Fly", "Lipstick", "(I Ain't Got) Time Enough for Love", "Savage"
- Fun Things – 7-inch EP (2000), Pennimann Records PENN-EP005
Tracks: "When The Birdman Fly", "Lipstick", "(I Ain't Got) Time Enough for Love", "Savage"
Compilation appearances
- "Savage" – CD on Behind the Banana Curtain – 4zzz, 2001
- "Savage" – CD on Do the Pop! The Australian Garage-Rock Sound 1976–1987 – Shock Records, 2002
- "When The Birdman Fly" – CD on Tales from the AUSTRALIAN UNDERGROUND – Shock, 2003
- "When The Birdman Fly", "Lipstick", "(I Ain't Got) Time Enough for Love", "Savage" – CD on Murder Punk volume 2 – Murder Punk