God (Australian band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 in Melbourne, Australia |
| Founder | Sean Greenway, Tim Hemensley, Joel Silbersher, Matthew Whittle |
| Defunct | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Punk rock music |
God (often presented as GOD) was an Australian punk rock group established in Melbourne in 1986. The founding lineup included Sean Greenway (guitar, vocals), Tim Hemensley (bass, drums, vocals), Joel Silbersher (guitar, vocals), and Matthew Whittle (bass, drums, vocals), all aged between 15 and 16 at the time. Their debut single "My Pal," released in January 1988, has become a lasting underground anthem within Australia. Their sole studio album, For Lovers Only, appeared post-breakup in December 1989. Tragically, Sean Greenway passed away from a heroin overdose in January 2001 at 30 years old; Hemensley also succumbed to a heroin overdose in July 2003 at age 31. In February 2010, Whittle compiled a double CD anthology titled GOD.
History
God originated as a punk rock four-piece in Melbourne during 1986: Sean Greenway (aka Sean Scorpion) handled guitar and vocals; Tim Hemensley (Meatcleaver Boy) contributed bass, drums, and vocals; Joel Silbersher (Joel Rock'n'Roll) played guitar and sang; Matthew Whittle (Matty Mustang) performed on bass and drums as well as vocals. Prior to God, Hemensley was part of Royal Flush; Greenway and Whittle had been members of Foot and Mouth; Silbersher worked as a community radio DJ.
The band was signed by Bruce Milne of Au Go Go Records, who released their first single "My Pal" in January 1988. Written by Silbersher, the song garnered critical acclaim and sold thousands of copies, ranking among Australia's top three alternative singles that year. It has since been covered by various artists such as Magic Dirt and Violent Soho and is recognized as a garage rock staple.
In December 1988, God issued the eight-track EP Rock Is Hell, distinguished by its four distinct cover artworks reflecting internal disagreements among members. Though critics offered mixed reviews, the EP achieved respectable sales. Their full-length album For Lovers Only followed in December 1989 through Au Go Go Records with enhanced production values. The band had already dissolved prior to this release. The album was also pressed on vinyl by three European labels. God's final live show took place on 30 July 1989.
After disbanding, Greenway formed the Freeloaders and later joined The Yes-Men; Hemensley played with Bored! before creating Powder Monkeys; Silbersher established Hoss and Tendrils alongside solo work; Whittle performed with bands including Patterson's Curse and Sauce.
Sean Greenway died due to a heroin overdose in January 2001; Tim Hemensley passed away similarly in July 2003. The track "My Pal" was featured on the soundtracks for the TV series Underbelly and the film Underground – The Julian Assange Story.
A self-titled double CD compilation was released by Afterburn Records in February 2010. Critics have characterized God’s music as raw and turbulent, capturing a unique trash-rock spirit that strongly influenced Australia's alternative music community.
Studio albums
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| For Lovers Only |
|
Compilation albums
| Title | Information |
|---|---|
| GOD |
|
Extended plays
| Title | Information |
|---|---|
| Rock Is Hell |
|
References
- Stranded: The Secret History of Australian Independent Music 1977-1991, Clinton Walker, Pan MacMillan, 1996, .