Massive Appendage
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Massive Appendage was a heavy metal ensemble originating from Sydney, Australia, established in 1986. The principal lineup consisted of the McCormack siblings: Darren McCormack (known as Jed Starr) handling guitar and vocals, Matt McCormack (Big Bird) also on guitar and vocals, and Shawn McCormack (Snuff Beastley) playing bass guitar. Drummer Steve Brown (Venom Brown) initially completed the group, with Simon Cooper (Oxx) taking over percussion duties in 1989.
In 1989, the band independently produced their only studio album, The Severed Erection. The album's artwork, designed by Kriss Hades of Sadistik Exekution, generated controversy due to its graphic portrayal of sexual ecstasy alongside drug-related imagery. Music historian Ian McFarlane characterized their musical style as "dominated by heavy riffs juxtaposed with vocal harmonies and melodic guitar passages." Massive Appendage ceased activities in 1990.
Beyond Massive Appendage, Darren and his brothers were active in various other musical projects spanning genres such as hard rock with Kings Cross, punk rock with Festers Fanatics, and funk rock with Starworld. Kings Cross released the album Psychedelic World in 1988. Festers Fanatics contributed two records: What Choice Do We Have? (1988) and Fester Fanatics' Greatest Cocktail Party Hits (1989).
1980s: Kings Cross
Kings Cross was a hard rock outfit formed in Los Angeles during the early 1980s by Darren, Matt, and Shawn McCormack. They initially issued a self-titled EP in 1984 before the McCormack family relocated back to Australia. Subsequently, the band reassembled in Sydney featuring Darren, Shawn, Alex Nikolzew (alias Tubby Wadsworth) on drums and vocals, along with Marc "Cat Weazle" Welsh on guitar. This lineup delivered the album Psychedelic World in 1989.
1987–1990: Festers Fanatics
Established in 1987 in Sydney, Festers Fanatics was a punk rock group formed by Darren, Shawn, Nikolzew, and vocalist Aldo Rubinic (known as Fester). Their discography includes the EP Great Aussie Demo (1988) plus two albums: What Choice Do We Have? (1988) and Fester Fanatics' Greatest Cocktail Party Hits (1989). Over time, the lineup shifted with Welsh joining on guitar, while Simon Cooper and Squire Anderson replaced Nikolzew and Shawn on bass respectively. The band dissolved in March 1990.
1992–1993: Starworld
Formed in Melbourne in 1992, Starworld was a funk rock band comprising Darren, Matt, Brown, and Anthony Ragg (formerly of Kings of the Sun). In 1993, Marc Welsh took over Ragg’s role. They released a five-track EP titled Starworld '93. Subsequently, Brown and Ragg became part of Nick Barker’s new project.
Other bands
Alex Nikolzew became drummer for Melbourne’s hard rock band Killing Time in 1989; Darren joined as lead guitarist in 1990. This formation recorded two EPs: Ruby's Mind and Mandelbroth Set, before Nikolzew departed in 1991. Following the release of the single "Dream Alone," Darren exited early in 1992. Killing Time then rebranded as Mantissa in June 1992, producing two albums prior to disbanding in 1996.
Darren also contributed to Jon Stevens’s backing band, co-writing material and performing on Stevens’s 1993 album Are U Satisfied, alongside Nick Barker. Furthermore, he co-produced Girl Monstar’s 1992 release Monstereo Delicio together with Paul Kosky.
Discography
Kings Cross
- Kings Cross (EP, 1984)
- Psychedelic World (1989)
Massive Appendage
- The Severed Erection (1989)
Fester Fanatics
- What Choice Do We Have? (1988)
- Great Aussie Demo (EP, 1988)
- Fester Fanatics' Greatest Cocktail Party Hits (1989)
Starworld
- Starworld '93 (EP, 1993)