Mighty Kong
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Predecessor | Daddy Cool |
| Founded | 1973 in Australia |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Mighty Kong emerged in Australia in 1973 as a supergroup succeeding Daddy Cool, which had disbanded in August 1972. This ensemble marked the fifth and final partnership between vocalist-songwriter Ross Wilson and guitarist Ross Hannaford, tracing back to their initial collaboration with Pink Finks in 1965. Although composed of prominent musicians from leading bands of that era, Mighty Kong’s existence was brief and it failed to fulfill its considerable promise, ultimately becoming a minor chapter within the legacy of Daddy Cool.
Formation
The inception of the band took place in late 1972 following the breakup of Company Caine. Initially, vocalist and lyricist Gulliver Smith joined forces with Wilson and Hannaford but exited by year-end to embark on a solo path.
By early 1973, Wilson and Hannaford brought in guitarist Tim Gaze (Tamam Shud, Kahvas Jute) alongside drummer Nigel Macara (Tamam Shud). After approximately a month, both departed and were succeeded by Russell Smith, formerly of Company Caine on guitar, and Ray Arnott, who left Spectrum to become Mighty Kong’s drummer. Arnott’s departure triggered Spectrum’s dissolution as Mike Rudd opted against recruiting a replacement. The remaining members of Spectrum subsequently formed Ariel together with Gaze and Macara.
Completing the lineup was bassist Tim Partridge, also ex-Company Caine, leading to the official launch of Mighty Kong in May 1973.
Following Daddy Cool’s disbandment, Wilson and Hannaford sought to evolve beyond the band’s 1950s-inspired style and stage character, aiming instead for a heavier modern rock sound enriched with progressive influences drawn from their earlier projects such as Sons of the Vegetal Mother and Daddy Cool’s sophomore album, Sex Dope, Rock'n'Roll: Teenage Heaven.
All I Wanna Do Is Rock
The group's only album, All I Wanna Do Is Rock, was recorded at Melbourne’s Armstrong Studios under the production of John Fischbach for Robbie Porter’s Wizard label. The band never truly found its rhythm; Wilson later reflected that it lacked the chemistry that had propelled Daddy Cool to success. Mighty Kong had already dissolved before the album and its single "Callin' All Cats" / "Hard Drugs (Are Bad For You)" were released in December 1973, leading to limited chart presence due to an absence of promotional effort.
In early 1973, confronted with financial difficulties stemming from Daddy Cool’s breakup, Wilson and Hannaford revived Daddy Cool for a one-time performance at the 1974 Sunbury Festival. The positive reception prompted a full reunion involving touring and recording activities until September 1975.
After Mighty Kong
Ray Arnott briefly became part of The Dingoes, replacing drummer John Lee, then led his own ensembles One Nite Stand and the Ray Arnott Band. During the 1980s, he also played with Cold Chisel following Steve Prestwich’s departure.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Ross Hannaford contributed to various bands including Billy T, Heavy Division (with Russell Smith), and Goanna (band). In the 1990s, he maintained an extended residency at St Kilda's Esplanade Hotel performing with his group Diana'a Kiss.
Tim Partridge established himself as a highly regarded session musician after Mighty Kong’s end, collaborating with Cool Bananas, Aunty Jack & The Gong, Barry Leef Band, two separate periods with Kevin Borich Express, Foreday Riders, Heavy Division, and The Renee Geyer Band. Later in his career, he served as an instructor at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music. Partridge passed away in late 2020.
Russell Smith joined Metropolis before reuniting Company Caine in 1975; he also played with Billy T, Heavy Division, and Goanna (1983). Currently based in Perth, he performs with Jeffrey St John & The Embers.
Following a recording hiatus caused by disagreements with Wizard label after Daddy Cool's unsuccessful 1974 album attempt, Ross Wilson launched a successful producing career later that year. He produced three albums for Skyhooks (band), including their groundbreaking debut Living in the 70s. In 1976, Wilson briefly reunited with Hannaford for work on the Oz film soundtrack. He went on to establish Mondo Rock in 1978, which became one of Australia’s most prominent bands throughout the 1980s. In 2007, Wilson and Hannaford revived Daddy Cool once more to support tours featuring Mike Love’s Beach Boys and Christopher Cross.
Aztec Music announced a CD reissue of Mighty Kong’s All I Wanna Do Is Rock slated for release in 2008.
Studio albums
| Album Title | Release Information | Highest Chart Positions |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | ||
| All I Wanna Do Is Rock |
|
56 |
Singles
| Year | Song Title |
|---|---|
| 1973 | "Calling All Cats" / "Hard Drugs (Are Bad for You)" |
Members
- Ross Wilson – lead vocals, played pignose guitar on "Homesick & Horny"
- Ross Hannaford – guitar
- Russell Smith – guitar, provided lead vocals on "Some Other New Address"
- Tim Partridge – bass guitar
- Ray Arnott – drums