Scrap Metal (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Defunct | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Broome , Australia |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Scrap Metal was a band from Broome, Western Australia that blended rock, reggae, and country genres, originating in 1983. The group members represented a rich mix of cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal, Irish, Filipino, French, Chinese, Scottish, Indonesian, and Japanese descent. Their discography includes four albums: Just Looking (1987), Broken Down Man (1988), Scrap Metal (1990), and Pub Sweat 'n' Tears (1992). Throughout their career, they toured extensively across Australia, notably supporting Midnight Oil during the 1987 tour and appearing in the musical Bran Nue Dae in both 1990 and 1993. They hold the distinction of being the first Aboriginal band to secure an international publishing contract. The ABC TV documentary From Broome to the Big Smoke (1991) featured their story, and they earned the Best Indigenous Act award at the 1992 West Australian Music Industry Awards. The ensemble ceased activity in 1995.
After Scrap Metal disbanded, original members Alan, Stephen, and Phillip Pigram collaborated with their younger brothers David, Colin, Gavin, and Peter to create the Pigram Brothers. In recognition of their contributions to music, Stephen and Alan Pigram were inducted into the Western Australian Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
History
The formation of Scrap Metal took place in Broome in 1983 with Michael Ambi on lead vocals, Alan Pigram playing guitar, Phillip Pigram on drums, Stephen Pigram providing vocals and guitar, and Michael Teh handling bass duties. Prior to forming Scrap Metal, Alan and Stephen had been performing together since 1977 before Phillip joined. The multicultural environment of Broome heavily influenced their musical style. They performed locally as well as traveling distances up to 612 kilometers for shows. After Ambi tragically passed away by drowning in 1985, Johnny Albert stepped in as lead vocalist while Duncan Campbell joined on keyboards.
Their first album, Just Looking (1987), was independently funded and recorded at Planet Studio in Broome. In October 1987, Midnight Oil invited them to participate in their Diesel and Dust Tour. Establishing their own label named Jigil allowed them to release Broken Down Man (1988), which was distributed through Larrikin Records. This album received critical acclaim for its fusion of rock, reggae, pop, and country elements.
In 1989, Scrap Metal signed with ABC Music/PolyGram and released their third album titled Scrap Metal in August 1990. They became the pioneering Aboriginal artists to sign a music publishing deal with Warner Chappell. Additionally, band members appeared in the musical production Bran Nue Dae during 1990 and again in 1993. Their journey was documented in the ABC film From Broome to the Big Smoke (1991).
The group's fourth studio effort, Pub Sweat 'n' Tears, was released in May 1993 and featured performances from David Pigram along with Paul Mamid on bass guitar. Notably, one track named "Beautiful Woman" was recorded back in 1985 with original members Ambi and Teh participating. Scrap Metal disbanded in 1995; subsequently Alan, Stephen, and Phillip formed the Pigram Brothers alongside their younger siblings. In 2006, Alan and Stephen Pigram were honoured with induction into the Western Australian Music Hall of Fame.
Members
- Michael Ambi – lead vocals (1983–1985; deceased 1985)
- Alan Pigram – guitar
- Phillip Pigram – drums
- Stephen Pigram – vocals, guitar
- Michael Teh – bass guitar
- Johnny Albert – lead vocals
- Duncan Campbell – keyboards
- Paul Mamid – bass guitar
Albums
- Just Looking (1987) – Self-released
- Broken Down Man (October 1988) – Jigil/Larrikin Records (AJLP 1051)
- Scrap Metal (August 1990) – ABC Music
- Pub Sweat 'n' Tears (May 1993) – Jigil (SMJ001)
Singles
- "Somewhere in the Distance / Magdalene" (1988)
- "Broken Down Man" / "Caught in the Wheel" (1988)
- "Nimunburr" / "In the Night" (1989)
- "Make It Work" (1990)
- "Howling at the Moon" (1991)
External links
- [Scrap Metal profile on AllMusic]