Shindiggers
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 in Melbourne, Australia |
| Defunct | 1987; reformed 1997; disbanded again after 1998 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Shindiggers were a four-member Australian beat pop group established in 1983, comprising Steve Agar on bass, Pete Andrews handling lead guitar, Bill Leggett as the vocalist, and Spud Wildman (also known as Steve Andrews) on drums. Their initial album, Crash Your Party, was released in 1986 before the band dissolved in 1987. They regrouped in 1997 with Rodney McMurrich taking over drumming duties from Wildman and issued Surf Sex Shindiggers in 1998, only to disband once more thereafter. A comprehensive double-disc collection titled Maximum Beat came out in 2008.
History
Originating in Melbourne in 1983, Shindiggers consisted of Agar, Andrews (formerly of Twangin' Heartthrobs and Corpse Grinders), Leggett, and Wildman (previously of Dancehall Racketeers). The group initially focused on performing covers from the rock and beat genres of the 1950s and 1960s, drawing stylistic inspiration from performers such as Screaming Lord Sutch, recognized for his unique persona and stagecraft.
Their debut recording was the four-track EP Baby Let Go, released in March 1985 and produced by Graeme Thomas for his independent Preston label, capturing the band's unrefined energy. This was succeeded by a six-song mini-album titled Beat Is Back in June 1985 under Man Made Records with production by Lobby Loyde. This release combined three cover songs—including Roy Head's "Treat Her Right"—with three original compositions authored by Leggett. Later that year, they also put out another four-track EP named Go Wild.
After signing with Waterfront Records, Shindiggers launched their first full-length studio album, Crash Your Party, in October 1986. The record showcased infectious Merseybeat-inspired tunes fused with elements of rockabilly, garnering favorable critiques for its vibrant pop sensibility. Following their split in early 1987, members embarked on separate musical ventures: Agar and Leggett established the Joysticks, while Andrews engaged with several other groups such as Moment of Truth.
A decade later, the band reassembled with McMurrich replacing Wildman on drums to create Surf Sex Shindiggers (1998), before disbanding again shortly after. Their enduring impact was highlighted by the release of the double-album anthology Maximum Beat through Off the Hip in April 2008.
Members
- Steve Agar – bass guitar
- Pete Andrews – lead guitar
- Bill Leggett – vocals
- Spud Wildman (also known as Steve Andrews) – drums
- Rodney McMurrich – drums
Studio albums
- Crash Your Party (October 1986) – Waterfront
- Surf Sex Shindiggers (1998) – Corduroy
Compilation albums
- Maximum Beat (2×CD, April 2008) – Off The Hip
Extended plays
- Baby Let Go (March 1985) – Preston
- Beat Is Back (June 1985) – Man Made
- Go Wild (1985) – Man Made