Slaughtermen (band)
| Company type | Ensemble / Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
The Slaughtermen are a Melbourne-based Australian ensemble known for blending post-punk and alternative styles with southern gospel influences, having been established in 1984.
History
The original lineup featured Rob Eastcott on piano, Mark Ferrie handling bass guitar and vocals, Jans Friedenfelds (also known as Johnny Crash) on drums—previously of JAB, Models, and Sacred Cowboys—Pierre Jaquinot playing guitar, Peter Linden on pedal steel, and Ian Stephen contributing vocals and keyboards. Subsequently, Ferrie and Stephen expanded the group by adding Andrew Pendlebury (formerly of The Sports) on lead guitar and vocals, Terry Doolan (ex-Sacred Cowboys) on rhythm guitar and vocals, along with Des Hefner (formerly of The Birthday Party) on drums and vocals. Their debut single, "God's Not Dead" backed with "Jesus Saves White Trash," was released through the Au Go Go label in 1986. This was followed by the 1987 album Still Lovin' You via Cleopatra Records, and in 1988 they issued Melbourne, Memphis and the Mansion in the Sky on Agape. Between 1985 and 1988, The Slaughtermen cultivated a dedicated fan base by performing spirited southern gospel and barroom country covers at various inner-city venues across Sydney and Melbourne.
A year-long residency at Melbourne’s Rising Sun Hotel played a pivotal role in attracting a broad audience. Frontman Stephen enhanced their enigmatic image by acquiring a Reverendship through a religious organization advertised in the National Enquirer. Their distinctive status as Australia’s pioneering southern gospel band was further cemented by a nationally televised hour-long live concert broadcast on ABC TV, despite their geographical distance from the genre's roots in the American Deep South.
"The Slaughtermen were, and still are, one of the most original bands ever to see the light of day in Australia." Mathew W. McPherson, Rolling Stone Australia
Following the release of Melbourne, Memphis and the Mansion, Pendlebury and Hefner departed, with Tony Thornton taking over drums and Martin Lubran joining on lead guitar and pedal steel. After an underwhelming tour in Sydney during 1988, the band halted live performances but issued the 12" EP Jesus Can't Remember in April 1989. Subsequently, Stephen pursued solo projects including forming the Ian Stephen Band.
In 1994, The Slaughtermen reunited for shows in Melbourne and released Gospel Gold in 1995 on Massive Records—a CD compiling live gospel tracks from Live Naturally alongside other soundboard recordings. Original members regrouped for occasional concerts in 1997, 2007, and 2009. Announcements in May 2012 confirmed plans for additional performances in Melbourne.
During August 2013, they appeared at Oakleigh’s Caravan Club but declared they would no longer perform "Jesus Saves White Trash." However, responding to audience requests, they revisited this track during two Melbourne shows held at Tago Mago (Thornbury) and The Caravan Club (Oakleigh) in September 2014.
Members
- Rob Eastcott – piano (1984)
- Mark Ferrie – bass guitar, vocals (1984–1987, 1989, 1994–present)
- Jans Freidenfelds – drums (1984)
- Pierre Jaquinot – guitar (1984)
- Peter Linden – pedal steel guitar (1984)
- Ian Stephen – vocals, piano, organ (1984–1989, 1994–present)
- Andrew Pendlebury – lead guitar, vocals (1985–1987, 1994–present)
- Terry Doolan – rhythm guitar, vocals (1986–87, 1989, 1994–present)
- Des Hefner – drums (1986–1988, 1994–present)
- Martin Lubran – pedal steel guitar, lead guitar (1989)
- Tony Thornton – drums (1989)
Singles
- "God's Not Dead"/"Jesus Saves White Trash" - Released by Au Go Go (ANDA 046) in June 1986
- "Jesus Can't Remember"/"Jesus Can't Remember" (Instrumental) - Issued through Agape in April 1989
Albums
- Live Naturally - Distributed by Cleopatra in 1986 (available on Cassette and LP)
- Still Lovin' You - Cleopatra release (CLP220) from 1987
- Melbourne, Memphis and a Mansion in the Sky - Launched by Agape in 1988
- Gospel Gold - Published by Massive in 1995
- Temptation - Released by Endtime on 30 May 2007