Splatterheads
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder | Adrian Carroll, Simon "Sly" Faulkner, Christo Fletcher, Micky Scott, Peter "PT" Thompson |
| Defunct | 1996 (initially) |
| Fate | Disbanded in 1996; reunited in 2010 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Punk rock music, studio albums, live performances |
Splatterheads were a punk rock group from Australia, established in 1987. Over their career, they produced three studio albums: Ink of a Mad Man's Pen (1989), Bot, the Album (1993), and Joined at the Head (1996), before dissolving in 1996. The band reunited in 2010 for live performances and released a compilation titled Splatter Platter.
History
The band initially formed in 1987 under the name Lompoc County Splatterheads, created by Adrian Carroll (guitar), Simon "Sly" Faulkner (guitar, vocals), Christo Fletcher (vocals, guitar), Micky Scott (drums), and Peter "PT" Thompson (bass). Fletcher, Scott, and Thompson were housemates in Surry Hills when they decided to start the group. Carroll and Faulkner joined shortly thereafter. Their name was inspired by Lompoc, California, and a catchphrase from the cartoon Roger Ramjet. In 1988, they released a seven-track mini-album called The Filthy Mile. Following Carroll's exit, the band shortened their name to Splatterheads.
Their first full-length album, Ink of a Mad Man's Pen, came out in October 1989 on Waterfront Records with production handled by former member Carroll. The record featured a gritty, lo-fi aesthetic but was criticized for not fully conveying the intensity of their live shows. The album included the single "Destroyer," which incorporated free-jazz influences similar to those found on the Stooges' Fun House. In 1992, Splatterheads issued a cover version of the Undertones' track "Teenage Kicks." They toured Melbourne as support for punk act Bored and subsequently signed with Bored’s label, Dog Meat Records.
Their sophomore album, Bot, the Album, was released in August 1993 and produced collaboratively by John Nolan (from Bored) and Joel Silbersher. Prior to this release, drummer Marty "Bungle" Herbert replaced Micky Scott. This record more accurately captured the band's signature sound. In February 1995, Splatterheads toured Europe supporting American bands NOFX, Lagwagon, Weezer, and Big Chief. Performances recorded during this tour were compiled into their live album Joined at the Head, which was released in August 1996 through German label Subway. After returning home to Australia, Faulkner relocated to Melbourne and the group disbanded.
In 2010, Splatterheads regrouped to perform at the Sydney Fringe Festival and issued Splatter Platter, a compilation featuring live recordings from the 1990s. This lineup included Faulkner, Fletcher, Herbert, and new bassist Matt Oliver; they also played together again in September 2012.
Members
- Adrian Carroll – guitar
- Simon "Sly" Faulkner (also known as Sly T-Bone) – guitar, vocals
- Christo Fletcher (also known as Big Guy) – vocals, guitar
- Micky Scott – drums
- Peter "PT" Thompson – bass guitar
- Marty "Bungle" Herbert – drums
- Matt Oliver – bass guitar
Albums
- Ink of a Mad Man's Pen (October 1989) Waterfront
- Bot, the Album (August 1993) Dog Meat
- Joined at the Head (1996) Subway
Compilation albums
- Splatterheads (1992) Dog Meat
- Splatter Platter (2010)
Extended plays
- The Filthy Mile (1988) Splatter Rock
Singles
- "Destroyer" (1990)
- "Teenage Kicks" (1992)