The Cockroaches
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Paul Field, John Field, Anthony Field, Tony Henry, Joseph Hallion |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Number of employees | 6 (band members) |
The Cockroaches were a prominent Australian pub rock group primarily active throughout the 1980s. Established in 1979 by the Field siblings—Paul (lead singer), John (rhythm guitarist and vocalist), and Anthony (lead guitarist and vocalist)—the original lineup also featured Tony Henry on drums and Joseph Hallion playing saxophone. In 1981, keyboardist Jeff Fatt joined the ensemble. By 1986, they had secured a deal with the independent label Regular Records, under which they released three albums. Their self-titled debut, The Cockroaches (March 1987), climbed to No. 9 on the Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart, achieved platinum status with 70,000 copies sold, and produced the hit single "She's the One", which peaked at No. 7 on the Singles Chart in April 1987. With a rigorous schedule exceeding 300 performances annually, The Daily Telegraph dubbed them Australia's "Hardest Working Rock'n'Roll Band" by 1988.
During promotion of their sophomore album Fingertips in September 1988, tragedy struck when Paul’s infant daughter succumbed to SIDS. Despite this hardship and Anthony’s temporary departure to pursue university studies, the band persisted, albeit with reduced visibility. In early 1991, Anthony and Fatt co-founded the children’s entertainment group the Wiggles, supported musically and managerially by fellow Cockroaches members—John contributed extensively to songwriting, Paul took on management duties, and Henry performed alongside them. The Wiggles adapted elements of The Cockroaches’ business model and reimagined some of their songs for a young audience.
Their third studio effort, Positive, was released in June 1991; however, by the end of that year they parted ways with Regular Records. In March 1994, they independently issued their fourth album, St. Patrick's Day 10am, through Roach Records. Musicologist Glenn A. Baker characterized their sound as "rangy, loose-limbed, good-natured, energetic... fierce and frantic."
Following The Cockroaches’ disbandment, John and Paul formed the Field Brothers; John also led his own ensemble, the John Field Band, and composed musicals, while Henry pursued work as a session musician. In 1999, Festival Records released a greatest hits compilation titled Hey Let's Go – The Best of the Cockroaches.
1979: Formation
The Cockroaches—also known colloquially as the Cockies—came into existence in 1979 through the collaboration of the Field brothers: Paul (lead vocals), John (rhythm guitar and vocals), and Anthony ("Tony," lead guitar and vocals), who were attending St. Joseph's College, a boarding school in Sydney. The siblings, born consecutively within a family of seven children, had received musical training from an early age and were actively engaged in their local Catholic parish community where they frequently performed during services.
Additional founding members comprised Tony Henry on drums and Joseph Hallion on saxophone; by mid-1980 Bruce Hatfield had joined playing bass guitar. After Paul introduced his brothers to the music of the Rolling Stones, they adopted their band name from a little-known pseudonym used by Keith Richards during the 1960s—a choice motivated by its edgy appeal amid Sydney’s burgeoning music scene. Australian rock historian Ian McFarlane observed that this name was well-suited to their upbeat R&B style in their formative years.
Their initial performances included a charity event at their school. Paul arranged gigs at local pubs despite some members being below legal age. Reflecting later on those early days, Anthony described them as "insane," driven more by enthusiasm than technical ability. Daniel Fallon, who toured with them at that time, noted that The Cockroaches honed their live performance skills through extensive gigging.
1980-1985: Formation and Early Years
By the beginning of 1980, the Cockroaches had begun composing their own songs alongside performing covers of 1960s rock 'n' roll, with a particular emphasis on the Rolling Stones. Their first single, "I Want a Leather Jacket," was released in July 1980. This track, penned by Paul, was produced by Greg Owens and the band, and recorded both at their school and at Studio B in Bondi. Australian music historian Glenn A. Baker highlighted the song's rockabilly style while also pointing out its strong bluesy and assertive Stones-inspired elements. In June 1981, Geoff O'Reagan took over bass duties from Hatfield for the release of their second single, "Bingo Bango," written by John and Anthony and produced by Owens at Wirra-Willa Studios. By August of that year, Jeff Fatt joined as keyboardist and Phil Robinson assumed the role of bassist. Fatt, who had previously performed with Sydney’s rockabilly group the Roadmasters, was initially brought on to manage the band's sound system—a collaboration that later contributed significantly to his financial success. Their early road manager, Graham Kennedy, had formerly been part of the hard rock band Finch.
Paul was recognized for his professionalism, while John—who was also a leading Under-19 cricketer in New South Wales—served as the band's dynamic frontman. Despite personally avoiding alcohol and drugs, their live shows earned them a reputation as a lively party band. Paul initially continued his teaching career but observed that they had cultivated a strong fan base across universities, pubs, and colleges due to their solid live performances. Anthony attributed much of their success to Paul's earnest rock vocals combined with John's compelling stage presence. The thriving Sydney music scene in the 1980s enhanced their visibility through television appearances on programs such as Simon Townsend and Hey, Hey It's Saturday, eventually leading Paul to commit to touring full-time.
The Cockroaches went on to release five additional singles under various labels including EMI, Phantom, Powderworks, and Possum Records. Their track "See You in Spain," written by Fatt, Robinson, and John and produced by Robert Moss at Emerald City Studios, entered the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart Top 100 in July 1984. In 1986, they signed with the independent label Regular Records with distribution handled by Festival Records; during this period Phil Carson temporarily filled in on bass for Robinson.
1986-1987: Breakthrough and The Cockroaches
The band’s first release under Regular Records was "Wait Up" (August 1986), which climbed to No. 28 on the Kent Music Report Singles Chart and reached No. 13 in Sydney.
Their self-titled debut album, The Cockroaches (March 1987), featured Robinson on bass guitar and was produced by Charles Fisher—renowned for his work with Radio Birdman, Hoodoo Gurus, and Martin Plaza. One track received production from Roy Nicolson. Singles from this album included "She's the One" (January), "Some Kind of Girl" (May), and a rendition of "Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)" (August). The album sold 10,000 copies within its first ten days of release, peaked at No. 9 on the Kent Music Report Albums Chart, and achieved platinum certification in 1988 for exceeding 70,000 sales. "She's the One" reached its highest chart position at No. 7 in April 1987, while other singles also secured spots within the Top 40. In 1987, Peter Mackie replaced Robinson on bass guitar during what became the band’s most commercially successful phase.
By the late 1980s, the Cockroaches were performing over 300 shows annually throughout Australia at a variety of venues including town halls, B&S balls, private parties, and pubs—establishing themselves as one of the nation’s most popular live acts. They toured alongside prominent Australian bands such as Mental As Anything, Hoodoo Gurus, and INXS. In 1988, The Daily Telegraph dubbed them the "Hardest Working Rock'n'Roll Band in the Country." Music expert Ian McFarlane described them as a highly sought-after pub band distinguished by energetic rock and pop performances coupled with strong stagecraft. Paul reflected that they "rode the last wave of the pub rock era." Anthony revealed that major Australian labels largely ignored them, leading the band to maintain independence by organizing their own tours and financing operations internally. Many business strategies developed during this period were later adapted by Anthony for use with the Wiggles.
1988-1999: Later period, Fingertips, Positive, St. Patrick's Day 10am & disbandment
In 1988, The Cockroaches produced their sophomore album, Fingertips, with Fisher at the helm, recorded at Alberts Digital Studios in Trafalgar under Festival Records. This release reached number 32 on the ARIA Albums Chart. The lineup featured the three Field brothers alongside Fatt, Henry, and Mackie. Although the band extensively toured to support the album, Anthony Field later voiced dissatisfaction with its production choices. Four singles emerged from Fingertips, including John Field’s "Hey What Now!", which entered the Top 40. The group also performed for an audience of 92,000 at World Expo 88. Tragically, in September 1988 during their tour, Paul Field’s eight-month-old daughter passed away due to SIDS, deeply affecting the band. Subsequently, Anthony departed to pursue early childhood education studies while Paul continued performing with various lineups to provide for his family. In early 1989, The Cockroaches toured Australia alongside Mental As Anything, who were also signed to Regular Records.
Their third studio effort, Positive, arrived in June 1991, produced by Mark Moffatt—recognized for his work with Mental As Anything and Jenny Morris. This album featured three singles: the gospel-inspired "Hope" (August 1990), "I Must Have Been Blind" (May 1991), and a rendition of Brenda Lee’s "Here Comes That Feeling" (August 1991). Notably, this cover was included in the 1990 film The Crossing, starring Russell Crowe and Danielle Spencer. By the end of that year, industry observers suggested that the band’s concept had reached its limit. Nevertheless, the liner notes for their March 1994 album St. Patrick's Day 10am highlighted their ongoing activity and steadfast rock’n’roll approach. This record showcased the three Field brothers; Fatt on Hammond organ and keyboards; Henry playing drums; Mackie handling bass guitar and backing vocals; supplemented by additional vocal contributions from Jane Bezzina, Greg Truman, and Steve Pomfrett. The album was produced by the band themselves and recorded at Tracking Station and Noisegate Studios.
In November 1999, Festival Records issued a greatest hits compilation titled Hey Let's Go – The Best of the Cockroaches, which included a new song called "Something Good This Way Comes".
Subsequent activities and The Wiggles
Anthony Field established The Wiggles in early 1991—a children’s music ensemble formed with university peers Murray Cook, Greg Page (formerly The Cockroaches’ roadie), Phillip Wilcher, and fellow Cockroaches member Jeff Fatt. Their debut album, The Wiggles, was released in July and dedicated to Paul Field’s late daughter; it sold 70,000 copies. The Wiggles evolved into a global leader in children’s entertainment. Former Cockroaches members Paul, John, and Henry contributed to The Wiggles’ CDs, DVDs, and live performances; John co-authored numerous songs. Early Wiggles tracks often adapted Cockroaches compositions into child-friendly formats. Anthony remarked that while the musical style remained similar, lyrical themes shifted from romantic topics to playful subjects like "hot potatoes and cold spaghetti". During this transition period, Paul worked for Chief Judge James Roland Wood before becoming The Wiggles’ talent manager in the mid-1990s.
John Field went on to create the John Field Band—an eight-piece covers ensemble featuring himself on lead vocals alongside Bernadette Cogin (later replaced by Bronwyn Mulcahy), Dom Lindsay on trumpet, ex-Cockroaches member Dan Fallon on tenor saxophone, Roy Ferin on trombone, Mark Rohanna on piano, Matt Morrison on drums, and Chris Lupton on bass. John also penned musicals such as Evie and the Birdman (2001) and Who Loves Me.
Since 2006 Tony Henry has served as student services manager at the International College of Management, Sydney while continuing to play drums on Wiggles recordings. His session work includes collaborations with Ross Wilson, Slim Dusty, Crowded House, and Mental As Anything. By 2008 Peter Mackie had released three solo projects: What–Me Sing?! (2001), Late Starter (2003), and The Spinning Man (2006).
On 29 January 2005 The Cockroaches reunited for a singular performance at the Hills for Hope concert supporting Boxing Day Tsunami relief efforts. Other acts featured included the Greg Page Band, Mental As Anything, and Hush. In 2011 Paul and John Field formed a duo named the Field Brothers and released their debut album 1964, which presented country-style versions of Cockroaches tracks such as "She's Some Kind of Girl", "Rely on Me", and "Permanently Single". The record featured duets with country artists Troy Cassar-Daley, Shane Nicholson, Amber Lawrence, and Dianna Corcoran.
2014 reunion
In 2014, the band's complete discography was made available in digital format. Marking this occasion, the original members came together for a pair of performances held in June at RSL clubs located in Sydney. Additionally, Hey Let's Go!, a compilation album featuring their greatest hits from 1984 to 1994, was reissued on 13 June 2014 via ABC/Universal.
Members
- Paul Field – lead vocals and occasional guitar (1979–1994, 2014)
- John Field – rhythm and lead guitar, with backing and lead vocals (1979–1994, 2014)
- Anthony Field – lead and rhythm guitar, backing and lead vocals (1979–1988, 1990–1991, 1994, 2014)
- Jeff Fatt – keyboards, piano, backing vocals (1981–1991, 1994, 2014)
- Tony Henry – drums, backing vocals (1979–1994, 2014)
- Phil Robinson – bass guitar, backing vocals (1981–1988, 2014)
- Peter Mackie – bass guitar (1988–1994), rhythm guitar (2014), backing vocals (1988–1994, 2014)
- Paul Dunworth – bass guitar (1979–1980)
- Joseph Hallion – saxophone (1979–1985)
- Bruce Hatfield – bass guitar (1980)
- Geoff O'Reagan – bass guitar (1981)
Timeline
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Studio albums
| Album Title | Release Information | Highest Chart Positions | Certifications (sales criteria) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||||
| The Cockroaches |
|
9 |
| |
| Fingertips |
|
32 | ||
| Positive |
|
121 | ||
| St. Patrick's Day 10am |
|
– | ||
| "—" indicates the album did not chart or was not issued in that market. | ||||
Compilation albums
| Album Name | Release Details | Peak Chart Positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||
| Hey Let's Go! The Best of the Cockroaches |
|
236 |
Singles
| Single Title | Year Released | Highest Chart Positions | Album Association | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||||
| "I Want a Leather Jacket" / "Blue Moon of Kentucky" | 1980 | – | Standalone singles (non-album) | |
| "Through with Her" / "Bingo Bango" | 1981 | – | ||
| "Used to Be" | – | |||
| "Empty Heart" | – | |||
| "Shake Jump and Shout" | 1982 | – | ||
| "See You in Spain" | 1984 | 97 | ||
| "My Whole World's Fallin' Down" | 1985 | – | ||
| "Another Night Alone" | – | |||
| "Wait Up" | 1986 | 28 | The Cockroaches | |
| "She's the One" | 1987 | 9 | ||
| "Some Kind of Girl" | 32 | |||
| "Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)" | 32 | |||
| "Hey What Now!" | 1988 | 28 | Fingertips | |
| "You and Me" | 44 | |||
| "Permanently Single" | 1989 | 99 | ||
| "Another Saturday Night" | 1989 | 83 | ||
| "Hope" | 1990 | 126 | Positive | |
| "Here Comes That Feeling" | – | |||
| "I Must Have Been Blind" | 1991 | 162 | ||
| "Something Good This Way Comes" | 1999 | – | The Best of the Cockroaches, Hey Let's Go! | |
| "—" signifies a single that did not enter charts or was not launched in that region. | ||||
References
- General
- Specific