The Fergusons
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | December 1, 1999 |
| Defunct | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Perth , Australia |
| Products | Alternative rock music, EPs |
The Fergusons were an alternative rock ensemble consisting of five members from Perth, Western Australia, established around late 1999 to early 2000. The lineup featured Al Nistelberger (vocals, guitar), Mike Bruce (vocals, guitar), Wayne Beadon (guitar), Grant Joyce (bass), and Matt Wheeler (drums). Their initial live performance took place in March 2000, followed by the release of their first extended play, Hurting the Washing Machine, in June 2001, which garnered local chart recognition and airplay on Triple J. The group earned several WAMI awards and secured a contract with the Australian independent label Dew Process in 2003. Despite undergoing member changes and working on their debut album, financial difficulties caused them to sever ties with Universal Records in 2004. The band ultimately disbanded in 2005 after a farewell concert. Subsequently, some members formed the Bipolar Bears. A brief reunion took place in 2007. Their initial album project remained incomplete.
History
The Fergusons came together in late 1999 or early 2000, bringing together Al Nistelberger, Mike Bruce, Wayne Beadon, Grant Joyce, and Matt Wheeler. Prior to this formation, Beadon and Joyce were part of the band Hornbaker, while Nistelberger and Bruce had played in Tarmac; both groups were active contributors to Perth’s music community.
Their debut performance occurred at the Grosvenor Hotel during the '20 Minutes of Fame' competition in March 2000. This opportunity led them to open for bands such as Turnstyle, Red Jezebel, Cartman, and Fourth Floor Collapse during the Grosvenor Hotel’s 113th Birthday celebrations in May.
In June 2001, they launched their first EP titled Hurting the Washing Machine, which achieved top positions on local charts and received airplay across community radio stations nationwide. The track "Waste of Time" gained moderate rotation on Triple J. The Fergusons also featured on the Oz Music Show and recorded a live session for that program.
At the Australian Live Music Awards, they were honored as Western Australia’s 'Best Emerging Act' and secured three WAMI awards in September 2001, including recognition for the most popular CD launch. Their follow-up EP, Never Too Young To Hitchhike, was released in May 2002. Its single "Everything's Gone Bad" enjoyed extensive airplay on Triple J and placed No. 88 on Triple J's Hottest 100 list for 2002. Their fanbase expanded significantly in Perth, culminating with a performance at ABC Studios for Triple J's Live at the Wireless series.
Following their appearance at Perth's Rock-It Festival in October 2002, they embarked on a tour along Australia's east coast supporting UK band Seafood. This exposure facilitated their signing with Dew Process, which reissued Never Too Young To Hitchhike in early 2003.
In February 2003, The Fergusons performed at Perth's Big Day Out festival and toured eastern states alongside You Am I and Palladium. While in Melbourne, they recorded the single "Sinner is Red," produced by Lindsay Gravina—known for his work with Magic Dirt, Eskimo Joe, among others. Released on 14 July, it served as the lead single for their forthcoming album.
The band supported notable acts such as The Breeders, J Mascis, The Salteens, and The Violent Femmes, achieved strong national radio presence, collected multiple WAMI Awards, and appeared at Splendour in the Grass during 2003.
At year-end 2003, Mike Bruce departed from the group; The Fergusons continued as a quartet and toured Western Australia with the Hoodoo Gurus early in 2004.
In July 2004, producer Jonathan Burnside (Eskimo Joe, The Sleepy Jackson) commenced work on their debut album, incorporating horn and string arrangements that significantly raised production expenses. Due to this increase, Universal Records declined additional funding, leading Dew Process to halt recording sessions. Consequently, the band parted ways with Dew Process by September 2004. In November of that year, drummer Matt Wheeler moved to Melbourne, influencing the band's decision to dissolve.
Their final performance occurred early in 2005 at Amplifier Bar before a well-attended audience. Although plans existed to release their debut album, it was never completed.
Following the breakup, Nistelberger, Joyce, and Beadon went on to form Bipolar Bears alongside drummer Matt Chequer from Little Birdy.
In 2007, Nistelberger, Joyce, and Beadon reunited briefly for an acoustic show in Fremantle featuring members of Little Birdy, Eskimo Joe, and The Avenues.
Band members
- Al Nistelberger – vocals, guitar
- Grant Joyce – vocals, bass
- Wayne Beadon – vocals, guitar
- Matt Wheeler – vocals, drums
- Mike Bruce – vocals, guitar
Extended plays
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Hurting the Washing Machine |
|
| Never Too Young To Hitchhike |
|
| Sinner is Red |
|
West Australian Music Industry Awards
The Western Australian Music Industry Awards (WAMis) celebrate outstanding accomplishments in the local contemporary music scene. The Fergusons earned six accolades.
|- |rowspan="3"| 2001 |rowspan="2"| The Fergusons | Most Promising New Local Original Band | |- | Most Popular Original Indie Act | |- | Hurting the Washing Machine | Most Popular Local Original CD Launch | |- |rowspan="2"| 2002 |rowspan="2"| The Fergusons | Most Popular Local Original Pop Act | |- | Most Popular Original Indie Act | |- | 2003 | The Fergusons | Most Popular Original Indie Act | |-
External links
- Comprehensive fan site for The Fergusons featuring detailed biography, rare tracks, and videos
- Official Myspace profile
- Australia Music Online artist page for The Fergusons