The Johnnys
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 in Sydney, Australia |
| Founder | Graham Hood, Roddy Ray'da |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Music (pub rock, cowpunk) |
The Johnnys are a Sydney-based Australian pub rock ensemble formed in 1982, maintaining activity to the present day. Their musical style fuses elements of country and punk genres. The current lineup features Graham Hood, Billy Pommer Jr, and Slim Doherty; among former members are founding figure Roddy Ray'da (Roddy Radalj) and Spencer P. Jones.
History
The Johnnys came into existence in 1982 when bassist Graham Hood, after departing from the Allniters, teamed up with Roddy Ray'da, guitarist for Hoodoo Gurus, to initiate a side project that merged pub rock with country and punk influences—later recognized as cowpunk. Ray'da left Hoodoo Gurus to front The Johnnys alongside Hood and drummer Billy Pommer Jr. Their first performance took place in November 1982 at Sydney's Palms disco. Guitarist and backing vocalist Spencer P. Jones, originally from New Zealand, joined the group shortly thereafter. The quartet released their single "I Think You're Cute" in October through Regular Records. Early in 1984, Ray'da departed to establish Love Rodeo, prompting Jones to assume lead vocal duties. Subsequently, the band signed with Green Label and issued the single "My Buzzsaw Baby (Really Cut Me Up)" along with the EP The Johnnys in November 1984.
In 1985, The Johnnys secured a contract with Mushroom Records, releasing the singles "Injun Joe" (November), "(There's Gonna Be a) Showdown" (March 1986), and "Bleeding Heart" (June). Their first full-length album, Highlights of Dangerous Life, produced by Ross Wilson of Daddy Cool, was released in August and included these singles. Two additional singles not featured on albums were released during 1987. Wilson also produced their sophomore album, Grown Up Wrong (August 1988), which featured the singles "Motorbikin" (July) and "Anything Could Happen" (November). Michael Armiger, formerly of Paul Kelly Band, replaced Hood on bass guitar. The group disbanded in 1989, with Jones continuing his involvement in Beasts of Bourbon.
According to rock historian Ian McFarlane, while The Johnnys enjoyed a solid following within the pub rock scene, they never ascended to the top tier of Australian rock acts. They reunited occasionally thereafter, including a 2016 benefit concert in Sydney for Spencer P. Jones as a trio supplemented by guest musicians. Continuing as a three-piece unit, they toured New Zealand in 2018 and supported The Beasts during their 2019 Australian "Still Here" Tour.
Members
- Graham Hood – bass guitar
- Billy Pommer Jr. – drums
- Roddy Ray'da – guitar, vocals
- Spencer P. Jones – guitar, vocals (d. 2018)
- Michael Armiger – bass guitar
- Paul "Slim" Doherty – guitar
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||
| Highlights of a Dangerous Life |
|
19 |
| Grown Up Wrong |
|
71 |
Live recordings
| Title | Album information |
|---|---|
| Live At La Dolce Vita |
|
Singles
| Year | Title | Highest chart position |
Associated album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | "I Think You're Cute/Mountain Man" | - | non-album single |
| 1984 | "There's Time"/"Way of the West" | - | non-album single |
| "My Buzzsaw Baby (Really Cut Me Up)" | - | non-album single | |
| 1985 | "Injun Joe" | 32 | Highlights of a Dangerous Life |
| 1986 | "(There's Gonna Be a) Showdown" | 46 | |
| "Bleeding Heart" | 71 | ||
| 1987 | "Elvisly Yours/Black Bart" | - | non-album single |
| 1988 | "Motorbikin'"/"Shameless Girl" | - | Grown Up Wrong |
| "Anything Could Happen"/"Bounty Hunter" | - | ||
| "Don't Put the Blame on Me" | - |