Zombie Ghost Train
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Stu Arkoff, Azzy T, Captain Reckless |
| Defunct | 26 April 2009 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Zombie Ghost Train (occasionally referred to as ZGT) was a rock ensemble originating from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The founding members included Stu Arkoff (guitar and lead vocals), Azzy T (drums), and Captain Reckless (bass guitar and backing vocals). In 2007, Azzy T departed and was succeeded by JM until 2008. Their discography comprises two full-length albums: Glad Rags & Body Bags released in April 2004, and Dealing the Death Card issued in May 2007, alongside a seven-track extended play titled Monster Formal Wear from 2003.
History
Initially established as a gothabilly and psychobilly band, Zombie Ghost Train featured Stu Arkoff handling vocals, guitar, and theremin; Captain Reckless on slap bass and backing vocals; and Azzy T on drums. Prior to this formation, Arkoff and Reckless performed together in the Ark Off Experiment. The group embarked on tours across Australia, Europe, and the United States. Their stage presence was characterized by "zombified" costumes consisting of ripped, blood-splattered garments paired with distinctive hairstyles such as quiffs and pompadours, enhanced by elaborate zombie-themed makeup.
In 2008, the Sydney-based publication TwoThousand described them as "Australia’s best kept secret," emphasizing their significant contribution to the psychobilly genre. They were also featured within the horror punk section of Germany’s video magazine Tribal Area. Additionally, The Horrorwood Mannequins recognized performing alongside Zombie Ghost Train as a notable milestone in their career. According to Collapse Board, the band’s musical style aligned with psychobilly’s tradition of horror-inspired aesthetics and supernatural-themed lyrics.
Monster Formal Wear
The band’s EP Monster Formal Wear debuted in 2003 under license to the German label Crazy Love Records (CLLP 64204). Their first full album, Glad Rags & Body Bags, was released in 2005 through Fiend Force Records, a German label specializing in horrorpunk (FF-033). The track "Girl U Want" from this album gained considerable rotation on Australia's national broadcaster Triple J, achieving notable chart recognition.
Dealing the Death Card
Their sophomore and final studio album, Dealing the Death Card, launched on 19 May 2007 via Resist Records in Australia and Fiend Force Records in Germany. To promote the release, the band undertook an Australian tour spanning May to June of that year.
Reformation and final shows
In March 2008, the original trio—Stu Arkoff, Captain Reckless, and Azzy T—joined Tiger Army for a tour covering Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne. Their concluding live appearance occurred at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory on 24 April 2008. The official dissolution of Zombie Ghost Train was announced on 26 April 2009 through their Myspace blog. An interesting cultural footnote is that their emblem appears on a leather jacket worn by a background actor in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.
20th Anniversary Reunion
Marking two decades since their debut album's release, Zombie Ghost Train declared a reunion event slated for Friday, 31 October 2025 (Halloween) at the Factory Theatre.
Members
- Stu Arkoff (Stuart Hibberd) – lead vocals, guitar, theremin
- Captain Reckless (Aaron Mol) – slap bass guitar, backing vocals
- AzzA-T (Aaron James Trew) – drums and percussion
- JM – drums (2007–2008)
Albums
- Glad Rags & Body Bags (19 April 2004) – Shrunken Head Records/MGM Distribution (SHRCD00002)
- Track listing
- Glad Rags & Body Bags (1:38)
- R.I.P. (3:12)
- Dark Times (3:09)
- Graveyard Queen (3:18)
- Black White and Dead (2:51)
- Deadcat Rumble (3:28)
- Girl U Want (2:42)
- Alone (4:06)
- Night Time Crawling (3:27)
- Zombie Beach (1:09)
- Gone (3:12)
- Buried Next to the King (3:23)
- You're My Baby (6:51)
- Dealing the Death Card (19 May 2007) – Resist Records (RES061)
- Track listing
- Step into My Coffin (2:43)
- Mystery Woman (3:00)
- Bats in the Belfry (2:30)
- 13 Tears (3:43)
- The Big Fog (2:20)
- Monster Rock'n'Roll (2:52)
- Teddy Boy Boogie (3:03)
- Dealing the Death Card (3:56)
- To the River (3:03)
- The Undead Sea (2:11)
- Long Dark Night (3:16)
- Trouble (4:08)
- Dead End Crew (2:59)
Extended plays
- Monster Formal Wear (2003) Released by Shrunken Head Records (SHR-CD00001)
- Track listing
- On The Line
- Devil Child
- In The Shadows
- Go-Go Mummy
- Mad Mummy Daddy
- Twenty Flight Rock
- Blue Moon of Kentucky