Volume #12 | Grinspoon. The rock band that makes me giddy.
Grinning from ear to ear.
Let’s Not Beat Around The Bush
All I want for Christmas is a time machine so I can travel back to the explosive Australian rock scene in the early 2000’s.
Silverchair. Superjesus. The Living End. Jebediah. Powderfinger. Grinspoon. Did I just predict the line up for a Big Day Out reunion? I can only dream…
As I write this, I'm watching a new episode of Spicks and Specks on ABC, and I’m feeling pumped. The show has always felt like home to me, and it’s even more special with Grinspoon’s own Phil Jamieson as one of the guests. During his turn at Substitute, Phil cleverly sings the biography of unexpected Olympic gold medalist Steven Bradbury. Pausing midway, he compares Grinspoon to Bradbury’s unlikely victory, likening them as the music industry’s equivalent of the speed skater. He humorously points out Silverchair and Powderfinger as their competitors, adding, "Grinspoon is the last man standing."
Phil’s perspective is a direct insight into an era of rock where we were spoilt for choice. These bands were soaring in popularity and there were dozens of memorable songs, all with their unique vibe and lead singers. Were Grinspoon considered the most successful or the best live band at the time? It depends on who you ask. What I respect is that Phil isn’t afraid to say they were the underdog amongst elite company. They’re now the only legacy who rock on as a ‘multi-generational juggernaut’.
What makes Grinspoon who they are is not defined by their longevity in the music game, although that is rare and special. For me, it’s more about their collaboration as musicians to reach a level of songwriting and sound that is on brand. As a long-time Grinners fan, I have an expectation, and they always deliver. From the studio to the stage, the energy and heart-warming rock they bring is electric.
I’m reminded that Grinspoon are four dedicated individuals working towards a common goal, disagreements on style and feel are inevitable. There would be loads of compromise backed by an unwavering support of each other. In fact, Phil has admitted that’s one of the reasons for the time taken between records.
Grinspoon are very much alive and kicking, with Phil showing off his signature scissor-kick jump on tour recently. I don’t need no time machine. They’re here now and they’ve got a hold on me.
From Small Town to Main Stage
Hailing from a small town called Lismore in New South Wales, Grinspoon formed in 1995. ‘Sickfest’, a thrashy punk-rock track, won them triplej’s first ever Unearthed competition. They scored themselves a record deal and released their debut album titled ‘Guide To Better Living’ which took off on triplej airwaves and gained double platinum accreditation (meaning it sold two million copies) at home.
It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows overseas though; Grinners fans will be gobsmacked to learn that the US version of that album didn’t include hits like ‘Just Ace’. Clearly, America didn’t really understand Grinspoon or their fans. None of that mattered, Australians were here for it.
Cue continuous gigs throughout Australia plus festival momentum at Livid and Big Day Out alongside other punk, metal and rock acts. Crowds loved ‘em. The two noughties’ albums ‘Easy’ and ‘New Detention’ produced songs that became Aussie anthems and commercially they really came into their stride, particularly with songs ‘Chemical Heart’ and ‘Lost Control’. Success came in the form of singles, albums, live performances, ARIA nominations and awards.
On A Mission To Thrill
I've never experienced a mosh pit quite like the one at a Grinspoon show. It’s wild, and all part of their live show experience. The band want everyone to have a good time and do it safely. This was a valuable lesson learned from years of performing to huge crowds. Safety is something they advocate for as a result of one single tragedy where Sydney’s Jessica Michalik was crushed to death at Big Day Out in 2001. Turns out, she was a massive Grinspoon fan. Phil and Pat played at her funeral and ‘Chemical Heart’ was written for her. Unbelievable.
Nowadays, as guitarist Pat Davern puts it, Grinspoon crowd surfers are more mature and held up by their apprentices. Touché. This is a group whose typical audience members are blokey, sipping on Jack Daniels and showing-off their masculinity. Yet, just like Jessica Michalik was, I’m there too. The contrast is amusing and that is what makes Grinspoon enjoyable.
All I can say is, Grinspoon can hypnotise. I blame the song ‘Champion’ and front man, Phil. This song lifted the roof at their Bridgeway Hotel show in Adelaide recently.
Phil Jamieson has a way with the audience that makes me want to rebel. I’ve seen fans climb barriers and jump on stage (this happened twice at Bridgeway!) The captivation is real. I normally take in all the musicians on stage, but when Phil’s present, I forget to blink. He’s hypnotic and cheeky, drawing me deep into his spell. I can’t take my eyes off of him and his flamboyant showmanship. I try to look elsewhere, I really do. My eyes dart over to see guitarist Pat with the hat, but not for long. Kris will go nuts on a drum solo, but I’m still looking at Phil. Joe will be in his bad ass bass stance. But Phil has me hook, line, and sinker.
In 2007, I was at the Mannum Hotel in South Australia to see Grinspoon live for the first time. Standing in the front row, an arms length from Phil. I was eighteen and fresh out of school, with a Grinspoon stubby holder on my wrist and the sweat of others rocking out around me. This is where my adoration peaked for Grinspoon, it was incredible.
I’ve seen them twice since then, in varying formats and venues. Eight albums later, I can honestly say they are as good as ever.
Old Becomes New
When Grinspoon announced the ultimate triple threat earlier this year, I almost cried. A new single, a new album and a regional Australian tour, all of which fans like me have waited over a decade for. F*** yeah, I thought. Without a care in the world, I danced around my kitchen to ‘Unknown Pretenders’ the first single from their new album ‘Whatever, Whatever’. I was so happy to hear from them after all these years.
Grinspoon have boldly moved out of a 12 year hiatus, landing firmly with rock sophistication. Do yourself a favour and take a listen, as Molly Meldrum would say.
Sounds like the gig met all your expectations and some! 🎸