Radio Birdman: Australia's high voltage rockers return to London

Detroit born guitarist Deniz Tek, vocalist Rob Younger and drummer Ron Keeley started Radio Birdman mid 1974 in Sydney, Australia. They envisioned a band that would break rules and have no regard for the status quo of the parochial Australian rock business of the time. The band would play extremely hard and with maximum involvement from the members at all times. It was to be an art form created from passion, with no strict format or structure, which could go in any direction at any time. This would include forays into improvised visual as well as sonic realms. Loose, wild feedback drenched glory - no two performances were ever to be the same.

Radio Birdman was a volatile mix. The chemistry of the members: Rob Younger, Deniz Tek, Chris Masuak, Warwick Gilbert, Pip Hoyle and Ron Keeley, combined to form a whole that was much greater than the sum of the parts. In effect, a new force was created whose energy seemed to empower some of the members but corrode others. As hot as the band glowed, it was inevitable that it would relentlessly burn out its components. It is a wonder that they lasted as long they did, finally giving up in June of 1978 at the end of a long UK tour.

When Sire Records president Seymour Stein was in Australia to sign The Saints, he saw a Radio Birdman show at the Funhouse and licensed "Radios Appear" for US and European release, signing the band to a recording contract as well. They then toured Europe and England, recording a second album, "Living Eyes",at Rockfield Studios in Wales.

For years following the band’s demise a wave of influence was unleashed which has encompassed the earth. An entire sub-subculture, tied loosely to the surf movement, with tiny enclaves all over the world, has formed based on the cult of Radio Birdman. Seminally important in the development of music in Australia and their most dedicated fans are often musicians in other bands that are successful today.

Radio Birdman play the Dirty Water Club, Sunday, June 26th at the Dome in Tufnel Park with very special guests Los Chicos and The F+++ing Godoys! It's the London album launch for the Chicos brilliant new LP on Dirty Water and it's gonna knock yer socks off.

Advance, discount, no-booking fee tickets here as always.