Wa Wa Nee
I had the distinct pleasure of doing sound for Wa Wa Nee on a short Sydney run of about 4 weeks way back in 1989. They were absolutely brilliant live and just dripped “groove”. At that stage they were probably past their peak popularity but still drew massive live crowds that were genuine fans. Mostly female! I still remember having to stand guard at the dressing room door on more than one occasion just to keep the ladies out.
This is a band I really didn’t take that seriously until I mixed them that first night but they had me convinced after the first song. Brilliant musicians and funky, catchy songs are always a good combination.
About
Wa Wa Nee broke the Australian tradition of pub rock in the mid-’80s with a combination of expertly packaged funk-pop, designed for a mass audience.
Songwriting duo Paul Gray and Steve Williams fronted the band, signing a deal with CBS Records in late 1985. In January 1986 they put together a full lineup consisting of Geoff Lundren (bass), Elizabeth Lord (keyboards, backing vocals), and Chris Sweeney (drums). Later, Gray’s younger brother Mark replaced Lundren on bass, and keyboardist Phil Witchett joined the lineup.
Wa Wa Nee’s ascent of the Australian charts began with the April 1986 release of the single “Stimulation,” which peaked nationally at number two. Three further singles also made the Australian Top 20 and their self-titled debut album yielded platinum sales of over 70,000. A national tour of Australia followed, along with a promotional tour of the U.S., where “Sugar Free” had made the Top 30.
A new single, “Can’t Control Myself,” was released in November 1988, peaking at number 17 in Australia and forming part of their final album Blush. Two more singles, “So Good” and “I Want You,” were released to less interest, and Wa Wa Nee disbanded in the same year.
From Allmusic
Video
Members
- Tony Buck – Drums
- Mark Gray – Bass
- Paul Gray – Vocals, Keys
- Paul Greenwood – Bass
- Elizabeth Lord – Keys, Vocals
- Geoff Lundren – Bass
- Barton Price – Drums
- Chris Sweeney – Drums
- Phil Witchett – Keys
- Steve Williams – Guitar, Vocals
- Paul Najar – Keyboards
Albums
- Wa Wa Nee – 1986
- Blush – 1989
Images
Known Gigs
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 10/06/86 | Sydney, NSW | The Tivoli |
| 22/08/86 | St Mary’s, NSW | St Mary’s Band Club |
| 13/09/86 | Cabramatta | Sweethearts – Stardust Hotel |
| 25/09/86 | Sydney | Cotton Club |
| 14/10/86 | Manly | Hotel Manly |
| 15/10/86 | Liverpool | Flashes |
| 06/12/86 | Circular Quay | Sydney Cove Tavern |
| + Young Hearts | ||
| 19/02/87 | Cabramatta | Sweethearts – Stardust Hotel |
| 23/12/87 | Cabramatta | Sweethearts – Stardust Hotel |
| 30/06/88 | Cabramatta | Sweethearts – Stardust Hotel |
| 08/12/88 | Cabramatta | Sweethearts – Stardust Hotel |
| + Colour Blue | ||
| 31/12/89 | Ermington | Ermington Hotel |
Love the site. Went to the Wa Wa Nee and Pseudo Echo in Melbourne in May 09 (review on our website) and was not a fan of Wa Wa Nee till this concert! Keep up the reviews
Capt Cleavage,
I recon you were a closet fan mate. The 80’s had some seriously great Aussie bands and yet back then we hated these same said bands.
Funny how 20 years down the track we look back and see how good these bands were.
I am trying to get in contact with Paul as we went to St pius X college at chatswood and played in a a jazz band 1986 Does any body his contact details
I was Wa Wa Nee’s tour manager – what an honour, working for such talented people. My favourite memories include band jams during sound check – a real treat and privilege! And the road crews rocked too, as only Aussie crews can!
I still have dreams to this day of being at work back then, such an impression those times made on me!
Sending everyone loads and loads of love!
Debbee (“Magoo”) Day / Poole
Wa Wa Nee were fantastic. I was too young to see them back in the day unfortunately. Along with Iva Davies, Paul is one of Australia’s best!
Does anyone know if Paul is on Twitter or Facebook? I don’t want to stalk him just give him some love (platonic fan love!).
PS: Debbee – I bet you’ve got some great stories from those days! Care to share any of them with us? Are you still managing tours?
Peace
Matt
cool write up… on Wa Wa Nee…. i was googling Steve yetsreday and found this.. and showed him… he said “Thast Classic”. Cheers 🙂
PS: he still plays the Pink Jackson… check out ZOOL on Facebook.
I just downloaded the Blush album from iTunes believe it or not. I love Wa Wa Nee to this day. I saw them live in 1988 as a support act and have been a fan ever since. Unfortunately Oz music has always had a certain rock/pub feel to it. Oz has never really embraced funk/dance bands which is a real shame.
Chris Sweeney can be found in Bangkok drumming for a great blues band called Danny Californias Blues All Stars. He’s doing ok these days. He had a steady gig at the Sheraton Sukhumvit for several years in Bangkok as well.
ohh how the memories flood back when i listen to Wa Wa Nee, grew up listening to this great aussie band (if only for a short time) had the pleasure seeing them live when they were the support band for the late Robert Palmer back in ’88 at the old Festival Hall here in Melbourne. I still enjoy watching all the old music clips.. Long Live Wa Wa Nee
They played at rooty hill rsl club i was dj that night loved the band they were up there with the best funk bands in the world but aussies so unusual
love all the b-sides too.