Bony Moronie: Hush’s 1975 Glam-Rock Anthem
In April 1975, Hush released Bony Moronie, a glam-rock cover of Larry Williams’ 1957 classic that soared to No. 4 on the Kent Music Report. Released on Wizard (ZS-123), it charted for 27 weeks, went gold, and became their biggest hit. Produced by Robie Porter, it was the lead single from their fourth album, Rough Tough ’n’ Ready. Kept from No. 1 by tracks like Fox On The Run and All My Friends Are Getting Married, it defined Hush’s glittery peak. Let’s dive into its Seven Hills origins, chart success, and why it’s still a pub jukebox staple.
Seven Hills’ Glitter Kings
Hush formed in Seven Hills, New South Wales, in 1971 as a light pop five-piece—Keith Lamb (vocals), Robin Jackson (guitar), John Koutts (drums), Rick Lum (bass), and Chris Nolan (keyboards). By the mid-’70s, they’d morphed into a glam-rock powerhouse with Lamb, Les Gock (lead guitar), Lum, and Chris ‘Smiley’ Pailthorpe (drums). Draped in glitter and platform boots, they gave Bony Moronie a ’75 makeover—crunchy riffs and boogie beats. Recorded in Sydney with Robie Porter, Lamb’s raspy vocals and Gock’s slick guitars made it a pub-rock banger, launching Rough Tough ’n’ Ready.
Chart Success
Charting on May 19th, ’75, as catalogue number ZS-123, Bony Moronie hit No. 4, held back by Sweet’s Fox On The Run, Skyhooks’ All My Friends Are Getting Married, and The Captain & Tennille’s Love Will Keep Us Together. It ran for 27 weeks, Hush’s longest chart stint. The B-side, Rocking Gypsy King, a live favourite, kept the boogie alive. Going gold with heavy Countdown airplay, it reached New Zealand’s top 40. Wizard’s promotion cemented its status as Hush’s highest-selling single, a glam-rock triumph.
The ’75 Vibe
In 1975, Australia was glam-rock crazy—platform boots, glitter, and Countdown ruled. Hush’s over-the-top style and raw energy made Bony Moronie a perfect fit. Less poppy than Sherbet, less theatrical than Skyhooks, they delivered a boogie-rock edge that packed pubs from Sydney to beyond. It was the anthem for every ’70s kid chasing a wild night, platforms stomping to the beat.
Why It Endures
Bony Moronie crowned Hush glam-rock heroes. Rough Tough ’n’ Ready hit the top 20, and they toured with TMG, AC/DC, and Sweet. It’s their signature tune, still spinning on classic hits radio and pub jukeboxes. Keith Lamb later hosted TV, but Hush’s ’90s and 2000s reunions kept the spark alive. A 1975 time capsule—glitter, guts, and vibes—it brings you back to a packed pub, mates shouting along. Got a Hush gig memory? Share it below—I’m all ears!