Issue #20 (late 1994 – early 1995)

This issue covered late 1994 and early 1995, culminating in my return to the inner west from the Blue Mountains. Looking back at the 'Bitchin' editorial it seems that trips into town had been a little fewer  (hence the new move back) and that savvy technology was well and truly replacing the 'cut and paste' ethos.

The Dirty Three had well and truly emerged by now and were starting to garner acclaim from all over - we were very lucky again via Voula to manage an interview with them and Alex (Radio Skid Row). Sydney/south coast bands Space Sister,  Repeat Offenders and Throbbing Aprils also featured as did some more topical stories, ie Condom Kingdom. Also, the Pope was spotted in a cavalcade down Oxford Street ....

Space Sister

For a three piece they made quite a bit of racket quickly before discombobulating. Head honcho Ned Alphabet has since been fronting Balkan Grill, an entertaining three piece local act who never disappoint. Head honcho Ned Alphabet has been fronting Balkan Grill for some time now - always an entertaining act who never disappoint, Check out their Facebook page, too.

Sparky Marky Littler now plays in the very good Northern Beaches band Primo Mofo. Bassist Andrés relocated to Argentina for some years, before recently being spotted on Oxford Street in 2024. Not sure what happened to their drummer wandering Rob, though I do know that saxophonist Sicko Nicko has been residing in Vanuatu for the last 20 years or so.

The Throbbing Aprils

A band who garnered some acclaim in the steel city and who always reminded me of The Oxford Tavern /  - probably because The Bacchantes supported them there and it was the place to to play. For some more on Wollongong live music history from then do read this.

Ronny went to onto Fugg and these days plays in the very entertaining The Leftards and was also doing some great stuff with a label called Wreckless Enterprise. Not too sure what the others are up to.

Repeat Offenders

One of my favourite quasi left political anarcho bands of this period. Fronted by Lisa Stone who reminded me of early Chrissie Amphlett/X-Ray Spex with tunes mostly arranged by Andy O'Phee (Kev Carmody https://www.discogs.com/release/5847611-Various-Keep-On-Babble-On-Sydney-Compilation-An-Oxford-Babylon-Radio-Skid-Row-Benefit. Lisa has since relocated further down the south coast, as has Andy who now lives in Wombarra. Andy is busy with his own new band, Overnight Lows, as well as doing some great DJ stuff. I'm not too sure what his brother Cameron is up to nor Nick who also played in a band called The Blessed.

The Dirty Three

Well, what can one say? They took the world on and won - since they have released countless albums, toured and played everywhere (Sydney not too far back) - lovely bunch of guys too    After a hiatus the band did this

Mick Turner has done some great solo records, Jim White is the best drummer ever and also known for his work in this whilst Warren has forged forward with his involvement in Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds with this recent release.