1980s CANBERRA, ‘a dysfunctional, socialist utopia.’ Politicians, public sculpture and no culture. Home to the Gadflys, a group who emerged amidst the unlikely yet burgeoning Canberra punk scene, they soon transcended the strictures of punk and ’80s synth pop to develop a unique style. Opting to play acoustic instruments – classical guitar, clarinet and double bass – their sound became less abrasive and more melodic though they still retained the urgency and energy of punk.

Founding members Phil and Mick Moriarty’s dad played clarinet in a band called Clean Living Clive’s Good Time Palace Orchestra. Whilst Trad Jazz didn’t really appeal, one particular record in their father’s collection (a live set from virtuoso clarinettist, Benny Goodman with his orchestra, playing at Carnegie Hall in 1938)  included a song, Sing, Sing, Sing that was so wild that, in the words of New Orleans rocker Jessie Hill, it “created a disturbance” in the brothers’ minds. Jungle horn lines and Gene Krupa on drums pounding away like a runaway freight train! The Moriartys also developed an enthusiasm for the tambourine rhythms and melodic thrills of ’60s Motown. They both admired the straight-shooting singing styles of Iggy Pop and Shane McGowan. Mick coined the term Mongrel Jazz to describe the blend of blues, klezmer, skiffle and cool jazz, underpinned by righteously rootsy grooves, which formed the Gadflys sound over four albums two EPs.

After 15 years of constant touring and gigging, the Gadflys’ fortunes were boosted courtesy of a three-year stint on Paul McDermott’s satirical TV panel show Good News Week. Playing original tunes live to camera, they soon won over a legion of new fans. The GNW gig showcased the instrumental verve of musicians at the top of their game. The band also backed well-known artists Neil Finn, Steve Harley, Glen Tilbrook, Diesel and Yothu Yindi.

Teaming up in 2019 with long-time band members Elmo Reid on bass, and Pete Velzen on drums, the Moriarty brothers have been touring and playing gigs sporadically since then with a floating line-up of Gadflys alumni and special guests, including Pat and Bernie Hayes on bass and guitar, Pete Kelly – trumpet and drums, Kathrn Brownhill on violin and zgemma Clare on Cello. They even recorded recorded their first Gadflys’ album since 2000. Love & Despair. 

“Let’s not understate the talent of this group. The Gadflys’ particular blend of British beat, jazz, skiffle, country and folk is hugely entertaining.”
BRUCE ELDER, SMH

“Even at four o’clock in the morning … we were baying for more.”
ROBERT ALSTEAD, THE SCOTSMAN ***** FIVE STARS

“The musical find of the Edinburgh Festival.”
RICHARD KENT, BBC RADIO

“Three sets plus an encore, a packed ANU bar and a huge mass of dancing doofuses … soulful, brilliant and original …  So bloody good!”
BIANCA BROWNLOW, BMA

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All Our Love and Despair

The Gadflys