Formed in Collingwood in 1990, the three-piece
consisting of original members Charlie Rooke
(guitar & vocals), Allan Catlin (double bass &
vocals) and Piet Collins (drums) already had a
strong live following but when they released the
independent single ‘Love Your Head’ the band
quickly gained radio support on Triple R and PBS.
Triple J were soon behind the band and a record
deal with Warner Music was struck. Their debut
album This Is The Sharp was certified gold and
the band earned ARIA nominations, magazine
covers and appearances on just about every
TV/radio show in Australia.
Comedy program The Late Show loved The
Sharp so much they parodied their hit single
‘Scratch My Back’ as ‘Skivvies Are Back’ in
reference to the now famous black skivvied
uniform the band had adopted.
Rigorous touring ensued before the band settled
into the studio to record its second album Sonic
Tripod with American producer Rick Will (Ziggy
Marley, Diesel). A brief tour of Europe and the US
saw the band back home exhausted but ready to
take on more touring.
Finally, after nearly five years in the limelight, the
rigorous touring schedule brought the band to a
crossroads and a decision was made to end on a
high note. Single File, a collection of singles, was
released as the band’s final album while the Thank
You Good Night farewell tour saw them playing to
packed houses around the nation. When the band
played its last shows in 1995, many (including the
band themselves), wondered when (or if) it would
all happen again.
Now many years later (and thanks to some
persistent pestering from fans) The Sharp are
back and sounding better than ever. Original
bassist/vocalist Allan Catlin is not involved due to
personal reasons, but he is ably represented by
Scott Owen (double bass) from The Living End
while lead vocal duties are taken care of by the
amazing Louie Lee Feltrin.
Performing all their hits plus some rockin’ covers
31 years on from the release of This Is The Sharp,
The Sharp are back with a vengeance!!!