SINCE their formation more than 23 years ago, Mental As Anything have become icons of Australian rock.
Commonly known as The Mentals, the group will perform at Wests Leagues Club on August 22.
Often described as the world's greatest garage band, Mental As Anything burst onto the scene in 1977.
Consisting of a line-up of Martin Plaza, Reg Mombassa, Peter O'Doherty, Greedy Smith and David Twohill, the group performed its first gig at the Cellblock Theatre.
Following the death of Elvis Presley, the gig became more of a homage to 'The King' than a proper show.
Realising they had something as a band, the group went on to become an integral part of the Australian music scene.
They cut their first EP in December 1978 and named it Mental As Anything Plays At Your Party. The EP featured the massive hit The Nips Are Getting Bigger and other tracks written by Martin Plaza and Reg Mombassa.
Influenced by a range of sounds including country, blues and pop gems from the '60s, Mental As Anything went on to have hits with Come Around, I Didn't Mean To Be Mean, Too Many Times and Live It Up. One of the bands biggest hits would have to be the mid-90s release Mr Natural. Although the track was not made commercially available, the song was a huge hit and became a classic.
Their success has not only spread across the country, but around the globe with successful tours through the US and Canada.
The group introduced two new members midway through last year.
David Barraclough and Murray Cook joined The Mentals to replace Mombassa and O'Doherty.
The venture saw the creation of fresh tracks and the group released its tenth studio album, Beetroot Stains, in May of this year.
TE has one double pass to give away to the show.
Enter online at www.nnp.com.au or send an envelope with name, address and phone number on the back to Mentals Giveaway, PO Box 615, Newcastle, 2300.
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