Headless Chickens | Artist

The Headless Chickens were a New Zealand post-punk band formed 1985 in Auckland, by Chris Matthews (vocals, guitar, keyboards, samples), Michael Lawry (keyboards, samples) and Johnny Pierce (bass). Lineup changes saw Grant Fell (bass) and Bevan Sweeney (drums) as the new rhythm section and new members Rupert E. Taylor (vocals), Fiona McDonald (vocals) and Anthony Nevison (keyboards, guitar, bass). Going against the grain of the Dunedin sound that dominated the Flying Nun Records roster at the time, the Headless Chickens made extensive use of electronic instruments and samples in their music. The band first became known in New Zealand when they won the 1987 Rheineck Beer Rock award. The prize money from the award funded their excellent 1988 debut album Stunt Clown. The band recorded two further studio albums, Body Blow and Greedy, before splitting. All three studio albums are recommended, as is as the excellent 2002 compilation album ChickensHits. The band reformed briefly in late 2008/early 2009 for festival gigs in NZ and Australia. Headless Chickens' use of electronic elements and sampling in a rock setting was ahead of their time and had an influence on many other NZ bands that followed them.

Artist Website: wikipedia/Headless_Chickens

Featured Albums: Headless Chickens

Related Artists: Chris Matthews, Fiona McDonald

Video Clips: Gaskrankinstation, Cruise Control, Donka