Bodyjar have played some dream shows over the years, including support slots with pop punk juggernauts like Descendents, Blink 182 and Alkaline Trio. As one would expect, Baines has accumulated a number of excellent stories. “Descendents are just amazing and all that,” he says. “I actually got to sing I’m the One with them in Perth because Milo [Aukerman]’s voice was going. Technically I’m in the band now.”
His reflections on the Descendents’ drummer and vocalist Bill Stevenson are a little more revealing. “Bill used to be really horny, but he’s mellowed with age,” Baines says. While we’re on the topic: “We toured with Blink 182 in America – now there’s a horny band. I could tell you some stories, but I love the band too much.”
Bodyjar’s relationship with esteemed personalities from the international punk scene goes beyond what they’ve experienced on tour. Stevenson and Descendents guitarist Stephen Egerton actually produced the band’s first album, Take A Look Inside. Despite the high-grade production team, Baines has mixed feelings about the 1994 release. “We don’t play anything of the first album because I think we rushed it,” he says. “We should have taken more time on the songs. We were 17. I don’t mind it, but it doesn’t work live that well.”
Bodyjar have accumulated a fiercely loyal fanbase since their formation 25 years ago, and it’s something they’ve never taken for granted. “It’s so rad,” Baines says. “Stokes me out. We get emails and messages from all over the world. We’re lucky to still have this band.”
Not wanting to push their luck, they’re happy to appease the crowd’s requests. “The best [album] to play live is How It Works,” says Baines. “There’s no fast stuff on there so it’s different to the other albums, but still feels fresh. I love just playing songs people want to hear, like we’ll do at The Meanies gig.”
Throughout their career, Bodyjar have attracted a following in various other parts of the globe. “Every time we go to Japan it’s amazing,” says Baines. However, their roots are still happily buried in Australian soil. “Recently we did two How It Works shows in Sydney and the crowd was so rad. I think I enjoyed that show more than anything. We had so many guys in the crowd singing along and a few guests from other bands. It had that party vibe. We need that vibe to cover our mistakes.”
It’s been a couple of years since Bodyjar released their comeback album, Role Model. A new album could be just around the corner. “We have about 20 songs demoed,” Baines says. “We’ll do something in the near future. I’m about to open my own skate/record store, so I’ve got to put some time into that and make sure that’s working. Tom [Read, guitar] has some great new songs and Granto [Relf, bass] too. I’m keen.”
In the meantime, Bodyjar fans can look forward to a ripper night at the Prince, when they share the stage with The Meanies, High Tension and Cowsmuff. “Hopefully [it’ll be] a party. We can finally play what we want, instead of a particular album from start to finish. The world is fucked, but there’s still good people out there. Come chill out with good people.”
BY BEL RYAN
