The Meanies formed back in ’89 over a shared love of beer and the alluring punk rock scene. Paint a picture of the the Melbourne punk scene in those early days.
There was definitely a higher percentage of fringe dwellers in the local scene, some very strange people. I think the general vibe is more accepting nowadays, which is pleasant, although you will always get fuckwits. Some things are easier – rightly so – for young bands now. We use to have to help lug big-arse PAs out of venues or get docked some pay, which would suck after the rigours of a Meanies show. And there would sometimes be run-ins with old school crew who thought that antagonism, and sometimes sabotage, were all part of protecting their band. Plenty of cool guys as well though. Things are a bit more civilised now, but having said that, I think it’s much harder for bands now to standout in the over saturation of bands that is the Melbourne music scene. That’s a double edged sword.
You guys have nailed the rock’n’roll high life and have clocked up a mountain of supports – you’ve shared the stage with Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Beastie Boys and The Lemonheads to name a few. What was your most clichéd punk rock experience on the road?
I think clichéd punk rock experiences are a result of pretension. Sure, we’d get unruly at times like anybody, but we’d do something like steal a Picasso, Oceans 11 style, and all take a dump on it. Completely original.
A lot of people reckon that punk rock has lost its original spirit. What’s your take on the transformation of Melbourne’s punk rock scene?
I think that’s like saying all Muslims are terrorists. It’s about individuals. I try not to generalise. No one really truly gets anybody. It makes some people feel safe or in control to pigeonhole people and speak on behalf of them both negatively or positively. But that’s nonsense.
Tell us about your hook up with Poison City Records. How did that come about?
I think they, like us, were excited by our 25th anniversary tour and it got the juices flowing. They suggested doing reissues on vinyl of all our albums. Then came the new album, and it seemed natural for them to put it out. Cool bunch there at Poison City. Lovely people with a strong list of bands who are doing really well. We feel really happy to be on their label.
Releasing a record after two decades could be a little intimidating. Is It’s Not Me, It’s You a return to your well-established sound or something of a new trajectory?
I think we experimented a bit with some songs in the early 2000s which, while I like the tunes, probably weren’t really Meanies songs. So with the new LP we’ve gotten back to what The Meanies are all about. I actually think it’s the most consistent record we’ve done. There were always one or two songs I didn’t end up liking on our records. Not this one. Great mix too.
What would a short synopsis of The Meanies: A Documentary sound like? And which bands would cameo in it?
The doco’s already been made, but let’s imagine Hollywood are up to their old tricks and are remaking it because of the huge profits to be made from it… I said imagine. Formed in the toilets of the Palace, brewed to imperfection in the shadow of CUB, and vomited onto the world’s stages out of the mouth of the Luna Park clown. A touch of blood, fairy floss and Stones green ginger wine mixed in with the carrots. Cameos by too many people to mention.
The Meanies have shared the stage with fellow punk rock veterans Bodyjar many times over the years. You’ll be reliving the past on Friday December 18 at the Prince Bandroom. What’s the greatest show you’ve ever played together, and what should we expect from this upcoming show?
Man, you’re stretching my memory. It’s been many years since we played with them. Great bunch of guys and a great band. We don’t even have to say things to them like, “Wow, you really looked like you enjoyed yourself,” or “What was that amp you were using? Sounded great,” like you do when you like the guys but think their band sucks. We’re really looking forward to this one.
THE MEANIES and Bodyjar will celebrate Christmas at the Prince Bandroom on Friday December 18, with support from High Tension and Cowsmuff. It’s Not Me, It’s You is out now via Poison City Records.
