Australia’s hardest working band The Radiators are finally heading back down to Victoria after a long break.
Formed in a transition from a band called Big Swifty, little did they know they would go on to forge a unique sound and influence thousands of teenagers throughout Australia. Following their September 1978 debut in Sydney, the RADIATORS embarked on a formidable performing schedule playing over 320 gigs in the first 12 months alone. They soon came to the attention of major record companies and were signed to Warner Brothers late 1979. The release of their debut album “Feel the Heat” in March 1980, was much anticipated by their many newly won fans and they created history by being the first Australian band to have advanced presales on their debut album.
Six thousand copies had been sold before it was even released, “Feel the Heat” went on to achieve Platinum status and a Top 10 position in the charts.
After the band’s first album “Feel the Heat” had become a Platinum selling classic, with such gems as “Coming Home…17 (I Wish I Was)” and “Summer Holiday”, they then released the controversial song “Gimme Head” and “Fess’ Song” on a four track EP entitled “You Have the Right to Remain Silent”….which also went Platinum.
During the early period of the band’s career, they were also breaking house records at all the pubs, RSLs and Leagues Clubs – a relentless effort playing six nights per week for 40 to 50 weeks of the year. The band never skimped on PA and lighting, setting benchmarks for others to follow and creating the classic, sweaty rock atmosphere that few could match.
