Gurus …..Grinding On….30+ Years

The Hoodoo Gurus are now unquestionably . . . Australian rock royalty. They have earnt this title on their jouney from garage band to pub band to legendary status. I have seen them play so many times, both locally and interstate that I could not even imagine what that number would be?.The Gurus have inspired many a budding musician to take up their craft, and potentially blow up their amps or smack their skins into oblivion.

Dave Faukner is the mainstay with his prolific songwriting ability and onstage banter coming to the fore. His mane of hair however has not stood the test of time, although he has sported some mind blowing  “do’s” over their touring history. Mark Kingsmill has a thumping drum style and is a solid backbone for the band and was the drummer I modelled myself on (minus the gloves).  Rick Grossman was a handy late edition on bass with a heavy handed pluck. Last but not least the enigmatic lead guitarist Brad Shepherd oozes cool as he struts around with his rockstar poses, and belts out some of the most memorable guitar licks and solos of all time. Not many guitarists can pull off white skinny jeans and puffy shirts , but Brad has the ladies on side and owns the stage on every outing.

The Gurus are a band you can’t help but sing along to as their hooky choruses and solid chord progressions demand our attention.  Many a punter has pulled out their very own ‘air guitar’ at a gig  to play along with the gurus and seemingly nail every note. I tip my hat to the Hoodoo  Gurus for their longevity and on stage consistency where every show is full of hits as well  as the odd quirky cover.

I always look forward to a Gurus gig albeit from a folding deck chair this time, on the river banks of Mannum. Bring on the hits lads, as tonight is ‘The Right Time’ and ‘Let’s all Turn on!’ . . .