| Wa
Wa Nee broke the Australian tradition of pub rock in the mid-'80s
with a combination of expertly packaged funk-pop, designed for
a mass audience.
Paul
Gray and Steve Williams originally fronted the band, signing a
deal with CBS Records in late 1985.
In January 1986 Wa Wa Nee expanded with a full band lineup including
Geoff Lundren (bass), Elizabeth Lord (keyboards, backing vocals),
and Chris Sweeney (drums).
Later, Paul's younger brother Mark replaced Geoff on bass, and
keyboardist Phil Whichett joined the lineup (Phill passed away
before their 2nd album, which was dedicated to his memory, was
released).
In
April 1986 Stimulation was released and reached number
two in the singles charts. One and One (Ain't I Good Enough),
Sugar Free and I Could Make You Love Me all reached
the top 20. Wa Wa Nee's self-titled debut album sold over 70,000
copies reaching Platimum status.
Wa Wa Nee were known for their dynamic live shows. They also did
a promotional tour of the USA where Sugar Free made the
Top 30!!!!
Wa Wa Nee's
2nd album Blush, and accompanying single Can't Control
Myself was released in early 1989 and reached number 17 in
the singles charts. Two
other singles So Good and I Want You were also released.
Wa Wa Nee disbanded in 1989.
|
