THE SHARP – 2024# – Marking the 31st Anniversary Of “This is the Sharp”
The Sharp are Charlie Rooke (guitar/vocals), Allan Catlin (double bass/vocals) and Piet Collins (drums/vocals). Formed in Collingwood in 1990, the three piece already had a strong live following but when they released an independent single Love Your Head the band quickly gained radio support on Melbourne’s Triple R and PBS.
Triple J were soon behind the band and a record deal with Warner Music was struck. Their debut album This is the Sharp went Gold and the band received ARIA nominations, magazine covers and appearances on just about every TV/Radio show in Australia. Comedy program The D-Generation loved The Sharp so much they did a parody of hit single Scratch My Back and it became Skivvies are Back in reference to the now famous black skivvied uniform the band had adopted.
Rigorous touring ensued before the band settled into the studio to record its second album Sonic Tripod with American producer Rick Will (Ziggy Marley, Diesel). A brief tour of Europe and the US saw the band back home exhausted but ready to take on more touring.
Finally, after nearly five years in the limelight, the rigorous touring schedule brought the band to a crossroads and a decision was made to end on a high note. A collection of singles Single File was released as the band’s final album and a final tour Thank you Goodnight saw them playing to packed houses around the nation. When the band played its last shows in 1995, many (including the band), wondered when (or if) it could all happen again.
Now many years later, and thanks to some persistent pestering from fans, The Sharp are back and sounding better than ever.
Singer Bass player Allan Catlin is not involved due to personal reasons, but he is ably represented by Scott Owen (double bass) from The Living End with lead singer duties taken care of by the amazing Louie Lee Feltrin. Playing all their hits plus some rockin’ covers. 31 years after the release of their debut album This is the Sharp, The Sharp are back with a vengeance!
Connect with The Sharp – www.facebook.com/thesharpaus
Tour Dates
FRI 26 JUL. The Sooki Lounge w/Greg Arnold Belgrave VIC
SAT 27 JUL Live @ The Bundy w/Greg Arnold Bundalaguah VIC
FRI 9 AUG Lucky 13 Garage w/Peter Farnan and the Homebodies
Moorabbin VIC
FRI 30 AUG. Dee Why RSL NSW (James Reyne support)
SAT 31 AUG. Dee Why RSL NSW (James Reyne support)
FRI 6 SEP. Southport RSL QLD (James Reyne support)
SAT 7 SEP. Alexandra Hills Hotel QLD (James Reyne support)
FRI 4 OCT. Bird’s Basement Melbourne VIC
FRI 18 OCT. Wheatsheaf Hotel Adelaide SA
SAT 19 OCT. Crown and Anchor Hotel Adelaide SA
SAT 2 NOV. Corner Hotel. Richmond VIC. (James Reyne support)
FRI 29 NOV. The Odeon. Richmond VIC
FRI 13 DEC. Memo Music Hall. VIC