“Technicolour rock, in the age of beige” – Beat magazine

Fireballs are recognised by many as Australia’s first and foremost psychobilly band, a reputation credited to their passion for playing hard ‘n’ fast and their endurance that has ultimately defined what is Australian psychobilly.

From the get-go the idea was to capture a flavour that would recognise their original rockabilly roots and their love of speed rock. Heavily influenced by double bass driven international bands, such as The Stray Cats, Batmobile, Mad Sin and the Klingonz, Fireballs ambitiously aimed to carve their own niche in a smaller Melbourne scene. Rolling Stone magazine were impressed with Fireballs efforts in 1997, with their third album ‘So Bad its Good’

“…they will provide you with a religious epiphany that will overshadow anything this side of another Cramps album.” – Rolling Stone magazine

The original three members Eddie Fury, Joe Phantom and Matt Black (pictured left), may have started by playing at rockabilly gigs, however they set themselves apart with a hybrid sound of metal and punk, influenced by the local Australian pub rock outfits such as Depression, Cosmic Psychos, Hard-Ons and Radio Birdman.

Fireballs have played at major festivals in Australia such as The Falls Festival, The Meredith Music Festival and The Big Day Out, with which they nationally toured in 1995. These festivals saw them playing with international outfits such as The Ramones, Ministry, The Cult and Iggy Pop. Eddie Fury has fond memories of the festival circuit, “we showed Silverchair how to smash-up their gear and what to do with their groupies.”

Festival billings were the forerunner to bigger and better things – in 1997, the band played a three-date tour with Kiss, a particular highlight for the band. On the back of this success they went on to play with Motley Crue, Motorhead and perform at the Tokyo Big Rumble psychobilly festival in Japan.

After an extended hiatus Fireballs reformed with a new line up; Dylan Villain and Pete Speed replaced Matt Black and the band played at the Psychobilly Meeting in Spain.

Fireballs continue to take their brand of psychobilly to a new generation of fans country-wide and internationally.