rudely interrupted
One of the privileges of my life was working with Australian indie-rock band Rudely Interrupted. From Melbourne, Rudely Interrupted formed in the mid-noughties and went on to wow worldwide audiences with their infectious indie synth-pop.
This is Rohan Brooks, co-founder of the band, during a performance at the United Nations in New York to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Rohan's the only member of the band without a disability. Following this performance the bookings came thick and fast, including Toronto's North by North West at Sneaky Dee's, famous music venues in New York, Washington DC, Montreal and so many others.
Here's the band on a huge banner promoting the world renowned VSA festival at Washington DC's Kennedy Center. Being asked to play here was a very big deal for the band. It led to a North American tour (on an enormous coach with tinted windows, a bar and bunk beds for the band and crew) and a 60-minute television documentary that aired, to rave reviews, primetime on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
This is Rory Burnside, co-founder of Rudely Interrupted. He lives with aspergers syndrome, which is a form of autism. He's blind, was born without eyes, and is a musical genius with perfect pitch. Rory's the band's frontman. Once, on tour in Canada, we all met Tom Cruise. Rory held a conversation with him and after turned to us and said, "Nup, I don't believe that was Tom Cruise!"
Rudely Interrupted headlining New York's Brooklyn Bowl. No sympathy act here, this band's the real deal; lauded by the music critics from Pitchfork to VICE. Moby wrote a glowing review of the band in his fanzine.
Ever the showman, this is bass player Sam Beke.
Montreal's music press lapped up the Aussie indie rock 'n' rollers.
Marcus who plays keys. He's partially deaf and lives with autism. But he also holds a cool tune! Here he's resting, post soundcheck, at the VSA festival in Washington DC.
The irrepressible Sam Beke, who has Down Syndrome. Sam is a people person and loves to perform.
There aint no rock 'n' roll without a drummer. They lay the foundations, provide the beat and the musical direction. That's why Rudely Interrupted is incredibly fortunate to have Josh hold the sticks. Time and again musicians and music writers have been awed by Josh's tight and precise drumming. He makes the Rudelys sound exciting, urgent and vital. What makes Josh even more of a legend is that his disability makes it hard for him to hold the drum sticks. This can make it painful for Josh to perform but he's a total pro, a master of his craft. Josh learned to play the drums on pots and pans!
Rohan Brooks is a respected member of the Australian indie rock scene. Before he founded Rudely Interrupted with writing partner Rory Burnside, he toured internationally with many of Australia's most well known bands.
Rory can't see, he has no eyes, but he 'sees' in colour.; often red, amber and green.
Band rehearsal in Melbourne, Australia.
Getting ready for another headlining gig.
Larger than life, it's bass player Sam. He's a huge fan of the band Kiss.
Rohan Brooks during a television interview. Click on the image to listen to Rudely Interrupted on NPR's All Things Considered.
Check out the tour bus!
There'd be no Rudely Interrupted without the boundless energy, perseverance and sheer bloody-mindedness of Rohan Brooks. It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside Rohan. Together we smashed down doors, challenged the indie world's orthodoxy, got the international music press to take us seriously and booked high profile gigs around the world. It was the total privilege of my life to be involved and to get to know some of the loveliest people in the music business. Today I live in the UK and Rohan lives Australia.
Sam and Rohan on stage in Montreal, Canada.
As the Aussie saying goes, 'Legends'.