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Noiseworks

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Noiseworks
Noiseworks, 1990.
Noiseworks, 1990.
Background information
OriginSydney, New South Wales, Australia
GenresHard rock, pub rock, AOR
Years active1986–1992, 1999, 2004, 2007–2008, 2011, 2013, 2016–present
LabelsCBS, Epic, Sony, Columbia, Sony BMG
MembersSteve Balbi
Kevin Nicol
Justin Stanley
Jon Stevens
Jack Jones (aka Irwin Thomas)
Past membersStuart Fraser (deceased)
Chris Becker
Barbara Griffin
Scott Aplin
Websitehttp://www.noiseworks.com.au/

Noiseworks are an Australian hard rock band formed in Sydney in 1986 with bass guitarist Steve Balbi, guitarist Stuart Fraser, drummer Kevin Nicol, keyboardist Justin Stanley and lead vocalist Jon Stevens. They had four Australian Top 10 albums, Noiseworks (1987), Touch (1988), Love Versus Money (1991) and Greatest Hits (1992). They produced three Top 10 singles, "Take Me Back", "Touch" and "Hot Chilli Woman" before disbanding in 1992. Reunion tours occurred in 1999, 2004, 2007–2008, 2011, 2013. The band later reformed in 2016 and in August 2022, released "Heart & Soul"; their first new song in 30 years.[1] Noiseworks' fourth studio album, Evolution was released in November 2022.[2]

History

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Formation

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New Zealand-born pop singer Jon Stevens had released a solo album and several hit singles (including a duet with Sharon O'Neill) before relocating to Sydney in 1981.[3] Stevens recorded a self-titled album for the Big Time label, two singles were issued but neither was successful. In 1983, Stevens formed The Change with guitarist Stuart Fraser, who had played in 1970s hard rock act Blackfeather (later called Feather) and then with fellow member Swanee. Bass player Steve Balbi, who was a member of Kevin Borich Express, played with The Change on their 1984 single "Forever Young". The following year, Stevens and Fraser hired Balbi and drummer Kevin Nicol (ex-Dial X). Justin Stanley was Balbi's song writing partner and joined the group in 1986, the band was renamed as Noiseworks.[4]

1986–1992: Noiseworks

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Noiseworks was formed in Sydney with the line up of Steve Balbi on bass guitar and backing vocals; Stuart Fraser on guitar and backing vocals; Kevin Nicol on drums; Justin Stanley on keyboards, harmonica and backing vocals; and Jon Stevens on lead vocals.[5] After quickly establishing a solid following on Sydney's pub rock circuit, Noiseworks was signed by CBS.[3] Their first single, "No Lies", reached the Top 40 on the Kent Music Report Singles Chart.[6] "Take Me Back" was more successful, making No. 7, and became one of the band's best known songs.[6]

In June 1987 they released their debut self-titled album, Noiseworks, which was produced by Mark Opitz (The Angels, Cold Chisel) and engineered by Alan Wright (INXS, Icehouse, Ratt).[5][6] It peaked at No. 6 on the Kent Music Report Albums Chart.[6] "Love Somebody", "Welcome to the World" and "Burning Feeling" were also lifted from the album. Noiseworks sold more than 210,000 copies in Australia.[3]

On 11 November 1988, their second album Touch was released and debuted at No. 5 on the ARIA Albums Chart.[6] The album was produced by Chris Kimsey (The Rolling Stones, Killing Joke, Marillion) and Noiseworks, and engineered by Al Wright (Hoodoo Gurus, Jimmy Barnes, Divinyls).[5] The title track preceded it as the first single, peaking at No. 12 on the ARIA Singles Chart.[6] Subsequent singles "Voice of Reason", "Simple Man" and "In My Youth" were released. By this stage, Noiseworks had established themselves as one of Australia's most popular live rock acts.[3]

The third album, Love Versus Money, had production started by Noiseworks but was initially rejected by their new label, Sony. Sony brought in Randy Jackson to assist in the album's production.[3] Love Versus Money featured guest appearances by Michael Hutchence of INXS, Vika and Linda Bull and Penny Ford of the techno group Snap!. The first two singles, "Freedom" and "Miles & Miles" were moderate hits, but the third, the hard-rocking "Hot Chilli Woman", reached No. 7 and propelled the album to the top of the chart when it was released on 5 July 1991.[6] Late in the year, a fourth single "R.I.P. (Millie)", a tribute to Stevens' mother who had recently died from cancer, was also released.

Stevens joined the cast of the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar in early 1992 in the role of Judas. Noiseworks disbanded following a final show in Sydney in March 1992. Later that year, the Greatest Hits compilation appeared, featuring a cover of The Beatles hit "Let It Be" which was released as a single. It had been recorded live at their last performance. The compilation peaked at No. 4 on the ARIA charts.[6]

1993: Post-Noiseworks and solo careers

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Balbi and Stanley formed the psychedelic pop group Electric Hippies in 1993 and had top 30 success with the single, "Greedy People", and debut album, Electric Hippies both released in 1994.[7][8] Electric Hippies were producers for different artists including, Vincent Stone, Jenny Morris and Nikka Costa (Stanley's wife).[8][9] By 1997, Balbi had formed another band, Universe.[8] Stanley and Costa moved to the US where Stanley went on to have a successful career producing and working with many artists including Eric Clapton, Beck, Prince and Sheryl Crow.

Stuart Fraser was also guitarist on Jesus Christ Superstar 1992 Australian Cast Recording The Album and the concerts events. After in 1993 Fraser joined The John Farnham band and has remained as a touring and recording member Fraser has recorded on these Farnham albums Romeo's Heart in 1996, 33.1/3 in 2000, The Last Time in 2002, I Remember When I Was Young in 2005, Jack in 2010 and The Acoustic Chapel Sessions in 2011. All albums and most tours were alongside John Farnham's longtime guitarist Brett Garsed who shared lead guitar duties with Fraser. On Sunday 1 December 2019, Fraser died after battling lung cancer since 2016.[10]

After the disbanding of Noiseworks, Stevens returned to his solo career and released further albums. He later appeared as the host of the reality TV show The Resort. In 2000 Stevens joined INXS, initially as a touring vocalist, but after being officially installed as a band member in October 2002 he left the band a year later. A single released by this version of the group, "I Get Up", was released.

1999–2013: Noiseworks occasional reformations

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In 1999, Fraser, Nicol and Stevens reformed Noiseworks (as Noiseworks II) with Chris Becker on bass guitar and Barbara Griffin on keyboards and toured Australia.[3]

In March 2001, Noiseworks performed eight songs at the Gimme Ted benefit concert.[11]

In September 2007, Noiseworks reformed, with Scott Aplin on keyboards in place of Stanley, for a national tour with The Choirboys and Balbi's project Move Trees. In December, Stevens announced that Noiseworks planned to return to the studio in 2008 to record their first studio album together in sixteen years.[12][1]

In 2011, the original members reactivated for the Red Hot Summer tour. They also performed at Stone Fest in Sydney in 2013.[1]

2016–present: Noiseworks reformation and Evolution

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In 2016, Noiseworks reformed for the Red Hot Summer tour, with the line-up including original members lead vocalist Jon Stevens, bass guitarist Steve Balbi, keyboardist Justin Stanley and drummer Kevin Nicol.[citation needed][13]

In August 2022, the band released the single "Heart & Soul", their first new single in thirty years.[1] They will perform at One Electric Day with Suzi Quatro.[1]

On 11 November 2022, the band released Evolution, their fourth studio and first new album in 31 years.[2] The album debuted at number 25 on the ARIA Charts.

Discography

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Studio albums

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Title Details Peak chart positions Certifications
(sales thresholds)
AUS
[6] 		NZ
[14] 		SWE
[15] 		SWI
[16]
Noiseworks 6 6 43 —
Touch 5 31 24 20
Love Versus Money 1 — — —
Evolution
  • Released: 11 November 2022[2]
  • Label: Noiseworks (NOISE001)
  • Producer: Steve Balbi
 25
[21]		 — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that country.

Compilation albums

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Title Details Peak chart positions Certifications
(sales thresholds)
AUS
[6]
Greatest Hits
  • Released: 2 October 1992
  • Label: Columbia (472119.2)
 4
The Essential Noiseworks
  • Released: 9 April 2007
  • Label: Sony BMG (88697069612)
 —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that country.

Live albums

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Title Details
Live + Loud
  • Released: 2008
  • Label: Noiseworks (NW08-LIVE)
  • Producer: Steve Balbi

Singles

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Year Title Peak chart positions Album
AUS
[6] 		NZ
[14] 		UK
[23]
1986 "No Lies" 31 15 — Noiseworks
1987 "Take Me Back" 7 — 94
"Love Somebody" 50 — —
"Welcome to the World" 41 — —
1988 "Burning Feeling" 60 — —
"Touch" 12 44 — Touch
1989 "Voice of Reason" 43 — —
"Simple Man" 47 — —
"In My Youth" 44 — —
1990 "Freedom" 30 — — Love Versus Money
"Miles & Miles" 26 — —
1991 "Hot Chilli Woman" 7 32 —
"R.I.P. (Millie)" 26 23 —
1992 "Take You Higher" (with Vika & Linda Bull) 84 — —
"Let It Be" (live) 99 — — Greatest Hits
2022 "Heart & Soul" —[A] — — Evolution
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Notes

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  1. ^ "Heart & Soul" did not enter the Australian Top 100 singles but peaked at number 2 on the Australian Independent Label Singles chart.[24]

References

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General

  • McFarlane, Ian (1999). "Whammo Homepage". Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop. St Leonards, NSW: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1-86508-072-1. Archived from the original on 5 April 2004. Retrieved 8 February 2010. Note: Archived [on-line] copy has limited functionality.
  • Spencer, Chris; Zbig Nowara; Paul McHenry (2002) [1987]. The Who's Who of Australian Rock. Noble Park, Vic.: Five Mile Press. ISBN 1-86503-891-1.[25] Note: [on-line] version established at White Room Electronic Publishing Pty Ltd in 2007 and was expanded from the 2002 edition.

Specific

  1. ^ a b c d e "Noiseworks Release First New Song In 30 Years 'Heart & Soul'". noise11. 15 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  2. ^ a b c "Noiseworks New Album Evolution Available for Pre-Order Now". Facebook. 4 November 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g McFarlane, 'Noiseworks' entry. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
  4. ^ Sergent, Bruce. "Jon Stevens". New Zealand Music of the 60s, 70s and a bit of the 80s. Bruce Sergent. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
  5. ^ a b c Holmgren, Magnus. "Noiseworks". passagen.se. Australian Rock Database (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 6 October 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2014.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Australian chart peaks:
    • Top 100 (Kent Music Report) peaks to 12 June 1988: Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 219. ISBN 0-646-11917-6. N.B. The Kent Report chart was licensed by ARIA between mid-1983 and 12 June 1988.
    • Top 50 (ARIA) peaks from 13 June 1988: "australian-charts.com > Noiseworks in Australian Charts". Hung Medien. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
    • Top 100 peaks from January 1990 to December 2010: Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988-2010 (pdf ed.). Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 205.
  7. ^ Electric Hippies chart peaks in Australia:
  8. ^ a b c McFarlane, 'Electric Hippies' entry. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  9. ^ Matteo, Steve (15 October 2008). "Nikka Costa". Crawdaddy!. Paul Williams. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  10. ^ "Noiseworks and John Farnham guitarist Stuart Fraser dead". 7news.com.au. 1 December 2019. Retrieved 2 December 2019.
  11. ^ Holmgren, Magnus. "Gimme Ted – The Ted Mulry Benefit Concerts". Australian Rock Database. Archived from the original on 22 August 2003. Retrieved 6 December 2020.
  12. ^ "Noiseworks to make music". The Courier-Mail. 16 December 2007. Retrieved 9 July 2010.
  13. ^ "Noiseworks and other Aus rock royalty return to Tasmania".
  14. ^ a b "charts.nz > Noiseworks in New Zealand Charts". Hung Medien. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  15. ^ "swedishcharts.com > Noiseworks in Swedish Charts". Hung Medien. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  16. ^ "hitparade.ch > Suchen nach: Noiseworks (alben)" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  17. ^ "Platterlog : LP & Tape - New Releases > 14 November 1988". Platterlog. Retrieved 16 December 2019 – via Imgur.com.
  18. ^ "The ARIA Australian Top 100 Albums Chart – 1989 (61–100)". ARIA, via Imgur.com. Retrieved 28 April 2016. N.B. The triangle symbol indicates platinum certification.
  19. ^ The ARIA Report. Vol. 76. ARIA. 7 July 1991. p. 20.
  20. ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988-2010 (pdf ed.). Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 205.
  21. ^ "ARIA Top 20 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 21 November 2022. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
  22. ^ "The ARIA Australian Top 100 Albums Chart – Week Ending 07 Mar 1993 (61–100) (from The ARIA Report Issue No. 161)". ARIA. Retrieved 28 April 2016 – via Imgur.com.
  23. ^ "Official Charts > Noiseworks". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  24. ^ "Independent Label Singles – 22 Aug 2022". Australian Independent Record Labels Association. 22 August 2022. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
  25. ^ Who's who of Australian rock / compiled by Chris Spencer, Zbig Nowara & Paul McHenry. National Library of Australia. 2002. ISBN 9781865038919. Retrieved 8 February 2010. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
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