Mental as Anything Revives Legacy with New Documentary and National Tour
Australian pop icons Mental as Anything are embarking on a nostalgic journey, blending their storied past with a fresh chapter through a documentary release and a nationwide tour. The band, known for hits like "Live It Up," is set to captivate audiences once again, bringing their original sound back to the stage.
Documentary Chronicles Band's Rise and Challenges
The documentary, titled Live It Up: The Mental as Anything Story, premieres in Australian cinemas on March 5. It delves into the band's origins as art students who transformed a hobby into a global sensation, achieving platinum records and international acclaim. The film highlights their creative highs, including the adoption of "Live It Up" by Scottish football fans, as well as the struggles with studio interference, personal issues, and legal battles that tested their resilience.
Guitarist Reg Mombassa reflects on the surreal moment when tens of thousands of Glaswegians sang their song, stating, "We were just astonished by that... and reasonably happy about it." The documentary captures the band's evolution, from their early days at Sydney College of the Arts to their peak in the 1980s, offering an intimate look at their artistic journey.
Tour Brings Original Flavor Back to Life
Inspired by the documentary, Mombassa and bassist Peter O'Doherty are leading a new iteration of Mental as Anything on a tour through March and June, with stops in cities like Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne. The tour aims to recapture the band's authentic sound, featuring classic hits and rare tracks not performed in over four decades. New members, including guitarist Simon Rudston-Brown and keyboardist Shannon Stitt, join the lineup to ensure a dynamic performance.
O'Doherty expresses initial apprehension, noting, "We were concerned whether it's gonna sound authentic enough to do justice to the songs themselves." However, after receiving approval from former bandmates, the tour promises to deliver the "original flavor" that fans cherish, blending nostalgia with renewed energy.
Band's History Marked by Success and Setbacks
Formed in 1976, Mental as Anything quickly rose to fame with their unique blend of pop art and music, scoring 25 Top 40 entries in Australia. Their 1985 album Fundamental brought massive success but also led to creative conflicts, as producer Richard Gottehrer favored a more electronic sound, alienating some members. Internal tensions, exacerbated by party culture and personal challenges, eventually caused the band to fragment in the early 2000s.
Despite setbacks, the band's legacy endured, with members pursuing solo projects and remaining friends. The documentary, directed by Matthew Walker, explores these dynamics, offering a fast-paced narrative that celebrates their achievements while acknowledging the underlying conflicts. Mombassa comments, "There's an entertainment factor in that conflict below the surface of all this great music."
Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Reflection
As Mental as Anything hits the road again, the absence of late members like Greedy Smith is felt deeply. O'Doherty remarks, "It's a shame Greedy didn't see the recent success in the UK. He would have been delighted." The tour serves as a tribute to their enduring impact, with tickets now available for fans eager to relive the magic of one of Australia's most beloved pop bands.
