Melbourne psychobilly outfit, FIREBALLS formed way back in 1990 and called it a day in 1997.  Eight years later they came back together with a revised line-up and they’re in full swing and ready to take their place in the Monster Session 3 line-up in Melbourne.  Sludge Factory caught up with original stand up drummer, lead singer and self proclaimed international man of mystery, Eddie Fury.

Rewinding back to their formative years, Fury explains for the uninitiated how FIREBALLS came together. “Like most bands, we were teenagers that were interested in writing songs but had no idea how to do it. We were spawned from the Melbourne rockabilly scene but we also had a passion for heavy music as well. One day I took my milk money to a record store and found myself unable to afford the five albums I had selected; STRAY CATS - Gonna Ball, SLAYER - Reign in Blood, VENOM - Black Metal, DEPRESSION - Australia Australia and ELVIS' Greatest Hits. I put the ELVIS record back on the shelf and I'm glad I did. We all live in Melbourne, in my opinion, the musical hub of Australia.”  Further explaining the foundations of FIREBALLS and their sound to those not familiar, Fury explains. “We are the bastard child of Psychorockabillythrashpunkmetal...pigeon hole that one. You'll look like heaven coming to one of our shows but you will leave looking like you've gone through a combine harvester. We love to play fast, loud and proud. If you ain’t sweating you ain’t doing it right.”

Fury’s musical influences can be traced back to the 50’s and the legendary JOHNNY O’KEEFE. “He co-wrote Real Wild Child; you know the song that JERRY LEE LEWIS recorded as one of his own and IGGY POP butchered with synth.  JOHNNY O'KEEFE for me IS the ambassador for Australian rock 'n' roll.  He put us on the map and his early recordings with his band the DEE JAYS are savage...massive FIREBALLS influence. I'm a huge fan of early Thrash/Black Metal for its production or lack of it, its energy and adult themes. I'm the guy that was making van tapes with Thrash Metal and doo wop tracks back to back and laughing about it. You wouldn't wanna be inside my head.  It's like fifty DJs fighting over a turntable. There's medication for that I'm sure.”

Fury doesn’t mince words when talking about his instruments of choice. “I use Yamaha drums and Paiste cymbals...love them.  It's all down to personal taste. I also collect vintage drums and have a dozen snares and about 100kg of cymbals that I've picked up in my travels from ops shops,  junk shops, garage sales and of course eBay. Newtown was great in the early 90's let's just say that.

Joe Phantom has so many double basses he surprises himself when he opens a wardrobe. I have one of his, in pieces, in a rubbish bin from the last Hi Fi show in Melbourne. He runs his bass through an iPhone app into a laptop running Windows 7.  Where it goes from there I don't know,” he laughs.  “Two Gallien Kruger amps and Ampeg fridge...straight/no chaser.  Pete Speed is a Gibson/ Vintage Marshall freak and Dylan Villain loves his Jap guitars (paddle pops he calls them) and vintage Marshalls....no pooncey arsed Fenders and semi acoustic props in this band. BURN THE GRETSCH!”

Since reforming in 2005, FIREBALLS have played many a show.  Fury shares his most memorable.  “Our last gig was great. I believe you are only as good as your last show. We love to have fun and clown around on stage then smash your teeth out with a sonic assault. We've played with so many great bands from overseas and locally. Should we name drop here?” he asks.  He probably should indulge.  “MINISTRY at the 1995 Big Day Out, MOTLEY CRUE / MOTORHEAD in Perth, KISS Worldwide Alive tour on the east coast run, COSMIC PSYCHOS, HAPPY DRIVERS, DAMAGED and FRENZAL RHOMB tour was a hoot. Also the CUSTARD and the FAUVES Tour (what a mismatch but so much fun) and SUPERSUCKERS, MIDNIGHT OIL, DIVINYLS. We never got to play with CHAD MORGAN which was a shame.  Other highlights were Tokyo Big Rumble and Calella Spain (Psychobilly festivals and I’ve never seen so many double basses).  The list goes on. Every gig is my favourite.”

There’s no doubt that the FIREBALLS have had their fair share of fascinating on the road stories but can Fury share some of the funniest with us? He happily obliges.  “There was the frozen goldfish incident and the poo pillow controversy that comes to mind. Our P Plater roadie who couldn't drive a manual when the van was full of gear and drunk people.  Boobs, stalkers and waking up covered in texta and going to the shops.  (Then there’s) Joe's stage attire, water pistols full of piss, itching powder and stink bombs.  And in one Sydney Hotel, we asked ‘hey mate do you have any blankets for the bed?’ The guy came back with a curtain.”

Perfect timing for Monster Session 3 is the fact that FIREBALLS have released some new material.  “We have just released a 7" Vinyl called Youth Injection and a full length album called Hellrider. Both are available through our Facebook and website. We are currently working on the world’s longest Psychobilly song that will feature strings,” says Fury.

FIREBALLS will be taking the stage in Melbourne for Monster Session 3 and Fury shares his thoughts on what he is looking forward to the most.  “I can't wait to see all the legends of the underground Australian music scene in one place at one time. We'll all be kids in a candy store. I think we can say that confidently. I look forward to being around some of the greatest artistic minds in Australia and sharing tour stories and having a beer. This I'm sure will never happen again.”

Monster Session 3 will take place in Melbourne on 21 May 2011 at The Esplanade Hotel in St Kilda. 

The Melbourne line up for 2011

Cosmic Psychos + X + Bored + The Meanies  + Fireballs + Splatterheads + Screamfeeder + Depression + The Kelpies + Lime spiders + Vicious Circle + Grong Grong + Poppin Mommas + Seminal Rats + Asylum + The Fuck Fucks

Fireballs

http://www.fireballsaustralia.com/

Tickets on sale now from Zombie Dog Entertainment

http://zombiedogentertainment.com/