Boom Crash Opera

Boom Crash Opera are an Australian pop rock band formed in late 1984. Initially based around the songwriting partnership of Richard Pleasance and Peter Farnan, the band was later joined by Dale Ryder (vocals), Peter ‘Maz’ Maslen (drums) and Greg O’Connor (keyboards). Pleasance developed tinnitus from constant exposure to loud live music and left in 1992 to pursue a solo career as an artist and producer. O’Connor departed in 1994.

Current line-up includes Dale Ryder (vocals), Peter ‘Maz’ Maslen (drums), Peter Farnan (guitar) and John Favaro (bass).

Their highest charting albums are Boom Crash Opera, These Here Are Crazy Times! and Fabulous Beast. Their top 20 singles are "Great Wall", "Hands up in the Air" (both 1986), "Onion Skin" (1989) and "Gimme" (1994). In the United States "Onion Skin" reached No. 8 on the Billboard component chart Modern Rock Tracks. Australian musicologist Ian McFarlane noted that the group had a "strong visual image and the uncanny ability of its principal songwriters to pen catchy, commercial songs ensured a string of successful releases".

Latest Articles

News / Music

Boom Crash Opera Announce 40th Anniversary Australian Tour

Dubbed the “Hands Up In The Air – The Singles Tour,” fans will get to experience Boom Crash Opera at their thrilling best.

Features / Music

Talking Pop & Politics: When Elections & Music Collide

From Tex Perkins running for parliament to Bob Katter throwing eggs at the Beatles, this is the wild story of what happens when music and politics collide.

News / Music

Boom Crash Opera Return With First New Single In 28 Years 'Latest Hustle'

Teasing the new single, guitarist Pete Farnan said: “It’s like 'Onion Skin' but with a contemporary twist.”

News / Music

Models & Boom Crash Opera Announce Co-Headline National Tour

What was initially a one-off co-headline show at Melbourne's Corner Hotel has expanded into a full-blown Australian tour.

Features / Music

Boom Crash Opera: ‘We Play It As Hard As We Can, Full Tilt’

As Boom Crash Opera prepare for a national tour with 1927, founder members Dale Ryder and Peter Maslen open up about the band’s chemistry, a traumatic accident, and finding out a younger audience loves their songs.

News / Music

Boom Crash Opera Announce 2024 Australian Tour With 1927

Boom Crash Opera just finished a co-headline tour with Bachelor Girl and next week will appear at this year’s Good Things Festival.

Features / Music

NRL vs AFL: Entertainment Line-ups Head-To-Head

"A performance that will be remembered for years to come.”

News / Music

Boom Crash Opera To Join Mark Seymour During AFL Grand Final Performance

“There will be a few more punters at the G on Saturday.”

News / Music

The Surprise Inclusions At Good Things Festival 2023

Maybe nothing is all that shocking with a diverse music festival like Good Things Festival.

Features / List

Ten Boom Crash Opera Songs You Should Know

Aussie pub rock legends Boom Crash Opera have never stopped touring and with their inclusion on Good Things Festival this year are hitting a whole new audience.

News / Music

Boom Crash Opera & Bachelor Girl Team Up For Double Header Tour

Dubbed “two hit-filled sets showcasing over 20 years from two legendary bands,” the Boom Crash Opera and Bachelor Girl tour promises a great time.

News / Music

Boom Crash Opera Announce 'These Here Are Crazy Times' 30th Anniversary Tour

With special guests Machinations.