Raise A Fist

Brisbane three-piece Shandy have made quite a name for themselves in local circles since forming last year. In addition to attaining a devoted group of supporters, the band have already supported international punk icons The Vibrators and Aussie mainstays Nunchukka Superfly. As Viktor explains, he and long-time friend JJ, who previously played together in Mouthguard, have always had similar musical tastes. “We both like rock‘n’roll and our ’77 punk and our glam, and we just wanted to do something that was a bit fun,” Viktor says. 

After building on their loyal fanbase with their recent month-long Friday-night residency at The Underdog, the trio – also comprising drummer Adam Cole – are about to bid farewell to the River City for a few weeks in Europe. According to JJ, The Underdog shows were decent training for Shandy’s impending overseas dates, most of which will take place in the Czech Republic and Germany.

“Starting after midnight and playing until 2.30am was very night shift. We had some diehard Shandy fans who made it to most of them. We also won over new fans each time we played, which was a real blast.”

 “If you’re going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro you’ve got to run up and down Mount Coot-tha a few times, so that was our training,” Viktor adds.

“If you like hot, raw, catchy rock’n’roll and want to see something unique and different, then this is your ticket"

Shandy have a pretty gruelling schedule ahead of them, with only one day off on the tour. They’re even playing two shows in different countries on the same day. “We’ve got a show in the Czech Republic, and then we cross the border into Germany and we’re playing the aftershow at a club,” Viktor says.

“This kind of stuff is exciting,” JJ offers. “It gets me going. Is it crazy? Yeah, well you have to be a bit nuts to rock and roll for as long as we have. To some people it may appear a lot but to old-school touring bands it’s regular exercise. It does separate the men from the boys.”

The band will be playing a farewell show before they head to Europe and they’ve enlisted the services of two of Brisbane’s finest punk bands to help send them off. “The Disables and Spitfireliar are champions for hopping on board,” JJ says. “I first met [Disables singer] Jud [Campbell] when I was playing in Scrumfeeder. He has gone on to do some really great things. Spitfireliar are renowned for their live shows. I’m excited about playing with these guys, it’s all about community.”

For those yet to join the Shandy gang, JJ offers the following: “If you like hot, raw, catchy rock’n’roll and want to see something unique and different, then this is your ticket. Not only will you witness a great show but you will be contributing to our working costs for our European tour.” 

“It’s good, fun music,” Viktor adds. “It’s not too heavy [or] confronting, it’s more shake your hips and dance stuff – rock’n’roll with a bit of a punk edge. I think people will enjoy themselves.”