Johnnys in town for two sessions

Press, 7 October 1988, Page 23

Johnnys in town for two sessions

By

NEVIN TOPP

Michael Armiger has got sick of watching the Olympics on television in Australia.

The new bass guitarist for The Johnnys mutters: “We’ll have a gold album before the Australian team gets a gold medal.” Armiger mutters: “I don’t think I could stand staying home for another night watching a re-run of ‘The Right Price’.” The Johnnys have been worked hard in Australia promoting their second album, “Grown up Wrong.” The album was made about a year ago, but because Mushroom had other commitments, such as Paul Kelly’s second LP, the release was delayed.

The notable element of the Australian group’s new LP is that it features a cover of The Clean’s classic song, “Anything Could Happen.” This Flying Nun track will be released as The Johnnys new single this month.

Armiger has been in The Johnnys more than two months now, after Graham “Hoody” Hood, formerly from Blenheim, got tired of the band’s hectic lifestyle.

Once Hoody’s departure was known, the rest of The Johnnys were on the hunt for a new bass guitarist. “They didn’t advertise. The music scene in Sydney is pretty close and they knew me,” Armiger said.

Armiger was on the short list for The Johnnys, working at the time with Love Gone Wrong.

Since playing with The Johnnys, the stint with The Brothers of Sodom has been a highlight.

The Johnnys play tonight and tomorrow night at the Carlton Hotel. They are also featured on the “Friday Night” television programme, along with a Max Headroom interview with David Byrne, of Talking Heads.