Candy Harlots
Encyclopedia
Candy Harlots were an Australian glam metal
band from Sydney, active between 1987 and 1995. They also released material as Helter Skelter and The Harlots. Their musical style is commonly described as sleaze rock, and according to rock music historian Ian McFarlane they were, "An unashamedly macho, decadent lot, with a black leathers 'n' chains and gutter-rock image played out over an entertaining brand of hard-edged rock 'n' roll." They enjoyed Top 20 chart success with their March 1992 EP
, Foreplay on the Australian Recording Industry Association
(ARIA) Singles Chart and obtained a Top 40 chart position with their sole full-length album, Five Wicked Ways in May 1992.
) and then Leeno Dee (ex-Roxx). The band developed an underground following around Sydney and were offered a recording deal with Virgin Records
after three shows but their manager turned down the offer. The contract was not signed until the band's management deal expired four years later. They played frequently in suburban Sydney pubs, including the Kardomah Cafe in Kings Cross
and the St James Tavern in the city, and secured support slots with The Cult
, Cheap Trick
, Divinyls
, The Angels
, The Sunnyboys
, Danish rock band D-A-D
and Kings of the Sun.
Although the band's popularity steadily increased, their infamous reputation made the securing of a major label contract difficult. Melbourne label 'Au Go Go Records
' issued their debut 7" single, Red Hot Rocket, in April 1989 with the initial 500 copies pressed on red vinyl and wrapped in a pair of women's lace knickers. The single was produced by Mick Cocks
of hard-rockers Rose Tattoo
. The band followed this up with a tour of Melbourne in mid-1989.
Numerous live shows led the band to prominence in the Sydney rock scene, and a follow-up single entitled Danger (backed with Wrap 2 Arms) was released in May 1990 on the Sydney label 'Timberyard'. A friendship between New Jersey's Skid Row and the Candy Harlots was struck after a Hordern Pavilion show in 1990. Both bands jammed on The Troggs
' Wild Thing at an after-show party at the Kardomah Cafe, with members of Mötley Crüe
(touring at the time) also in attendance.
Lead guitarist Marc De Hugar was replaced in 1990 by Phil Bowley (ex-Rags 'n' Riches, Shy Thunder). In October 1990, Ron Barrett died after an asthma attack, at the age of 26. Ex-Flying Tigers guitarist Peter Masi was recruited in his stead. Mark Easton left after a final performance with Candy Harlots at Kardomah Cafe on 22 March 1991. New vocalist Tony 'Aiz' Lynch (ex-Backstreet Shuffle, a sometime support band to Candy Harlots) joined the band soon afterwards, and his songwriting skills helped the band to secure major label interest. Virgin Records
signed the band after the track What Are We Fighting For? was played to Virgin representatives including future manager Andrew McManus. The Lynch-led line-up received greater media attention than the Easton-fronted group, and they remained popular with the Australian hard rock and metal fraternity, gaining many new fans through Virgin-backed promotional activities.
The Foreplay EP was released in March 1992 and reached No. 17 on the Australian Recording Industry Association
(ARIA) Singles Chart. The debut album Five Wicked Ways followed in May, and reached a Top 40 ranking in the ARIA Albums Chart. The album was produced by Peter Blyton (The Radiators, Machinations
) and spawned the successful single Sister's Crazy.
Virgin Records was eventually bought out by EMI
and Candy Harlots were subsequently signed to EMI's US label. Soon afterwards Aiz Lynch was fired from the band, to be replaced by vocalist Hayden Watt (ex-Triple X). In mid-1993, founding drummer Tony Cardinal quit the group along with Peter Masi. However Bowley, Dee and Watt formed a new outfit called Helter Skelter, with the addition of drummer Tubby Wadsworth (ex-Killing Time, Mantissa). They released one single, Cry for Love (an Iggy Pop
cover) before Watt was replaced by Jordan Howe. In April 1994 they became known as The Harlots, issuing a self-titled CD EP in October, before dissolving the following year.
Glam metal
Glam metal is a subgenre of hard rock and heavy metal that arose in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United States, particularly on the Los Angeles Sunset Strip music scene...
band from Sydney, active between 1987 and 1995. They also released material as Helter Skelter and The Harlots. Their musical style is commonly described as sleaze rock, and according to rock music historian Ian McFarlane they were, "An unashamedly macho, decadent lot, with a black leathers 'n' chains and gutter-rock image played out over an entertaining brand of hard-edged rock 'n' roll." They enjoyed Top 20 chart success with their March 1992 EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
, Foreplay on the Australian Recording Industry Association
Australian Recording Industry Association
The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956...
(ARIA) Singles Chart and obtained a Top 40 chart position with their sole full-length album, Five Wicked Ways in May 1992.
History
Candy Harlots were formed in 1987 in Sydney by guitarist Ron Barrett (aka Ron B. Gypsy, ex-Glam Savages), drummer Tony Cardinal (ex-What??!!, Soggy Porridge), guitarist Marc De Hugar, vocalist Mark Easton (ex-Suicide Squad, Kelpies, Soggy Porridge, Glam Savages) and bass guitarist Nick Szentkuti (ex-Glam Savages). Szentkuti spent six months as bass guitarist; he was followed by Scott Millard (ex-The FaithThe Faith (Australian Band)
The Faith is an Australian rock band first formed in 1987. The members are vocalist Alan White, guitarist Jonathan Purcell, bass player Scott Millard and drummer Chris Briggs. Their music was influenced by bands as diverse as REM, the Cult, Television and the Velvet Underground...
) and then Leeno Dee (ex-Roxx). The band developed an underground following around Sydney and were offered a recording deal with Virgin Records
Virgin Records
Virgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...
after three shows but their manager turned down the offer. The contract was not signed until the band's management deal expired four years later. They played frequently in suburban Sydney pubs, including the Kardomah Cafe in Kings Cross
Kings Cross, New South Wales
Kings Cross is an inner-city locality of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is located approximately 2 kilometres east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the City of Sydney...
and the St James Tavern in the city, and secured support slots with The Cult
The Cult
The Cult are a British rock band that was formed in 1983. They gained a dedicated following in Britain in the mid 1980s as a post-punk band with singles such as "She Sells Sanctuary", before breaking mainstream in the United States in the late 1980s as a hard rock band with singles such as "Love...
, Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. The band consists of members Robin Zander , Rick Nielsen , Tom Petersson , and Bun E...
, Divinyls
Divinyls
Divinyls were an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1980 and featuring vocalist Christina Amphlett and guitarist Mark McEntee. As the focal point, Amphlett performed on stage wearing a school uniform and fishnet stockings, often using an illuminated neon tube as a prop and displaying...
, The Angels
The Angels (Australian band)
The Angels are a hard rock band that formed in Adelaide, Australia in 1970. The band later relocated from Adelaide to Sydney and enjoyed huge local success until well into the 1990s. For the purposes of international release, their records were released under the names Angel City and later The...
, The Sunnyboys
The Sunnyboys
Sunnyboys was an Australian post-punk, power pop band formed in Sydney in 1980. Fronted by singer-songwriter, guitarist Jeremy Oxley, the band "breathed some freshness and vitality into the divergent Sydney scene"...
, Danish rock band D-A-D
D-A-D
D-A-D is a Danish rock band previously known as "Disneyland After Dark", a name that had to be changed after a threatening lawsuit from The Walt Disney Company. Their style of music is often categorized as melodic heavy rock...
and Kings of the Sun.
Although the band's popularity steadily increased, their infamous reputation made the securing of a major label contract difficult. Melbourne label 'Au Go Go Records
Au Go Go Records
Au Go Go Records is the name of a Melbourne, Australia based independent record label.It was founded by Bruce Milne and Philip Morland from a house in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy in 1979 and is now operated by Greta Moon....
' issued their debut 7" single, Red Hot Rocket, in April 1989 with the initial 500 copies pressed on red vinyl and wrapped in a pair of women's lace knickers. The single was produced by Mick Cocks
Mick Cocks
Michael Thomas "Mick" Cocks was an Australian musician, most noted for his guitar work with Rose Tattoo. His original sound and style heavily influenced Guns N' Roses, who recorded a cover of the Rose Tattoo song ‘Nice Boys’. He was also a member of Heaven, Doomfoxx, Pete Wells Heart Attack and...
of hard-rockers Rose Tattoo
Rose Tattoo
Rose Tattoo is an Australian rock and roll band, now led by Angry Anderson, that was formed in Sydney in 1976. Their sound is hard rock mixed with blues rock influences, with songs including "Bad Boy for Love", "Rock 'n' Roll Outlaw", "Nice Boys", "We Can't Be Beaten" and "Scarred for Life"...
. The band followed this up with a tour of Melbourne in mid-1989.
Numerous live shows led the band to prominence in the Sydney rock scene, and a follow-up single entitled Danger (backed with Wrap 2 Arms) was released in May 1990 on the Sydney label 'Timberyard'. A friendship between New Jersey's Skid Row and the Candy Harlots was struck after a Hordern Pavilion show in 1990. Both bands jammed on The Troggs
The Troggs
The Troggs are an English rock band from the 1960s that had a number of hits in UK and the US. Their most famous songs include, "Wild Thing", "With a Girl Like You", and "Love Is All Around"...
' Wild Thing at an after-show party at the Kardomah Cafe, with members of Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1981. The group was founded by bass guitarist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, who were later joined by lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil...
(touring at the time) also in attendance.
Lead guitarist Marc De Hugar was replaced in 1990 by Phil Bowley (ex-Rags 'n' Riches, Shy Thunder). In October 1990, Ron Barrett died after an asthma attack, at the age of 26. Ex-Flying Tigers guitarist Peter Masi was recruited in his stead. Mark Easton left after a final performance with Candy Harlots at Kardomah Cafe on 22 March 1991. New vocalist Tony 'Aiz' Lynch (ex-Backstreet Shuffle, a sometime support band to Candy Harlots) joined the band soon afterwards, and his songwriting skills helped the band to secure major label interest. Virgin Records
Virgin Records
Virgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...
signed the band after the track What Are We Fighting For? was played to Virgin representatives including future manager Andrew McManus. The Lynch-led line-up received greater media attention than the Easton-fronted group, and they remained popular with the Australian hard rock and metal fraternity, gaining many new fans through Virgin-backed promotional activities.
The Foreplay EP was released in March 1992 and reached No. 17 on the Australian Recording Industry Association
Australian Recording Industry Association
The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956...
(ARIA) Singles Chart. The debut album Five Wicked Ways followed in May, and reached a Top 40 ranking in the ARIA Albums Chart. The album was produced by Peter Blyton (The Radiators, Machinations
Machinations (band)
Machinations was a popular Sydney-based outfit working the mid-1980s independent Australian music scene. Notable national hits included "Pressure Sway", "My Heart's On Fire" and "No Say In It". They also achieved indie prominence with the two versions of their first single, "Average Inadequacy"...
) and spawned the successful single Sister's Crazy.
Virgin Records was eventually bought out by EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
and Candy Harlots were subsequently signed to EMI's US label. Soon afterwards Aiz Lynch was fired from the band, to be replaced by vocalist Hayden Watt (ex-Triple X). In mid-1993, founding drummer Tony Cardinal quit the group along with Peter Masi. However Bowley, Dee and Watt formed a new outfit called Helter Skelter, with the addition of drummer Tubby Wadsworth (ex-Killing Time, Mantissa). They released one single, Cry for Love (an Iggy Pop
Iggy Pop
Iggy Pop is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Though considered an innovator of punk rock, Pop's music has encompassed a number of styles over the years, including pop, metal, jazz and blues...
cover) before Watt was replaced by Jordan Howe. In April 1994 they became known as The Harlots, issuing a self-titled CD EP in October, before dissolving the following year.
Post-breakup
- Tony Cardinal joined Screaming TribesmenScreaming TribesmenThe Screaming Tribesmen was a band formed in Brisbane by Mick Medew, John Hartley & Murray Shepherd. After their I Don't Wanna Know EP and a string of successful singles, including "A Stand Alone" and their first hit, "Igloo" which was penned by Medew and Died Pretty frontman Ron Peno, the band...
in the mid-1990s. - Marc De Hugar joined Screaming Tribesmen in the mid-1990s alongside Cardinal. His glam rock-influenced band Dragonfly produced an EP, Zero, in August 2006 (on MGM). De Hugar subsequently went on to perform, teach, run clinics for Charvel USA, and undertake a variety of other projects. He planned to record a solo CD, with the working title Evolution X.
- Leeno Dee played with Phil Bowley in Velvet Claws, The Killer Kowboys and Dearly Beloved, who released an EP entitled Pushover in February 1997. He was a member of the bands JerkJerk (band)Jerk was an industrial metal band from Sydney, Australia. They released a single album, and featured in the video games Need for Speed: Underground and NHL 2004...
and Ink, before forming Melody Black with Tubby Wadsworth, Phil Bowley and Johnathan Devoy (ex-Jerk, Ink). - Phil Bowley has also recorded with Gav Darby, Envy, The Flog Puppet and Fusion, and has released two solo albums: Inside The Outside (2007) and Black Ice (2008).
- Aiz Lynch formed the short-lived band Angry Snuff Puppet. In early 2005 he was scheduled to appear at a Tsunami Benefit show in Richmond, New South WalesRichmond, New South WalesRichmond is a town in New South Wales, north-west of Sydney, in the Local Government Area of the City of Hawkesbury. It is located at a latitude of 33° 35' 54" South and a longitude of 150°45' 04" east, 19 metres above sea level on the alluvial Hawkesbury River flats, at the foot of the Blue...
. He went on to front the band Ugly Little Secrets, which also featured Peter Masi, Adam Laird and Johnny Hayes. - Peter Masi played with the Angry AndersonAngry AndersonGary Stephen "Angry" Anderson AM is an Australian rock singer, television presenter/reporter, actor and conservative political activist. He is best known as the vocalist with the hard rock band Rose Tattoo since 1976 but he is also recognised for his acting roles and his charity work...
-Peter Wells Band (which featured members of Rose Tattoo), Mark Easton Limousine, and then Beware of the Dog with former Harlots vocalist Jordan Howe, before joining Ugly Little Secrets. - Mark Easton continued to perform and record with his blues-rock outfit Mark Easton Limousine, releasing: Coast to Coast, Greener, and Bandwagon (September 2006). In October 2003 he performed a reunion gig with his former band The Kelpies at The Annandale Hotel in Sydney. Mark went solo in 2007, playing slide guitar, harmonica, drums, loops, and vocals simultaneously. His first solo album Money Is the Root of all Evil was released in 2009. He toured extensively throughout Australia, including performances at many blues and roots festivals. He was expected to tour Europe and Canada in mid-2010. He has made it clear that he will not be part of any reunion of Candy Harlots, despite lucrative offers.
- Nick Szentkuti went on to perform as a singer and guitarist. In 2007, he formed a folk band called Five Leaves Left, who were scheduled to appear at the Blue Mountains Music Festival in March 2011.
- Scott Millard performed with the bands Crash Politics, Bell Jar, ID and Clusterfunk before releasing a solo EP under the name Crackerjack (1994). He then worked for Warner Music GroupWarner Music GroupWarner Music Group is the third largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry, making it one of the big four record companies...
, SegaSega, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
, Festival Records and Air Recordings. At the end of 1999 he moved to Singapore, to work for Namco Bandai Partners. - Tubby Wadsworth went on to record and perform with Australian hardcore act Mass Appeal, Love Shark (of Machine Gun FellatioMachine Gun FellatioMachine Gun Fellatio was an Australian alternative rock band, formed in 1997. They were well-known for their provocative on-stage antics and humorous lyrics, as well as the musical merit of their songs. Their outrage-provoking name gives some idea of the attitude that pervades the band's work...
) and Melody Black. - Hayden Watt joined a 90's cover band in AdelaideAdelaideAdelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
. - Jordan Howe was a member of Beware of the Dog, then Pain Division (2007–2008).
Members
Candy Harlots (1987–1993), Helter Skelter (1993–1994), The Harlots (1994–1995):- Ron Barrett – rhythm guitar (1987–1990) (d October 1990)
- Tony Cardinal – drums (1987–1993)
- Marc Lee De Hugar – lead guitar (1987–1990)
- Mark Easton – lead vocals (1987–1991)
- Nick Szentkuti – bass guitar (1987–1988)
- Scott Millard – bass guitar (1988)
- Leeno DeeLeeno DeeLeeno Dee is a bassist/singer and songwriter based in Sydney, Australia, who has worked in the hard rock/metal area since the mid eighties.Dee was a member of sleaze/punk-glamsters Candy Harlots from 1988. In 1996, following the demise of the Harlots, Dee and guitarist Phil Bowley emerged in a new...
– bass guitar (1988–1995) - Phil Bowley – lead guitar (1990–1995)
- Peter Masi – rhythm guitar (1990–1993)
- Aiz Lynch – lead vocals (1991–1992)
- Hayden Watt – lead vocals (1992–1994)
- Tubby Wadsworth – drums (1993–1995)
- Jordan Howe – lead vocals (1994–1995)
Studio albums
- Five Wicked Ways (Cassette, CD and DigipakDigipakDigipak is a patented style of CD, DVD or BD packaging, and is a registered trademark of AGI World Ltd., an Atlas Holdings company.-Features:...
, 1992, Virgin Records - VOZCD2056LE)
EPs
- Foreplay (Cassette, CD and video EP, 1990, Virgin Records - VOZCD134)
- The Tease Tapes - giveaway with Hot Metal Magazine (Cassette, 1991, Virgin Records - FILTH1)
Singles
- Red Hot Rocket / When Will I Know (7" vinyl, 1989, Au Go Go Records - ANDA96)
- Danger / Wrap 2 Arms (7" vinyl, 1990, Timberyard Records - BUZZ069)
- Danger / Hot Love Child (7" vinyl and CD, 1991, Virgin Records - VOZ117)
- Sister's Crazy (CD, 1992, Virgin Records - VOZCD136)
- What Are We Fighting For? (CD, 1992, Virgin Records - VOZCD2056)
Related Discography
- Helter Skelter: Cry for Love (CD, EMI Records - 8740292)
- Helter Skelter: Nailed (Unreleased album)
- The Harlots: The Harlots EP (CD, Red Room Records - RR001)
External links
- A Candy Harlots fansite
- http://www.myspace.com/candyharlots91Candy Harlots' official MySpaceMySpaceMyspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
page] - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ugly-Little-Secrets/110065885699161#!/pages/Ugly-Little-Secrets/110065885699161?v=infoUgly Little Secrets' official FacebookFacebookFacebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
page] - http://www.myspace.com/melodyblack1Melody Black's official MySpaceMySpaceMyspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
page] - Phil Bowley's official website
- Mark Easton's official website
- 2010 Leeno Dee Interview