James Freud
Encyclopedia
James Randall Freud was an Australian rock musician-songwriter. He was a member of Models
during the 1980s and wrote their two most popular singles, "Barbados" and "Out of Mind, Out of Sight
".
His autobiographies I am the Voice Left from Drinking (2002) and I am the Voice Left from Rehab (2007) detail his career in music entertainment and addictions. On 27 October 2010, Models were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame
by former member Wendy Matthews
, Freud's absence from the ceremony was explained as being due to "another bicycle accident". Freud committed suicide on 4 November and is survived by his wife, Sally, and two sons, Jackson and Harrison.
records and I just loved them. That was it, that was all I wanted to do". His father left the family when Freud was in his early teens. He attended St Thomas Moore Catholic Boys College.
Despite his passion and musical talent, Freud's mother, Hannah, was against the idea. He later changed his name to James Randall Freud. At age 17, Freud left to pursue his career and did not contact her for over two years. "We didn't communicate in any way until I could validate myself as a musician".
and drummer Ian McFarlane. Their first performance was at his younger sister's slumber party. After hearing the Sex Pistols
' song "God Save the Queen
" in 1977, Freud formed The Spred with Kelly, and three other members. Formed late in 1977, Teenage Radio Stars was a glam-punk band with Freud on lead vocals and guitar and Kelly on guitar and vocals. When the opportunity came to record a single, "I Wanna Be Your Baby", later covered by Uncanny X-Men
, two members were fired.
By early 1979, with ex-members of Colt, he formed James Freud & the Radio Stars with Murray Doherty on bass guitar, Roger Mason
on keyboards, Glen McGrath on drums and Bryan Thomas on guitar, and later Tony Harvey playing guitar. Later, Tony Lugdon (ex-Steeler) replaced Harvey on guitar and also provided keyboards. Further changes by year's end resulted in Freud and Mason joined by Peter Cook on guitar and backing vocals, Tommy Hosie on drums and Mick Prague on bass guitar. They signed with Mushroom Records
and their debut single, "Modern Girl," was released in May 1980, which peaked at No. 12 on the Australian Kent Music Report
Singles Chart. They supported United Kingdom, New Romantics singer-keyboardist, Gary Numan
, on his Australian tour. James Freud & the Radio Stars' debut album Breaking Silence was released in June, it was produced by Tony Cohen
.
Breaking Silence impressed Numan such that he offered to produce an album for Freud in the UK. Due to a UK band called The Radio Stars, a name change to James Freud & Berlin occurred. In October, they released "Enemy Lines" from Breaking Silence. "Automatic Crazy", produced by Numan, followed in March 1981. However, neither Freud nor Numan were happy with the London-recorded album and it was not released. One month later he disbanded the group.
In 1982, Freud joined Models
as bass guitarist after the departure of Mark Ferrie, reuniting with old collaborator Kelly. Freud shared lead vocalist duties on some songs, beginning with one of his compositions, "Facing The North Pole in August" from The Pleasure of Your Company, recorded in 1983. In 1985, Two Freud-penned hits, "Barbados" and "Out of Mind, Out of Sight
", took Models to No. 2 and No. 1 on the Australian singles chart, respectively. He remained in the band until they split in 1988.
up to that point. However, it was not successful. In his 2002 autobiography Freud blamed the low quality of the songs. After performing on pop music show, Countdown Revolution he criticised the show's format to music commentator, Ian Meldrum
(creator and presenter on the earlier Countdown). Meldrum dismissed Freud with, "You're nothing but a fucking has-been. Look around you. See the new hosts of the show. They are the future of Australian music. You're on your way out now".
Freud teamed with vocalist and guitarist Martin Plaza
of Mental as Anything
as the dance group Beatfish, releasing an eponymous record in 1992. In 1995, Freud canned his next proposed solo album, BigMouth, but some material was used on the Hawaiian surf-themed Postcard to Hawaii album released in 1996 by his next band, Moondog. Freud was the lead vocalist with Plaza and Phil Ceberano on guitar and backing vocals. In 1999, he performed "One Tony Lockett", an ode to the footballer Tony Lockett
, at the Sydney Cricket Ground
, and released Today's Legends of AFL Football as James Freud & the Reserves.
Freud published his first autobiography in 2002, I Am the Voice Left from Drinking where he detailed his alcoholism and described how he nearly died on 24 March 2001 from alcohol poisoning and massive blood loss, "I was standing upon the wreckage of my youth; I probably wouldn't make it through the night and as I lay there, I couldn't help but wonder, 'How did I end up like this?'".
In 2007 to 2009 Freud performed with Melbourne tribute band 80s Enuff at Melbourne's Crown Casino. In 2008, he released See You in Hell, which was to prove his last solo studio album. Prior to his death, Freud was manager for his sons' band, Attack of the Mannequins, and assisted them with the development of their debut album, Rage of the World.
, Melbourne. A week earlier, on 27 October, Models were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame
without Freud attending the ceremony. His absence was explained publicly as due to commitments to managing his sons' band. Privately, organisers were told that Freud would not attend because he could not be anywhere near alcohol. During the ceremony, Kelly explained the absence by saying Freud had "another bicycle accident".
A statement by Michael Gudinski
, whose Mushroom Records launched Freud's solo career and that of Models, said:
with Models
with Berlin
with Beatfish
with Moondog
with James Freud and the Reserves
Models (band)
Models were an alternative rock group formed in Melbourne, Australia, in August 1978 and went into hiatus in 1988. They are often incorrectly referred to as The Models. They re-formed in 2000, 2006 and 2008 to perform reunion concerts. "Out of Mind, Out of Sight", their only No. 1 hit,...
during the 1980s and wrote their two most popular singles, "Barbados" and "Out of Mind, Out of Sight
Out of Mind, Out of Sight (song)
"Out of Mind, Out of Sight" is a single by Australian New Wave rock band Models from their album Out of Mind, Out of Sight. It was released in July 1985 and was their most successful single, which peaked at No. 1 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart...
".
His autobiographies I am the Voice Left from Drinking (2002) and I am the Voice Left from Rehab (2007) detail his career in music entertainment and addictions. On 27 October 2010, Models were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame
ARIA Hall of Fame
Since 1988 the Australian Recording Industry Association has inducted artists into its ARIA Hall of Fame. While most have been recognised at the annual ARIA Music Awards, in 2005 ARIA sought to create a separate standalone "ARIA Icons: Hall of Fame" event as only one or two acts could be inducted...
by former member Wendy Matthews
Wendy Matthews
Wendy Joan Matthews is an Australian adult alternative pop singer originally from Canada who has been a member of Models and Absent Friends and is a solo artist...
, Freud's absence from the ceremony was explained as being due to "another bicycle accident". Freud committed suicide on 4 November and is survived by his wife, Sally, and two sons, Jackson and Harrison.
Early life
Freud was born as Colin Joseph McGlinchey on 29 June 1959 to Joe and Hannah McGlinchey and grew up in Melbourne. His interest in music began before he started school. "From the time I was five, I realised that was what I wanted to do. My uncle gave me all Frankie AvalonFrankie Avalon
Frankie Avalon is an American actor, singer, playwright, and former teen idol.-Career:By the time he was 12, Avalon was on U.S. television playing his trumpet. As a teenager he played with Bobby Rydell in Rocco and the Saints...
records and I just loved them. That was it, that was all I wanted to do". His father left the family when Freud was in his early teens. He attended St Thomas Moore Catholic Boys College.
Despite his passion and musical talent, Freud's mother, Hannah, was against the idea. He later changed his name to James Randall Freud. At age 17, Freud left to pursue his career and did not contact her for over two years. "We didn't communicate in any way until I could validate myself as a musician".
Early career (1976–1982)
Freud formed his first band, Sabre, at the age of 16, with high school friend and guitarist Sean KellySean Kelly (Australian musician)
Sean Patrick Kelly Born 9 November 1958, is an Australian singer, guitarist and song writer best known as a founding member of the bands Models, Absent Friends and The Dukes.-Biography:...
and drummer Ian McFarlane. Their first performance was at his younger sister's slumber party. After hearing the Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band that formed in London in 1975. They were responsible for initiating the punk movement in the United Kingdom and inspiring many later punk and alternative rock musicians...
' song "God Save the Queen
God Save the Queen (Sex Pistols song)
"God Save the Queen" is a song by the English punk rock band The Sex Pistols. It was released as the band's second single and was featured on their only album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols. The song was released during Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977...
" in 1977, Freud formed The Spred with Kelly, and three other members. Formed late in 1977, Teenage Radio Stars was a glam-punk band with Freud on lead vocals and guitar and Kelly on guitar and vocals. When the opportunity came to record a single, "I Wanna Be Your Baby", later covered by Uncanny X-Men
Uncanny X-Men (band)
Uncanny X-Men are a pop/rock band which formed in Melbourne in 1981, and temporarily disbanded in 1987. They are fronted by lead singer Brian Mannix and originally included Chuck Hargreaves on guitar, Steve Harrison on bass guitar, Nick Manthandos on drums and Ron Thiessen on guitar...
, two members were fired.
By early 1979, with ex-members of Colt, he formed James Freud & the Radio Stars with Murray Doherty on bass guitar, Roger Mason
Roger Mason (musician)
Roger Ashley Mason is an Australian keyboardist who has been a member of New Wave groups Models, Absent Friends and Icehouse. He was a session and backing musician for United Kingdom's Gary Numan and for various Australian artists...
on keyboards, Glen McGrath on drums and Bryan Thomas on guitar, and later Tony Harvey playing guitar. Later, Tony Lugdon (ex-Steeler) replaced Harvey on guitar and also provided keyboards. Further changes by year's end resulted in Freud and Mason joined by Peter Cook on guitar and backing vocals, Tommy Hosie on drums and Mick Prague on bass guitar. They signed with Mushroom Records
Mushroom Records
Mushroom Records is an Australian recoJrd company formed by Michael Gudinski and Ray Evans in Melbourne in 1972. After its sale in 1998, it merged into Festival Mushroom Records. From 2005 to 2009, it is one of the record labels operated by Warner Bros...
and their debut single, "Modern Girl," was released in May 1980, which peaked at No. 12 on the Australian Kent Music Report
Kent Music Report
The Kent Music Report was a weekly record chart of Australian music singles and albums which was compiled by music enthusiast David Kent from May 1974 through to 1998...
Singles Chart. They supported United Kingdom, New Romantics singer-keyboardist, Gary Numan
Gary Numan
Gary Numan is an English singer, composer, and musician, most widely known for his chart-topping 1979 hits "Are 'Friends' Electric?" and "Cars". His signature sound consisted of heavy synthesizer hooks fed through guitar effects pedals.Numan is considered a pioneer of commercial electronic music...
, on his Australian tour. James Freud & the Radio Stars' debut album Breaking Silence was released in June, it was produced by Tony Cohen
Tony Cohen
Tony Cohen is an acclaimed Australian record producer and sound engineer based in Melbourne, best known for his work with The Birthday Party and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds in the 1980s...
.
Breaking Silence impressed Numan such that he offered to produce an album for Freud in the UK. Due to a UK band called The Radio Stars, a name change to James Freud & Berlin occurred. In October, they released "Enemy Lines" from Breaking Silence. "Automatic Crazy", produced by Numan, followed in March 1981. However, neither Freud nor Numan were happy with the London-recorded album and it was not released. One month later he disbanded the group.
Models (1982–1988)
Models (band)
Models were an alternative rock group formed in Melbourne, Australia, in August 1978 and went into hiatus in 1988. They are often incorrectly referred to as The Models. They re-formed in 2000, 2006 and 2008 to perform reunion concerts. "Out of Mind, Out of Sight", their only No. 1 hit,...
as bass guitarist after the departure of Mark Ferrie, reuniting with old collaborator Kelly. Freud shared lead vocalist duties on some songs, beginning with one of his compositions, "Facing The North Pole in August" from The Pleasure of Your Company, recorded in 1983. In 1985, Two Freud-penned hits, "Barbados" and "Out of Mind, Out of Sight
Out of Mind, Out of Sight (song)
"Out of Mind, Out of Sight" is a single by Australian New Wave rock band Models from their album Out of Mind, Out of Sight. It was released in July 1985 and was their most successful single, which peaked at No. 1 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart...
", took Models to No. 2 and No. 1 on the Australian singles chart, respectively. He remained in the band until they split in 1988.
Post-Models solo career (1989–2010)
In 1989, Freud went solo again, releasing Step into the Heat, the most expensive album released by Mushroom RecordsMushroom Records
Mushroom Records is an Australian recoJrd company formed by Michael Gudinski and Ray Evans in Melbourne in 1972. After its sale in 1998, it merged into Festival Mushroom Records. From 2005 to 2009, it is one of the record labels operated by Warner Bros...
up to that point. However, it was not successful. In his 2002 autobiography Freud blamed the low quality of the songs. After performing on pop music show, Countdown Revolution he criticised the show's format to music commentator, Ian Meldrum
Ian Meldrum
Ian Alexander "Molly" Meldrum AM is an Australian popular music critic, journalist, record producer , and musical entrepreneur...
(creator and presenter on the earlier Countdown). Meldrum dismissed Freud with, "You're nothing but a fucking has-been. Look around you. See the new hosts of the show. They are the future of Australian music. You're on your way out now".
Freud teamed with vocalist and guitarist Martin Plaza
Martin Plaza
Martin Plaza is the pseudonym of Martin Edward Murphy , who is a vocalist/guitarist/songwriter with Australian pop/R&B band Mental As Anything. Plaza also has a solo music career and in 1986 had a #2 hit in Australia with his cover of the 1960s Unit 4+2 song "Concrete and Clay"...
of Mental as Anything
Mental As Anything
Mental As Anything are an Australian New Wave–rock music band formed at an art school in Sydney in 1976. Their most popular line-up was Martin Plaza on vocals and guitar; Reg Mombassa on lead guitar and vocals; his brother Peter "Yoga Dog" O'Doherty on bass guitar and vocals; Wayne "Bird"...
as the dance group Beatfish, releasing an eponymous record in 1992. In 1995, Freud canned his next proposed solo album, BigMouth, but some material was used on the Hawaiian surf-themed Postcard to Hawaii album released in 1996 by his next band, Moondog. Freud was the lead vocalist with Plaza and Phil Ceberano on guitar and backing vocals. In 1999, he performed "One Tony Lockett", an ode to the footballer Tony Lockett
Tony Lockett
Anthony Howard "Tony" Lockett is a former Australian rules football player. Lockett is the highest goal scorer in the history of the VFL/AFL with 1,360 goals in a career of 281 games, that commenced in 1983 with the St Kilda Football Club, and finished in 2002 with the Sydney Swans...
, at the Sydney Cricket Ground
Sydney Cricket Ground
The Sydney Cricket Ground is a sports stadium in Sydney in Australia. It is used for Australian football, Test cricket, One Day International cricket, some rugby league and rugby union matches and is the home ground for the New South Wales Blues cricket team and the Sydney Swans of the Australian...
, and released Today's Legends of AFL Football as James Freud & the Reserves.
Freud published his first autobiography in 2002, I Am the Voice Left from Drinking where he detailed his alcoholism and described how he nearly died on 24 March 2001 from alcohol poisoning and massive blood loss, "I was standing upon the wreckage of my youth; I probably wouldn't make it through the night and as I lay there, I couldn't help but wonder, 'How did I end up like this?'".
In 2007 to 2009 Freud performed with Melbourne tribute band 80s Enuff at Melbourne's Crown Casino. In 2008, he released See You in Hell, which was to prove his last solo studio album. Prior to his death, Freud was manager for his sons' band, Attack of the Mannequins, and assisted them with the development of their debut album, Rage of the World.
Personal life
Freud married Sally Clifton in 1984. Sally has written four books including Thank You, Goodnight: A Backstage Pass to Australian Rock'n'roll (1997) on the music industry. Together they had two sons, Jackson (born 1989) and Harrison Freud (born 1988). The brothers formed their own rock band, Sonic Dogma, in 2005, which later became Attack of the Mannequins; the band was managed by Freud. His two autobiographies' titles, I am the Voice Left from Drinking (2002) and I am the Voice Left from Rehab (2007) refer to a lyric in the hit song "Barbados". The books chronicle his descent into alcoholism and his subsequent recovery attempts. His widow and two children reside in Melbourne, Australia.Death
On 4 November 2010, Freud was found dead at his home in HawthornHawthorn, Victoria
Hawthorn is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, east from Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the City of Boroondara...
, Melbourne. A week earlier, on 27 October, Models were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame
ARIA Hall of Fame
Since 1988 the Australian Recording Industry Association has inducted artists into its ARIA Hall of Fame. While most have been recognised at the annual ARIA Music Awards, in 2005 ARIA sought to create a separate standalone "ARIA Icons: Hall of Fame" event as only one or two acts could be inducted...
without Freud attending the ceremony. His absence was explained publicly as due to commitments to managing his sons' band. Privately, organisers were told that Freud would not attend because he could not be anywhere near alcohol. During the ceremony, Kelly explained the absence by saying Freud had "another bicycle accident".
A statement by Michael Gudinski
Michael Gudinski
Michael Solomon Gudinski, AM is an Australian entrepreneur and businessman currently based in Melbourne who is a leading figure in the Australian music industry...
, whose Mushroom Records launched Freud's solo career and that of Models, said:
James' battle with alcoholism has been well chronicled. His two books on his recovery and five years' sobriety were bestsellers and gave a lot of people who were suffering the same affliction comfort and hope. Unfortunately, James has succumbed to his disease and taken his own life this morning.
Albums
Solo- Breaking Silence – MushroomMushroom RecordsMushroom Records is an Australian recoJrd company formed by Michael Gudinski and Ray Evans in Melbourne in 1972. After its sale in 1998, it merged into Festival Mushroom Records. From 2005 to 2009, it is one of the record labels operated by Warner Bros...
(June 1980) - Step Into the Heat – Mushroom (1989)
- See You in Hell – Independent (February 2008)
with Models
- Cut LunchCut LunchCut Lunch is a mini-album or EP by Australian New Wave band Models, originally released on 10" vinyl by Mushroom Records in June 1981. The collection started off as demo recordings, which proved successful enough to release just before the group went to England to record their second album proper,...
– Mushroom (1982, backing vocals only) - The Pleasure of your Company – Mushroom (October 1983)
- Out of Mind, Out of SightOut of Mind, Out of Sight (album)Out of Mind, Out of Sight is the fourth studio album by Australian New Wave rock band Models, it was their most successful album and peaked at #3 on the Australian albums chart...
– Mushroom (1985) - Models' MediaModels' MediaModels' Media is the fifth and final studio album by Australian rock band Models.-Track listing:All songs written by J. Freud except where noted, according to Australasian Performing Rights Association .# "Evolution" - 4:02...
– Mushroom (December 1986) - Models' Collection – Mushroom (November 1993)
- Models and Friends – Mushroom (1995)
- Melbourne (live) – ShockShock RecordsShock Records is Australia's largest independent record label. It helps distribute records from overseas records labels such as Epitaph Records, and also for small record labels designed specifically for that band such as Cement Records...
(2001) - Models - The Essential Hits – Warner (August 2010)
with Berlin
- "Automatic Crazy" - Mushroom (1981)
with Beatfish
- Beatfish – RCA (November 1991)
with Moondog
- Postcard to Hawaii (1995)
with James Freud and the Reserves
- Today's Legends of AFL Football – Sony Music (1999)
Further reading
- I am the Voice Left from Rehab 2007 Book Review by The Australian
External links
- James Freud at 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....
- James Freud on ArtistDirect.com
- James Freud and The Modern Girls
- Countdown interview