SPY

Spy vs. Spy, also known as v.Spy v.Spy, formed in 1981 in Sydney, Australia. The band originally consisted of Craig Bloxom (bass guitar, lead vocals), Cliff Grigg (drums, percussion), and Michael Weiley (lead guitar, vocals). They derived their name from the Spy vs. Spy comics in Mad magazine. They started by playing ska-influenced rock music and quickly gained a following in the Sydney pub scene, performing socially conscious songs addressing issues such as racism, homelessness, and drug culture. Their early shows included touring indigenous communities in rural New South Wales, establishing their commitment to highlighting social problems.

In 1982, Spy vs. Spy released their debut single "Do What You Say" through the independent Green label, followed by a four-track EP titled Four Fresh Lemons. The EP was a commercial success locally, with all 1,000 pressings selling out within five days. The band's music, characterized by a strong ska influence at the time, resonated with Sydney pub audiences. However, to avoid legal issues with the publishers of Mad magazine, they were forced to change their band name to v.Spy v.Spy for releases outside Australia.

Early in 1983, the band briefly disbanded, with lead vocalist Craig Bloxom joining another group called the Numbers. Later that year, Spy vs. Spy re-formed with the addition of Marcus Phelan as a second guitarist. With this new lineup, the band shifted away from their ska roots toward a more straightforward hard rock sound that better suited Australian pub rock audiences. This change marked a significant step in their musical evolution and solidified their place in the Australian music scene.

Spy vs. Spy released their debut studio album, 'Harry's Reasons,' in February 1986 via Powderworks. This album showcased the band's move towards a harder rock style and included socially aware lyrics that had become a hallmark of their music. The release helped them gain wider recognition in the Australian rock circuit. The album's themes continued to address contemporary social and political issues, cementing their reputation as a band committed to activism through their music.

In 1987, Spy vs. Spy signed with the major label WEA and released the single "Don't Tear It Down," which reached No. 31 on the Australian singles chart in February. This period marked their commercial breakthrough. The accompanying album, 'A.O. Mod. TV. Vers.,' performed well, peaking at No. 12 on the Australian albums chart. The band gained significant airplay and toured extensively, reaching a broader audience while maintaining their message-driven rock style.

Spy vs. Spy released their second studio album, 'Xenophobia (Why?),' in March 1988. The album reached No. 15 on the Australian charts and continued the band's focus on politically charged and socially conscious lyrics. This work further established them as a voice for confronting issues like racism and cultural tensions in Australia, themes that were prominent in the album's songs. 'Xenophobia (Why?)' reinforced their position as one of Australia's key pub rock bands of the late 1980s.

The band's third album, 'Trash the Planet,' was released in 1989 and peaked at No. 22 on the ARIA Charts. The album continued to build on Spy vs. Spy's reputation as a socially aware rock band. The themes of environmental concern and social critique were evident, aligning with their tradition of addressing contemporary issues through energetic and hard-hitting music. This release sustained the band's popularity and influence within the Australian rock scene.

In 1991, original drummer Cliff Grigg left Spy vs. Spy and was replaced by Mark Cuffe. This lineup change marked a new phase for the band as they continued to produce music and perform. Grigg's departure was significant as he had been part of the band since its formation. Despite the change, the band maintained their distinctive sound and dedication to themes of social and political relevance in their music.

Spy vs. Spy disbanded in 2003 after lead vocalist and bassist Craig Bloxom relocated to the United States. This marked the end of over two decades of the band's influential presence in the Australian pub rock scene. Their legacy includes a rich catalog of socially conscious music and a reputation for addressing difficult topics through their art. Though the band ceased to perform together, their impact on Australian rock and their messages on social issues continue to be recognized.

Michael Weiley, the band's lead guitarist and vocalist, passed away in 2018. Weiley was a founding member of Spy vs. Spy and contributed significantly to the band's sound and identity. His death marked the loss of a key figure in the band's history. Weiley's contributions to Australian rock music and his role in the band's politically charged and socially aware music remain a significant part of the band's enduring legacy.