Spudgun orignally formed in late 1997 when Simo met Ross, a new student to the school, they decided to form a band. Many names were thought of such as Funbox, Anonymous, Bliss and The Band Formely Known As Crap, they finally decided on Spudgun. They orignally looked like this:
The band was very into metal music at this stage and every band member had long hair. Their equipment was not the best and band practises were usually cut short because someone would break a string or an amp would blow. The band at this stage was very shit and were a grunge/metal band. The band was pretty much just a bunch of try hards, with Ross trying desperatly to be Kurt Cobain, Simo wanting to be Daniel Johns, Lani just trying to be someone who played bass and Boasty trying to be Vinnie Paul from Pantera. This version of Spudgun did not last long, after about 3 practises the band called it quits. Simo then joined 2 other bands, JOFX and Kenoby.
A year later Ross and Simo decided to resurect the band during the Christmas holidays, so they got long-time friend and drummer of JOFX, Blake Casey to come in and and play drums. They then looked like this:
The first Spudgun gig as a band was on January 12th, 1998 at Melrose Hall in Emu Plains with the Hassle Brigade, Porn Drug and Clobassi. The band was not actually on the bill, when the Hassle Brigade never showed Andrew from Porn Drug ran up and told the organisers they (Spudgun) were Hassle Brigade and they got a half hour set as the headlining band (although Porn Drug ended up playing again after there set).
In February 1998, the band recorded a 4-song demo tape at a friend's parents recording studio. It cost $130 to make for 3 hours and the results were absolute shithouse. Songs included were "Rain or Shine", "Shun Away", a grunge/metal version of the Door's classic "Light My Fire" and "Humpty Dumpty Was a Homeboy".
After the holidays, Ross went to boarding school and left Blake and Simo without a singer and guitarist. They then aquired a friend by the name of Mark Hadfield in the position of vocalist and bass player Dave. The band changed styles to a more NOFX-ish type of punk. At this stage they looked like this:
After Mark's non-attendance to a gig because "his mum went out so he couldn't get there" he was given the arse and the then-eager bassist Dave stepped in for vocals. Bringing the band to this:
At this stage the band began to be serious about there "art". Simo did his best to get the band gigs through his Pizza Hut workmate, Daryl from Porn Drug. The band's stage shows began to be a lot more fun and energetic. After about 7 months on the job Dave's Spudgun days came to an end in September 1999. When Blake was asked in an interview for Obzine as to the reason why Dave was kicked out he stated "He was fat, lazy and enjoyed wakeboarding". And so the bitching began. Many rumours were started as to the reason he kicked out, like he had become a pro wakeboarder and another involving a fork lift accident in East Timor.
Long time road dog, merchandise seller and photographer for the band, Budge was then brought in to play bass and later the very young Chloe Keeble was brought in to play sax. Making for a much more attractive band:
In January 2000 Dave was brought back to front the band as vocalist leaving Simo free to run the stage like a wanker. Here we are as of late:
Shortly after Dave's return Chloe left, leaving the band to look pretty much the same as above but without Chloe.
In May 2000, the band recorded there debut E.P. "Get Some Pudding Up Ya" with producer Geoff Lee, who has worked with the likes of Frenzal Rhomb, Toe To Toe, Nitocris, Skulker, Dogbuoy and Quadbox. Which features the tracks, "Escape", "Mass Debation", "Gravity Filter", "Cops Are Tops", "Good Times", "G.F.U" & "Ya Mama Stinks Like Shit". In November 2000, they very pissed off when they missed out on a national tour with Sweedish punk band, Millencolin which was supposed to be organised by ex-sponser of the band, Clown Industries.
After the break up local band Gimp in December 2000, guitarist Ben Procobis was added as second guitarist. After 7 line up changes, here we are:
The band has also had airplay on Triple J. and also airplay on MTV+. Played gigs with the likes of Cryogenic, Room 101, Fatigue, The Hassle Brigade, Spoonfed, Clobassi, Hiefer, Unpaid Debt and The band is also endorsed by Squirt Clothing, Turbo Surf & Left Bodyboards.
The band is now quite well known around the local area and almost has a following in the national punk scene, but not really. The band is pretty much open to any gig which is offered if you'd like to book them for a show, simply email them at
Well yes that's the story of Spudgun, it was good wasn't it.
+- Blake requested a song.