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Midnight Oil
Formed in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, in 1975, and then known as Farm, this strident
band has pioneered its own course in Australian rock without relying on the established network
of agencies and record companies.
The original nucleus of the band comprised Martin Rotsey (guitar), Rob Hirst (drums) and Jim
Moginie (guitar). They were later joined by law student Peter Garrett (lead vocals).
The outfit became notorious for always insisting on total control over its recorded product and
media releases, including photos, and when booking agencies denied the band gigs, the members
organised their own venues and tours, taking advantage of the band's large following on the
alternative rock scene.
Having signed a worldwide contract with CBS/Columbia Records, it was 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 that saw
the band gain mainstream radio airplay.
Featuring songs about the environment, anti-nuclear sentiments, anti-war songs and powerful anthems
of anti-establishment, it also propelled the band into the international market place.
They performed at many charity concerts, promoting Koori (Australian aborigines) causes in Australia
and the loquacious Garrett almost gained a seat in the Australian parliament in 1984 while standing
for the Nuclear Disarmament Party.
The following album saw the band tour the USA and Europe, and Rolling Stone writers voted the album
one of the best of 1989, despite a low profile there.
While many regard Red Sails In The Sunset as their best work, subsequent albums have been equally
highly regarded.
The band's peak chart positions in the UK and USA were achieved with 1987"s Diesel And Dust, the
album reaching UK number 19 and US number 21.
The band continued its antagonistic attitude towards major industrial companies in 1990, by
organizing a protest concert outside the Manhattan offices of the Exxon oil company, who were
responsible for the Valdez oil slick in Alaska.
Although recent studio releases have failed to reach the peaks of previous albums, Midnight Oil
remains a powerful live act.
Midnight Oil song lyrics...
Beds Are Burning
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