Matt Finish
Matt Finish is an Australian rock band formed in mid-1979 in Sydney by singer-songwriter and guitarist Matt Moffitt (1956–2003) and drummer and producer John Prior. Emerging from the vibrant pub rock scene, the band developed a distinctive melodic sound characterized by Moffitt's passionate vocals and introspective lyrics, blending elements of rock, blues, and jazz influences. Their debut album, Short Note (1981), marked a breakthrough, peaking at No. 14 on the Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart and featuring standout tracks like the title song and "Hanging On," establishing them as a cornerstone of the era's music landscape.[1] The band's early success included signing with CBS Records via The Giant Recording Company, and the release of singles such as "Mancini Shuffle" (1980). Subsequent releases like the Fade Away EP (1981) and Word of Mouth (1984) further showcased their evolving style, though lineup changes and Moffitt's health issues led to periods of inactivity in the late 1980s and 1990s. Moffitt pursued solo work, including the EP Euroka (1992), before his untimely death from a stroke in 2003 at age 46.[2] In the years following Moffitt's passing, Prior revived Matt Finish with various lineups, including vocalist Ric Herbert in the early revival period and later Glenn Bidmead, alongside guitarist Steve Williams and bassist Phil Hall; the group has remained active, touring Australia as of 2025 with performances alongside artists like Richard Clapton, and performing material from their catalog, including reissued remastered editions of classic albums.[1][3] Their enduring legacy lies in capturing the raw energy of Sydney's pub rock culture while delivering emotionally resonant songs that continue to resonate with fans.[4][5]History
Formation and early years (1979–1981)
Matt Finish was formed in mid-1979 in Sydney by singer-songwriter and guitarist Matt Moffitt and drummer John Prior, who initially performed as a duo before expanding the lineup.[6] Their first shows occurred in July 1979 with bassist Brian Alcorn, followed by the addition of New Zealander Jeff Clayton on bass and vocals and Glen White on guitar in August.[7] The band quickly established itself in the Sydney pub circuit, playing frequent residencies at venues like the Civic Hotel and Manly Vale Hotel, where they built a local following through a mix of cover songs and original material, including live-to-air broadcasts on radio station 2JJ starting in November 1979.[6][5] Lineup changes in early 1980 solidified the classic early configuration: Clayton briefly shifted to bass before being replaced by Richard Grossman (ex-Eric Gradman's Man and Machine) in January, while White departed in March, leading to auditions until Clayton rejoined on rhythm guitar in May.[7] This quartet—Moffitt, Prior, Grossman, and Clayton—recorded the band's debut double A-sided single "Matt Finish Play Africa," featuring "C.I.A." and "Mancini Shuffle," released in November 1980 on Giant/CBS Records; "Mancini Shuffle" peaked at No. 57 on the Australian Kent Music Report singles chart.[8] In February 1981, they issued their debut album Short Note, produced by Peter Dawkins at Paradise Studios in Sydney, which peaked at No. 14 on the Kent Music Report albums chart and spent 22 weeks in the Top 100.[7][9] The title track single reached No. 33 on the singles chart, becoming a radio staple, while the album received acclaim for its raw energy and innovative take on pub rock, blending impassioned lyrics with dynamic guitar work and earning enduring status as an Australian classic.[10][11] Following the album's success, Matt Finish recorded the live EP Fade Away during sessions at Sydney's PACT Theatre in July 1981, capturing their high-energy performances and released in October.[7] However, internal challenges culminated in the band's initial disbandment at the end of 1981, primarily due to Moffitt's declining health, after which Grossman joined Divinyls.[7][5]Peak years and disbandment (1982–1985)
Following the band's initial split in late 1981, Matt Finish reformed in May 1983 with core members Matt Moffitt on lead vocals and guitar, John Prior on drums, and Jeff Clayton on guitar and bass, recommencing touring and recording activities with a rotating cast of supporting musicians.[7] This lineup expansion included contributions from additional players such as Burt Dorsett on guitar and fretless bass, Ken Francis on guitar, Anthony Smith on keyboards, Rob Riley on guitar, and Jim Cox on congas for select tracks.[12] The reformation culminated in the release of a self-titled EP in November 1983, which served as a bridge to their sophomore effort and helped reestablish their presence on the Australian live circuit.[7] The band's commercial momentum built through 1984 with the release of their second studio album, Word of Mouth, in May on CBS Records, co-produced by the band and engineer Colin Freeman at Rhinoceros and Alberts Studios in Sydney.[7][13] The album peaked at No. 25 on the Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart, marking their highest charting release to date and reflecting growing national recognition.[7] It spawned the lead single "Always Another" in May 1984, which reached No. 77 on the Kent Music Report Singles Chart, followed by "Words and Wars" in June and "Come On Over" in September, the latter gaining traction through increased radio airplay on stations like 2JJ (later Triple J).[7] These tracks showcased the band's evolving new wave-inflected rock sound, blending Moffitt's introspective lyrics with layered guitar work and rhythmic drive. Matt Finish capitalized on this exposure with extensive touring across Australia, performing over 50 shows that year and securing high-profile support slots for international acts, including 15 dates opening for U2 on their Under Australian Skies Tour in September 1984, which included sold-out nights at Sydney's Entertainment Centre.[7][14] Lineup fluidity persisted during this period, with Dorsett and others filling roles amid Clayton's shifting contributions, allowing the band to maintain a dynamic live energy that bolstered their reputation as a compelling pub and arena act. However, internal tensions arose from the demands of constant road work and modest commercial returns relative to rising expectations in the competitive Australian scene.[4] By early 1985, these pressures, compounded by Moffitt's desire to explore solo opportunities under a new CBS deal, led to the band's second disbandment.[7] Moffitt shifted focus to his debut solo album As Little as a Look, recorded in London with Prior's assistance, effectively pausing Matt Finish's activities until the 1990s.[7]Reformation and Matt Moffitt era (1990–2003)
In 1990, Matt Finish reformed under the leadership of vocalist and guitarist Matt Moffitt and drummer John Prior, marking a revival after a five-year hiatus. The initial lineup featured rotating members, including guitarists Jennifer Barrett and Guy Le Claire (formerly of the Eurogliders), bassist Lindsay Jehan (also ex-Eurogliders), and saxophonist Dale Barlow. This configuration allowed for flexibility in live performances as the band sought to recapture its presence in the Australian rock scene.[5][7] The band's third studio album, By Heart, was released in September 1993 through the Nova label, featuring a refreshed lineup with Moffitt joined by keyboardist Paul Dawkins, guitarist Rohan Cannon, bassist Bobby Christian, and drummer Adrian Cannon. Recorded in Australia, the album blended the group's signature rock sound with pop elements, emphasizing Moffitt's introspective songwriting. It produced the singles "Blue" in September 1993 and "Earthbound (Don't Sing for Me)" from the accompanying EP of the same name released in July 1993, alongside "Will I Ever Know?" in May 1994. By Heart achieved moderate commercial success, which helped reintroduce the band to a new generation of listeners.[5][15][7] Throughout the 1990s, Matt Finish focused on extensive touring across Australia, performing to packed venues and rebuilding their fanbase within the rock community. The 1990–1991 lineup supported a rigorous schedule of shows, while the 1993 configuration promoted By Heart through additional live dates, including festival appearances that highlighted their enduring appeal despite lineup changes. These efforts sustained the band's momentum, drawing on the emotional intensity of Moffitt's performances to connect with audiences familiar with their 1980s hits.[5][4] In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Moffitt's increasing focus on solo projects, including his 1992 EP Euroka, began to influence band dynamics, leading to more sporadic group activities amid his personal challenges. By 2001, the band released the compilation album Just a Short Note, with Moffitt collaborating with bassist Rick Grossman (ex-Divinyls) in a side project called Fire Hand Ember that performed around 20 shows, some billed as Matt Finish, including the album's launch event in December 2001. These final outings underscored the band's resilient spirit but were limited by Moffitt's health concerns.[5] The era concluded tragically on 13 August 2003, when Matt Moffitt died suddenly in his sleep in Sydney at the age of 46, apparently from a stroke. His funeral, held on 20 August—what would have been his 47th birthday—was attended by numerous musicians and fans, reflecting his profound impact on Australian rock. The band issued statements of grief, with Prior and other members paying tribute to Moffitt's visionary leadership, effectively pausing Matt Finish's activities in his absence.[2][7]Revival and modern activity (2004–present)
Following the death of lead vocalist Matt Moffitt in 2003, drummer and founder John Prior decided to revive Matt Finish in late 2006 as a tribute to the band's legacy, initially performing with guest vocalists including Luke Dixon and Matt Cornell alongside original members Jeff Clayton and Rick Grossman for the Matt Moffitt Memorial Tour.[4] To mark the band's 30th anniversary, Matt Finish released the compilation album 1978–2008 in January 2008, featuring freshly recorded versions of classic tracks and three previously unreleased songs: "Dream Away," "Cold Feet," and a reimagined "Short Note."[16] This was followed in 2009 by the limited-edition 12-disc box set Flight Case, which collected the band's complete catalog including studio albums, live recordings, demos, and rarities from 1978 onward.[17] During the 2010s, the band solidified a stable lineup with Ric Herbert on vocals, Steve Williams on guitar, Phil Hall on bass, and Prior on drums, enabling consistent live performances centered on the original repertoire such as early hits like "Short Note."[1] This configuration supported major tours across Australia, highlighted by a headline appearance at the Australia Day in Parramatta event on January 26, 2019, at Parramatta Park, which drew over 20,000 attendees as part of a classic hits lineup.[18][19] The 2020s saw Matt Finish demonstrate resilience amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with live shows resuming in 2022 after a period of restrictions that halted touring.[20] The band continued regional and festival performances, including dates in 2024 at venues like the Toronto Hotel in New South Wales.[21] Looking ahead, their 2025 schedule featured the Party on the Point festival on July 26 at Sandstone Point Hotel in Queensland, alongside acts like Hoodoo Gurus and The Chantoozies.[22] As of November 2025, Matt Finish remains an active touring outfit dedicated to preserving and performing its original catalog from the late 1970s and early 1980s, with no new studio albums released but a strong emphasis on live interpretations of seminal works like Short Note, Fade Away, and Word of Mouth.[1]Musical style and influences
Core genre characteristics
Matt Finish is primarily classified as an Australian pub rock band, emerging from Sydney's vibrant pub scene in the late 1970s, with a sound built on melodic guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and high-energy performances that captured the raw essence of live rock music.[23][24] Their music blends instinctive rock elements with soulful undertones, emphasizing textured songcraft that prioritizes emotional delivery over technical flash.[4] Central to their signature sound are Matt Moffitt's impassioned, soul-driven vocals—often described as a "dark angel's voice"—which convey deep emotional vulnerability, paired with John Prior's dynamic drumming that provides a propulsive backbone.[2][4] In their 1980s output, the band incorporated keyboards, played by Prior and others, to add atmospheric layers and subtle textures, enhancing the introspective quality of their arrangements without overshadowing the guitar-led core.[16] Lyrically, Matt Finish focuses on themes of personal relationships, emotional turmoil, and vulnerability, often drawing from urban experiences and inner conflict to create poignant, relatable narratives. Songs like "Short Note" exemplify this through evocative imagery of loneliness and fleeting connections, while "Always Another" explores the cyclical nature of love and loss.[2][25] Their production style reflects this evolution: early recordings, such as the 1981 debut album Short Note produced by Peter Dawkins, emphasize raw, live-energy captures that preserve the band's pub rock immediacy.[7] By the mid-1980s, works like Word of Mouth—co-produced by the band and Colin Freeman—adopted a more polished approach, refining their sound with cleaner mixes while retaining anthemic drive and emotional intensity.[7]Evolution and key influences
Matt Finish's sound initially emerged from the raw energy of Sydney's pub rock scene in the late 1970s, characterized by energetic live performances and melodic guitar-driven rock on their 1981 debut album Short Note, which captured the band's underground appeal through tracks like "Indicator" and "Red Lights".[7] Following this release, the band's style shifted toward a more structured and polished approach by the early 1980s, incorporating tighter arrangements and broader instrumentation as they reformed in 1983, reflecting the evolving Australian rock landscape influenced by contemporaries like Midnight Oil and INXS.[5] This transition was evident in their 1984 album Word of Mouth, which retained the original spark but adopted a refined production style aligned with 1980s trends, produced in collaboration with figures like Colin Freeman to enhance the band's dynamic rock foundation.[7][24] In the mid-1980s, frontman Matt Moffitt's solo explorations, such as the 1985 album As Little as a Look produced by UK collaborator Nicky Graham, introduced international production techniques that subtly informed the band's evolving songcraft upon brief reunions.[24] The band's core influences stemmed from Moffitt's eclectic tastes, including the songcraft of the British Invasion exemplified by The Beatles, the raw Oz rock of Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs, New York blues and soul from Hell's Kitchen, and jazz elements, which collectively shaped Matt Finish's impassioned vocals, lyrical depth, and rhythmic drive.[2] Australian pub rock peers like Cold Chisel further grounded their early sound in local theatricality and energy.[5] During the 1990s and early 2000s reformation era, the band returned to a guitar-driven rock core with added maturity, as seen in the 1993 album By Heart, which emphasized acoustic textures, keyboard-driven tracks, and deeper lyrical themes co-written with members like Paul Dawkins, marking a shift from high-energy pub anthems to more introspective compositions.[5] Moffitt's subsequent solo projects, including Euroka (1992) and Fire Hand Ember (2001), explored acoustic and collaborative styles that influenced this phase, bringing a reflective evolution to the band's output before his death in 2003.[5] Post-2003, under drummer John Prior's leadership, Matt Finish focused on live preservation through tribute performances and tours with diverse lineups, emphasizing acoustic reinterpretations of classics from Short Note and Word of Mouth while incorporating contemporary production in remastered editions to honor the evolved rock legacy as of 2025.[7][1]Band members
Current lineup
As of 2025, Matt Finish's active lineup features John Prior on drums, Glenn Bidmead on lead vocals, Steve Williams on guitar, and Phil Hall on bass and backing vocals. This configuration has been performing together for recent tours and shows, including events at Sandstone Point Hotel in July 2025 and Penrith Panthers later that year.[26][27] John Prior, the band's founder and only constant member since its inception in 1979, handles drums and has been the primary composer and producer throughout its history.[28][29] Glenn Bidmead serves as lead vocalist, delivering performances of the band's classic material from albums like Short Note and Fade Away.[28][29] Steve Williams, formerly of Wa Wa Nee, plays guitar and contributes melodic leads that complement the band's rock sound.[26][28] Phil Hall, from the Lime Spiders, provides bass and backing vocals, ensuring rhythm section stability and harmonies.[27][29] This lineup emerged in the 2010s during the band's revival for tribute tours and has remained consistent for live activities into 2025.[28]Former members
Matt Finish experienced significant lineup fluctuations during its early decades, with rotating personnel contributing to various albums and tours before the band's current configuration stabilized around the 2010s.[7] Matt Moffitt served as the band's lead vocalist and guitarist from its formation in 1979 until his death in 2003, acting as the primary songwriter and driving force behind the group's creative direction.[2][7] His passing profoundly impacted the band, leading to a period of reformation and tribute efforts by remaining members.[2] Richard Grossman played bass from January 1980 to the end of 1981, providing the rhythmic foundation for the band's debut album Short Note (1981), which reached No. 18 on the Australian charts.[7][30] Jeff Clayton was an early multi-instrumentalist, starting on bass in 1979 alongside Glen White on guitar, before switching to rhythm guitar in 1980 and remaining until around 1984; he made a brief return in 2006 for the Matt Moffitt Memorial Tour, contributing to the band's foundational sound and early live performances.[7][31] Guy Le Claire joined on guitar in 1990 during the band's reformation, supporting tours and recordings alongside Lindsay Jehan on bass and Jennifer Barrett on guitar and vocals.[7][32] In the 1980s, additional contributors included Anthony Smith on keyboards for sessions around Word of Mouth (1984), introducing synth elements to the band's evolving sound, and session guitarists like Ken Francis and Burt Dorsett.[7][12] The 1990s and early 2000s featured short-term members such as Lindsay Jehan (bass, 1990), Bobby Christian (bass, 1993), Geoff Marr (bass/vocals, 1996–1997), and Rohan Cannon (guitar/vocals, 1993), reflecting the band's fluid roster during periods of intermittent activity and album production like By Heart (1993).[7]Discography
Studio albums
Matt Finish released their debut studio album, Short Note, in February 1981 through Giant Records, a subsidiary of CBS Records. The album, produced by Peter Dawkins, features 10 original tracks and includes the title track as its lead single. It achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 14 on the Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart.[7][33][9][11] The band's second studio album, Word of Mouth, arrived in May 1984 on CBS Records. Produced by Nicky Graham with contributions from the band, it comprises 10 tracks and spawned the hit single "Always Another." The release marked a more polished sound, recorded partly overseas, and charted at No. 25 on the Australian Kent Music Report.[7][4][34][35] In 1993, Matt Finish issued their third studio album, By Heart, via the independent Nova label (distributed by BMG). Produced by Peter Dawkins and the band, the 10-track effort received moderate radio airplay, particularly for singles "Blue" and "Earthbound (Don't Sing for Me)."[36][37][38] Following By Heart, the band shifted emphasis toward live recordings, EPs, and compilations rather than new studio material, reflecting their evolving focus on touring and archival releases.[39]Live recordings and EPs
Matt Finish built a formidable reputation as one of Australia's premier live rock acts during the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for their explosive performances that blended raw energy with intricate songcraft.[40] The band's onstage dynamism, characterized by Matt Moffitt's charismatic vocals and guitar work alongside tight rhythmic interplay, drew consistent crowds and cemented their status in the Sydney pub rock scene.[40] The Fade Away EP, released in October 1981 on The Giant Recording Company, serves as a primary document of this era, capturing their intensity in a four-track set recorded over two nights. The EP features live performances at Sydney's PACT Theatre in July of that year, using an AAV mobile recording truck to preserve the venue's intimate atmosphere and audience response, and peaked at No. 50 on the Australian Kent Music Report.[41] The tracks—"Fade Away," "It's On My Way," "Eat Your Lips Off," and "Calls"—highlight the band's early post-punk urgency, with hard-strummed guitars and urgent rhythms that elevated the material beyond studio versions.[41] This recording, produced amid the band's rising momentum following their debut album, exemplifies the raw power that defined their live shows.[39] In 1983, the band released the self-titled EP Matt Finish on CBS Records, featuring four tracks including "Out on Those Moments" and "High Times for the Poor."[42] The band also released the live album Matt Finish at the Tivoli in 2009, recorded on 6 August 1983 at The Tivoli nightclub in Sydney.[43] In 2009, Matt Finish issued the EP New Frontier on Mammal Music, marking further archival activity.[44] While unofficial bootlegs circulated among fans, and select official live tracks from 1981 sessions later appeared in archival compilations, these releases underscore the band's enduring legacy as a live force without reliance on extensive studio polish.[39]Compilations and box sets
In 2008, Matt Finish released 1978–2008, a retrospective compilation marking the band's 30-year milestone, featuring re-recorded versions of key tracks from their career along with three previously unreleased songs. Issued on compact disc by the independent label Mammal Music, the album includes 11 songs spanning their discography, such as reimaginings of classics like "Short Note" and "Layman's Day," produced at Unity Gain Studios in Sydney and mastered at King Willie Sound. This release served as an archival tribute during the band's revival period, complementing their original catalog by offering refreshed interpretations for longtime fans.[16][39] In 2009, Matt Finish issued Kite on a Hurricane Day, a compilation featuring recordings from 1984, 1991, and 1999.[45] That same year, Matt Finish issued Flight Case, a limited-edition 12-disc box set (11 CDs + 1 DVD) that compiled rarities, demos, live recordings, and remastered hits covering the period from 1978 to 2008. Packaged as a comprehensive retrospective, it encompassed studio albums like Short Note and Word of Mouth, alongside previously unreleased material and live performances from venues such as the Civic Hotel in 1979, all aimed at preserving the band's evolving sound during their post-2004 resurgence. Due to its limited availability, the set was reconfigured in 2011 into two separate 6-disc volumes—Set One: Discs 1-6 (including live and studio content plus a DVD) and Set Two: Discs 7-12 (focusing on additional live and archival tracks)—making the material more accessible while maintaining its archival focus.[46][17][47] Post-2010, minor digital reissues and bundles emerged, such as streaming compilations of select tracks from these retrospectives on platforms like Spotify, further supporting the band's archival efforts amid ongoing live activity. These releases, including digital versions of 1978–2008 and excerpts from Flight Case, emphasized preservation without introducing new content, aligning with the revival era's goal of sustaining Matt Finish's legacy.[48]Singles
Matt Finish released a series of standalone singles primarily in the early 1980s, with sporadic releases in the 1990s, focusing on promotion for their albums and live tours. Their debut single, "Mancini Shuffle," was issued in November 1980 on Giant Records, backed by "C.I.A." on the B-side, and peaked at No. 57 on the Kent Music Report singles chart, marking the band's initial entry into the Australian market.[8][49] The follow-up single, "Short Note," released in February 1981 and backed by "Layman's Day," drew from their debut album of the same name and became a radio staple, reaching No. 18 on the Kent Music Report and contributing to the band's growing popularity on Australian airwaves.[8][7][24] "Out on These Moments," released in 1983 and backed by "High Times for the Poor," peaked at No. 53 on the Kent Music Report.[50] In May 1984, "Always Another" was released as the lead single from their second album Word of Mouth on CBS Records, with "Forecast" as the B-side; it peaked at No. 77 on the Kent Music Report, supported by the band's active touring schedule at the time.[35][5] "Words and Wars" followed in 1984 from Word of Mouth, with no significant chart performance.[34] Activity waned in the late 1980s, but the band returned with "One Day at a Time" in 1992 as a non-album single.[51] Limited promotional singles in 1993 tied to their album By Heart. "Earthbound (Don't Sing for Me)," issued as a CD EP on BMG's Nova label in July 1993, emphasized airplay and live performances rather than commercial chart success.[15][52] Similarly, "Blue," released as a CD single in August 1993 on BMG, received targeted radio promotion but did not chart prominently.[37][53] In 1994, the non-album single "Will I Ever Know?" was released.[51] No major singles followed after 1994, though digital re-releases of earlier tracks like "Short Note" and "Mancini Shuffle" have supported subsequent tours and anniversary events.[7] The enduring appeal of "Short Note" was highlighted by Wendy Matthews' acoustic cover on her 2004 album Café Naturale.[54][55]| Single Title | Release Date | Album Association | Peak Chart Position (Kent Music Report) | B-Side |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mancini Shuffle | November 1980 | Short Note (1981) | No. 57 | C.I.A. |
| Short Note | February 1981 | Short Note (1981) | No. 18 | Layman's Day |
| Out on These Moments | 1983 | Word of Mouth (1984) | No. 53 | High Times for the Poor |
| Always Another | May 1984 | Word of Mouth (1984) | No. 77 | Forecast |
| Words and Wars | 1984 | Word of Mouth (1984) | Uncharted | N/A |
| One Day at a Time | 1992 | Non-album single | Uncharted | N/A |
| Earthbound (Don't Sing for Me) | July 1993 | By Heart (1993) | Uncharted (airplay focus) | N/A (CD EP) |
| Blue | August 1993 | By Heart (1993) | Uncharted (promo) | N/A (CD single) |
| Will I Ever Know? | 1994 | Non-album single | Uncharted | N/A |