Big Pig: The Australian Alternative and Funk Rock Collective

Big Pig was an Australian alternative rock band known for their distinctive industrial and funk-infused sound. The group gained international attention in the late 1980s with their rhythmic, percussion-driven music.

Early career

Big Pig formed in Melbourne, Australia, in 1985, emerging from the city's vibrant post-punk scene. The band's core concept centered around a powerful, multi-percussionist lineup, setting them apart from typical rock ensembles of the era.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough came with their 1988 debut album, Bonk, released on A&M Records. The album's lead single, Breakaway, became a hit, receiving significant rotation on MTV and charting in several countries, including the UK and Australia.

Key tracks

Breakaway - This driving, synth-and-percussion track was the band's biggest commercial success, defining their industrial funk sound.

Hungry Town - Another single from Bonk, it showcased the band's gritty, rhythmic storytelling and powerful vocal delivery.

Money God - This track highlighted the group's social commentary and their ability to blend rock energy with danceable grooves.

Following their initial success, Big Pig contributed music to film soundtracks, most notably for the 1988 movie "The Year My Voice Broke." The band's intense live performances, built around their formidable percussion section, became a hallmark of their brief but memorable career. Despite the promising start, internal tensions and shifting musical trends led to the band's dissolution in the early 1990s after just one studio album.

Fans of Big Pig's unique fusion may also enjoy the work of INXS, who blended rock with dance and funk elements. The industrial rock textures can be heard in Midnight Oil's more experimental work. For the percussive, art-rock approach, listeners might explore The Art Of Noise. The post-punk energy is also present in fellow Australians The Birthday Party.