Moving Pictures: Australian Classic Rock Storytellers

Moving Pictures is an Australian rock band best known for their massive 1980s power ballad "What About Me?". Hailing from Sydney, the group achieved international recognition with their debut album "Days of Innocence", which went multi-platinum in their home country and charted in the United States.

Early career

Moving Pictures formed in Sydney in 1978 around the core duo of vocalist Alex Smith and guitarist Garry Frost. The band honed their sound in the vibrant pub rock scene, blending melodic rock with thoughtful, narrative-driven lyrics. Their independent single "Bustin' Loose" garnered local attention, leading to a recording contract with the WEA label in 1981.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 1982 with the release of their debut album "Days of Innocence". Propelled by the soaring single "What About Me?", the album skyrocketed to number one on the Australian Kent Music Report chart. "Days of Innocence" was certified 5x Platinum in Australia and also found success on the US Billboard 200, peaking at number 52.

Key tracks

What About Me? — This chart-topping power ballad became the band's signature song and a defining anthem of Australian 80s rock.

Sweet Cherrie — A driving rock track that showcased the band's energetic live sound and received strong radio play.

Never — A melodic album cut that highlighted the band's skill for crafting emotionally resonant rock songs.

Winners — Featured on the "Footloose" movie soundtrack compilation, this track helped introduce the band to a wider international audience.

Later career and legacy

Following their initial success, Moving Pictures released their second album, "Matinee", in 1984. While it produced the hit "Back to the Streets", it could not match the phenomenal success of their debut. Internal pressures and shifting musical trends led the band to disband in 1987, though their music remained a staple on Australian radio. Alex Smith and Garry Frost revived the Moving Pictures name in the 2000s, performing live and releasing new material, including the album "The Great Escape" in 2012, to the delight of their enduring fanbase.

For fans of Moving Pictures' brand of melodic, story-driven rock, several other Australian artists from the era share a similar approach. Icehouse crafted atmospheric and anthemic rock songs with strong pop sensibilities. Models merged new wave energy with sharp, intelligent songwriting. Noiseworks carried the torch for powerful, soul-infused Australian rock in the late 80s. The Angels delivered a harder-edged version of the iconic Australian pub rock sound.

The music of Moving Pictures maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on classic rock FM stations and dedicated Australian music channels. Their timeless hit "What About Me?" is a regular feature on playlists that celebrate the greatest anthems of the 1980s, ensuring new generations discover their catalog. Online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations also frequently program deeper cuts from "Days of Innocence", acknowledging the band's full artistic contribution beyond their biggest single.

Listeners can explore the enduring rock legacy of Moving Pictures by tuning into the radio stations featured on onairium.com. Our curated selection of classic and alternative rock stations regularly spins their iconic hits and deep cuts, providing the perfect platform to experience this essential Australian band.