Skyhooks: Australia's Glam Rock Pioneers
Skyhooks were a flamboyant and influential Australian glam rock band that dominated the 1970s charts. Hailing from Melbourne, the band achieved massive commercial success with their debut album, "Living in the 70's," which became one of the highest-selling Australian albums of the decade.
Early career
Skyhooks formed in Melbourne in 1973, assembled by guitarist Red Symons. The band's theatrical look and sharp, observational lyrics, penned primarily by bassist Greg Macainsh, set them apart from the pub rock scene. Their initial lineup featured the charismatic Shirley Strachan on lead vocals, whose presence became central to their identity.
Breakthrough
The band's breakthrough was immediate and seismic with the 1974 release of their debut album "Living in the 70's" on the Mushroom Records label. The album spent 16 weeks at number one on the Australian charts and was certified platinum multiple times, eventually selling over 350,000 copies. Singles like "Living in the 70's" and "You Just Like Me 'Cos I'm Good in Bed" became anthems, despite facing radio bans for their provocative content.
Key tracks
Living in the 70's — The title track from their landmark debut album captured the era's social landscape and became a definitive national anthem.
Horror Movie — This smash hit single from their debut showcased their catchy glam rock hooks and witty, suburban-themed lyrics.
Ego Is Not a Dirty Word — A key track from their second album "Ego Is Not a Dirty Word," which also debuted at number one, solidifying their superstar status.
Women in Uniform — A later hit from 1978's "Guilty Until Proven Insane," this song was famously later covered by British heavy metal icons Iron Maiden.
Jukebox in Siberia — A highlight from their 1974 debut, demonstrating Greg Macainsh's sophisticated songwriting beyond the hit singles.
Skyhooks followed their debut with a string of chart-topping albums, including "Ego Is Not a Dirty Word" (1975) and "Straight in a Gay Gay World" (1976). The band's elaborate stage shows and costumes made them a major touring draw. After several lineup changes, including the departure of Shirley Strachan in 1977, the band's commercial peak passed, and they disbanded in 1980.
Fans of Skyhooks' brand of catchy, theatrical rock should also explore other seminal Australian acts. Sherbet shared a similar era of chart dominance and pop-rock sensibility. Split Enz offered a comparable flair for the dramatic and inventive songwriting. The Saints represented a rawer, punk-influenced side of the Australian 1970s music scene. AC/DC emerged from the same fertile hard rock environment, though with a very different, less theatrical intensity.
The music of Skyhooks remains a staple on Australian classic rock FM stations and dedicated 70s rock radio streams. Their biggest hits receive regular airplay, introducing new generations to their unique blend of glam and sharp social commentary.
Listeners can discover the iconic glam rock sound of Skyhooks on radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to the classic rock and specialty music stations available on onairium.com to hear "Horror Movie," "Living in the 70's," and other essential tracks from this groundbreaking Australian band.
