The Cockroaches: Australian Pub Rock Pioneers

The Cockroaches are an Australian rock band best known as the direct precursor to the global pop phenomenon The Wiggles. Formed in Sydney in 1979, the band carved out a successful career in the vibrant Australian pub rock circuit, releasing several albums and scoring chart hits throughout the 1980s.

Early career

The band was formed by brothers Anthony, Paul, and John Field, along with their friend Tony Henry. Their energetic, guitar-driven sound was rooted in 1960s rock and roll and power pop, perfectly suited for the live music scene. They built a strong following through relentless touring of pubs and clubs, leading to their self-titled debut album in 1986.

Breakthrough

The Cockroaches achieved mainstream success in 1987 with their second album, The Cockroaches: Fingertips, released on the independent label Regular Records. The lead single, She's the One, became a major hit, peaking at number 16 on the Australian singles chart and receiving significant radio airplay. This success was solidified by the follow-up single Wait Up, which also charted strongly.

Key tracks

She's the One — This power-pop anthem was the band's biggest commercial hit, defining their sound for a national audience.

Wait Up — Another top 40 single that cemented their chart success and radio presence in the late 1980s.

Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love) — A popular cover of The Swingin' Medallions' classic that became a staple of their raucous live shows.

I Want a Woman — A track showcasing their blend of catchy melodies and driving pub rock energy.

The band continued to tour and record, releasing their third album, Positive, in 1988. While they maintained a dedicated fanbase, the core members gradually shifted focus in the early 1990s toward creating children's music, applying their songwriting chops to a new genre. This evolution led Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page, and Jeff Fatt to form The Wiggles in 1991, achieving unprecedented international success.

Fans of The Cockroaches' brand of catchy, guitar-based rock should explore similar Australian acts. Listen to Mental As Anything for their shared knack for witty lyrics and pop-rock hooks. The energetic live spirit is also found in Hoodoo Gurus, masters of garage and power pop. For another staple of the Aussie pub circuit, try The Saints, pioneers of a rawer rock sound. The melodic sensibility connects to The Church, though they explore more psychedelic territories.

The music of The Cockroaches remains a fixture on classic rock FM stations and Australian rock radio stations that celebrate the nation's rich musical heritage. Their hits are regularly featured in blocks dedicated to 1980s alternative and pub rock, keeping their legacy alive for new generations of listeners.

You can hear the classic pub rock sounds of The Cockroaches on various radio stations featured on our website. Explore the onairium.com platform to discover stations that regularly play this foundational Australian band and similar artists from the era.