Uncanny X-Men
About
Melbourne based pop/rock band from 1981-1987. Re-formed briefly in 1998
History
Uncanny X-Men formed in Melbourne as a guitar pop band in 1981 and worked the pub rock circuit. Original line-up included Chuck Hargreaves on guitar, Steve Harrison on bass guitar, Brian Mannix as lead singer, Nick Manthandos on drums and Ron Thiessen on guitar. Mannix became known for his mischievous and comical send-ups of other artists. The band was signed by Mushroom Records early in 1982 and released their debut EP Salive One in November, which peaked at #15 on the Kent Music Report. They toured Australia in support of US rock act Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Early in 1983, Harrison was replaced on bass by John Kirk, and they released their single, “How Do You Get Your Kicks?” in March. Craig Waugh replaced Manthandos on drums and they released another single “Time Goes So Fast”. They toured through 1984 and released an EP, Beach Party, in July which included the single, “Everybody Wants to Work”.
From Wikipedia
Members
- Chuck Hargreaves — guitar (1981–1987)
- Steve Harrison — bass guitar (1981–1983)
- Brian Mannix — lead vocals (1981–1987)
- Nick Manthandos — drums (1981–1983)
- Ron Thiessen — guitar (1981–1986)
- John Kirk — bass guitar (1983–1987)
- Craig Waugh — drums (1983–1987)
- Joey Amenta — guitar (1986)
- Brett Kingman — guitar (1986–1987)
Video
Everybody wants to work.
50 Years
Albums
- ‘Cos Life Hurts – 1985
- What You Give is What You Get! – 1986
Known Gigs
1982
January
- Pacific Hotel, Lorne
- Torquay Hotel, Torquay
- London Tavern, Caulfield
- Torquay Hotel, Torquay
- Isle Of Wight Hotel, Phillip Island
February
- Commodore Hotel, Sandringham
Afternoon show.
- Doncaster Hotel, Doncaster
- with Sharon O'Neill BandWaterloo Cup Hotel, Moonee Ponds
- Prospect Hill Hotel, Kew
- Bombay Rock, Brunswick
- Pacific Hotel, Lorne
- with HeavenPier Hotel, Frankston
- London Tavern, Caulfield
- with Sharon O'Neill BandChevron Hotel, Melbourne
- Moreland Hotel, Brunswick
- Chasers Nightclub, South Yarra
- Valley Inn, Geelong
- Waterloo Cup Hotel, Moonee Ponds
March
- Bombay Rock, Brunswick
- Royal Hotel, Essendon
- Eureka Hotel, Geelong
- Overlander Hotel, Geelong
April
- Eureka Hotel, Geelong
- London Tavern, Caulfield
- Mainstream Rock, Melbourne
Late show.
- Prospect Hill Hotel, Kew
- Pier Hotel, Frankston
- with HeavenBombay Rock, Brunswick
- Commodore Hotel, Sandringham
- Prospect Hill Hotel, Kew
- Pier Hotel, Frankston
May
- London Tavern, Caulfield
- Eureka Hotel, Geelong
- with Russell Morris and The RubesChelsea Town Hall, Chelsea
- Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave
- with Wendy and The RockettsChevron Hotel, Melbourne
- Moreland Hotel, Brunswick
- Armadale Hotel, Armadale
- Prospect Hill Hotel, Kew
- Richmond Henty Hotel, Portland
- Bridge Hotel, Mordialloc
June
- Croxton Park Hotel, Thornbury
- Eureka Hotel, Geelong
- Centre Club Hotel, Morwell
- Armadale Hotel, Armadale
- Chevron Hotel, Melbourne
- Commodore Hotel, Sandringham
July
- with Liquid EngineersProspect Hill Hotel, Kew
- Chevron Hotel, Melbourne
- Cross Keys Hotel, North Essendon
- with The RadiatorsBombay Rock, Brunswick
- Eureka Hotel, Richmond
- with Russell Morris and The RubesWaltzing Matilda Hotel, Springvale
- Braybrook Hotel, Braybrook
- with The DugitesCroxton Park Hotel, Thornbury
- Chevron Hotel, Melbourne
Late show.
- London Tavern, Caulfield
August
- Armadale Hotel, Armadale
- Eureka Hotel, Geelong
- Tarmac Hotel, Laverton
- with Prezence, The Lonely HeartsCaringbah Inn, Caringbah
November
- Prospect Hill Hotel, Kew
- Prospect Hill Hotel, Kew
- Doncaster Hotel, Doncaster
- Footscray Football Club, Footscray
1983
January
- with Rose Tattoo, Cold Chisel, Haiku, Mighty Guys, The Allniters, Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons, Dragon, Goanna, Mi-Sex, Richard ClaptonNarara Music Festival, Somersby
February
- with Jo Jo Zep and the FalconsBexley North Hotel, Bexley North
- with Australian CrawlThe Tivoli, Sydney
May
- Family Inn, Rydalmere
June
- Caringbah Inn, Caringbah
- with The ExpressionBlondies Restaurant, Rockdale
July
- Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave
- with The Zarsoff BrothersProspect Hill Hotel, Kew
August
- with The CuckoosGreenfield Tavern, Greenfield Park
- with QV's, DragonThe Tivoli, Sydney
- with The HurtCaringbah Inn, Caringbah
- with DragonCronulla Workers Club, Cronulla
- with DragonCastle Hill RSL Club, Castle Hill
- Balmain Leagues Club, Balmain
- with Russell Morris, DragonMaroubra Seals Club, Maroubra
September
- Pier Hotel, Frankston
October
- with AvionEureka Hotel, Geelong
December
- with The Models, Split EnzSidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
- with FaultlineCaringbah Inn, Caringbah
1984
January
- Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave
- Prospect Hill Hotel, Kew
- Dorset Gardens Hotel, Croydon
- with SunnyboysRoyal Antler Hotel, Narrabeen
June
- Balmain Leagues Club, Balmain
October
- with Skyhooks, Weekend Rockstars, The Radiators, No Nonsense, Electric Pandas, Kids In The Kitchen, Richard Clapton Band, Australian CrawlOlympic Park Stadium, Melbourne
3XY Rocktober
1985
April
- with Forever FifteenStardust Hotel aka Sweethearts, Cabramatta
May
- with Forever FifteenSt George Sailing Club, Sans Souci
- with Forever FifteenThe Tivoli, Sydney
1986
May
- Paradise Club, Sunshine
- Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave
- Nunawading Skate Ranch, Nunawading
- Sydney Cove Tavern, Circular Quay
October
- with Jump Inc, DragonStardust Hotel aka Sweethearts, Cabramatta
1987
January
- The Playroom, Tallebudgera
October
- Caringbah Inn, Caringbah
- Billboard, Melbourne
- Pakenham Public Hall, Pakenham
- Olympic Hotel, Preston
[…] Uncanny X-Men […]
Steven p. Harrison passed away on Tuesday 28th July 2009
THE MUSIC DIED
MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
It was Steve Harrison who helped me to realise my dream of playing in a band. I could not have done what I did without you, mate. You were and will always be the person I most looked up to and respected. Thanks so much for all the good times, mate. You’ll be my first stop when my time comes!
[…] 55, Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons – Born Nicholas Aitken7th Oct 1961 – Brian Mannix – Uncanny X Men10th Oct 1991 – Gabriella Cilmi15th Oct 1982 – Paulini Curuenavuli20th Oct 1971 – […]
I saw the Uncanny X-Men Live in March 2011 at the Chelsea Heights Hotel in Melbourne. Here is one of my two videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c70m1Gp3mxo
Hi Brian
What towns did you tour with the band in your career?
Your fan Kerry
[…] Synopsis: Ron Thiessen is a famous successful musician, who I worked with for 6 months in 1991. In response to the voices […]
uncanney x men
[…] Uncanny X-Men […]
[…] 7th Oct 1961 – Brian Mannix – Uncanny X Men […]
To all who enjoyed the Uncanny X-Men you must read “Brian Mannix 50 Years”.
A very absorbing read and a real insight into the recording industry.
I have loved the X-Men since August 1984. I love that they are still doing the odd show 40 years later.