Gregory Stephen Perkins (born 28 December 1964), better known by his stage name Tex Perkins, is an Australian singer-songwriter who fronted the Australian rock band The Cruel Sea, but has also performed with the Beasts of Bourbon, Thug, James Baker Experience, The Butcher Shop, Salamander Jim, and

Tex, Don and Charlie Tex, Don and Charlie are an Australian supergroup formed by Tex Perkins, Don Walker and Charlie Owen. Their first studio album ''Sad but True'' was released in 1993, two others were released in 2005 and 2017. Career The band was founded in 199 ...

. He has also released many solo records. In 1997, a portrait of Tex Perkins by artist Bill Leak won the Packing Room award at the Archibald Prize.

Career

1980s: Early Groups

Perkins started his musical career in Brisbane cowpunk outfit Tex Deadly and the Dum-Dums,Audio interview with Tex Perkins
on

612 ABC Brisbane ABC Radio Brisbane (callsign: 4QR) is an ABC Local Radio station in Brisbane, Queensland. It is one of the largest stations in the network, serving as a base for Queensland programming - many programs are broadcast across the ABC Local Radio ...

before moving to Sydney in 1982, garnering considerable attention in the Sydney independent music scene and also touring Melbourne, before the departure of guitarist Mark Halstead ended the band. He later formed Salamander Jim with Kim Salmon from The Scientists and Richard Ploog from

The Church Church may refer to: Religion * Church (building), a building for Christian religious activities * Church (congregation), a local congregation of a Christian denomination * Church service, a formalized period of Christian communal worship * Chris ...

. Due to touring commitments for Ploog & Salmon, Perkins formed a different line up with Stu Spasm, Lachlan McLeod and Martin Bland. In 1985 this line-up recorded and released their only record, an EP titled ''Lorne Greene Shares His Precious Fluids'' on Red Eye Records. Perkins and Peter Read formed Thug in Sydney in 1987 when Read's flatmate had a fascination for collecting and amassing electronic equipment. After using some of the gear on initial recordings in Read's home studio, Perkins was eager to take it to the stage. Thug's live sets would last twenty to twenty-five minutes, featuring dancers and theatrics. Thug released two studio albums ''Mechanical Ape / Proud Idiots Parade'' in 1987 and ''Electric Woolly Mammoth'' in 1988.

1983–present: The Beasts of Bourbon

Beasts of Bourbon formed in Sydney in 1983. The original lineup comprised Perkins, Spencer P. Jones, James Baker, Kim Salmon and

Boris Sudjovic Boris may refer to: People * Boris (given name), a male given name *:''See'': List of people with given name Boris * Boris (surname) * Boris I of Bulgaria (died 907), the first Christian ruler of the First Bulgarian Empire, canonized after hi ...

. The band's first album, '' The Axeman's Jazz'', was an underground success, but the group continued to be just a side project until 1988 when it reformed to record '' Sour Mash'', followed by 1990's ''

Black Milk Curtis Eugene Cross (born August 14, 1983), better known by his stage name Black Milk, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Career In addition to Slum Village, Black Milk has worked with J Dilla, Elzhi, Phat Kat, Frank-N-Dan ...

'' and 1991's ''The Low Road''. In 1993, the group toured extensively to support the double album '' From the Belly of the Beasts'', then disbanded temporarily. It reformed to record ''

Gone Gone may refer to: Grammar * Gone, the past participle of go (verb) ** Have gone or have been, contrasting verb forms in some contexts Arts, entertainment, and media Film * ''Gone'', a 2002 a thriller written, directed by and starring Tim Chey ...

'' in 1997, which received lukewarm reviews, but produced a somewhat successful single, "Saturated". In 2003, the group reformed again to record a live album, ''Low Life'', released on Spooky Records. In December 2006 it was announced that Albert Productions had signed an exclusive worldwide recording deal with the band and on 23 April 2007, released a new album '' Little Animals''. In August 2013 the band celebrated its 30th anniversary.

1987–2003: The Cruel Sea

After toying with different band members, The Cruel Sea came into fruition in 1987 as Ken Gormley on bass, Jim Elliot on drums, Danny Rumour on guitars and James Cruikshank on keyboards and guitars. They took their name from a recording by the 1960s surf instrumental group, The Ventures. In 1989 Perkins (their then-lighting technician) started joining them onstage. This sparked an interest from Red Eye Records, and the band was signed and released a 1989 album '' Down Below''. It received an ARIA Award nomination in 1993 following the release of a second album, '' This Is Not the Way Home'' in 1991. The group's third album, '' The Honeymoon Is Over'', released in 1993, and its title song, won five ARIA Music Awards of 1994. The Cruel Sea followed with a high-profile world tour. 1995 saw the release of the hugely successful ''

Three Legged Dog ''Three Legged Dog'' is the fourth studio album by Australian indie rock band The Cruel Sea. The album was released in April 1995 and peaked at number 1 on the ARIA Charts. The liner notes of the album lists “For Pandora”, Gormly’s daught ...

'' album, which won the group another ARIA award. In 1998, The Cruel Sea released '' Over Easy'' in 1997 and ''

Where There's Smoke Where There's Smoke may refer to: * ''Where There's Smoke...'', a 1979 album by Smokey Robinson * Where There's Smoke (The Cruel Sea album), ''Where There's Smoke'' (The Cruel Sea album), 2001 * Where There's Smoke... (Gibson/Miller Band album), ...

'' in 2001.

1992–present: Tex, Don and Charlie

is an Australian group formed by Tex Perkins, Don Walker from Cold Chisel and guitarist Charlie Owen. Their first album '' Sad But True'' was released in 1993. Their distinctively Australian country-blues cocktail was reflected in their live album of 1995, '' Monday Morning Coming Down...''. In March 2005, Tex, Don and Charlie released their second studio album '' All is Forgiven'' and a third, '' You Don't Know Lonely'' in 2017. All four albums have charted in the ARIA top 100.

2000-2015: Dark Horses

The Dark Horses band arose from the writing, recording and touring for the '' Dark Horses'' album (Slick/Grudge, 1592612). Members were initially Charlie Owen, Joel Silbersher, Murray Paterson and Jim Elliott. Later members include Richard Needham, Gus Agars, James Cruikshank and Steve Hadley. Sweet Nothing (Slick/Grudge, 0384961) credited to Tex Perkins' Dark Horses, was released in 2003 followed by ''Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses'' (Dark Horse Records/Inertia DHR001) in 2011. ''Everyone's Alone'' (Dark Horse Records/Inertia DHR002) was released in 2012 and Tunnel at the End of the Light (Dark Horse Records/Inertia DHR003) in 2015.

1996–present: Solo Career

In 1996, Perkins released his first solo studio album, ''

Far Be It from Me ''Far Be It from Me'' is the debut solo studio album by Australian singer-songwriter Tex Perkins. The album was released in August 1996 and peaked at number 42 on the ARIA Charts. Track listing Charts Release history References {{Auth ...

'', which peaked at number 43 on the ARIA Charts. In 2000, Perkins released his second solo studio album, '' Dark Horses'' which peaked at number 24 on the ARIA Charts. In 2003, '' Sweet Nothing'' was released which was credited to Tex Perkins' Dark Horses and peaked at number 34 on the ARIA Charts. In 2006, Perkins worked with Tim Rogers and released the album ''

My Better Half ''My Better Half'' is a collaborative studio album by Tex Perkins and Tim Rogers, credited to TnT. It was initially meant to be an extended play to sell at shows, but the recording process resulted in a full-length album. The album was release ...

'' and credited it TnT. The album peaked at number 31 on the ARIA Charts. In 2008, Perkins released the album ''No. 1's & No. 2's'', credited to Tex Perkins And His Ladyboyz. In 2009, with Dr Murray Paterson, he wrote the soundtrack to the Australian drama film '' Beautiful Kate''. The album received an ARIA nomination for Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album for the soundtrack at the ARIA Music Awards of 2009. In 2010 and 2011, Tex Perkins and The Tennessee Four (Shannon Bourne, guitar; Shane Reilly, guitar; Steve Hadley, bass; Dave Folley, drums) performed a series of shows in Australia and New Zealand, titled ''The Man in Black – The Johnny Cash Story'', the show featured two hours of

Johnny Cash John R. Cash (born J. R. Cash; February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003) was an American country singer-songwriter. Much of Cash's music contained themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially in the later stages of his ca ...

’s music interwoven with the story of his rise to stardom, his fight for survival and his eventual redemption. Tex Perkins (a baritone, as was Cash) and Rachael Tidd (as Cash's wife June Carter Cash), performed faithful renditions of Cash's songs while telling Cash's story in the third person between songs. During the show, Tex humorously emphasises the name of Cash's guitarist Luther Perkins. Tex Perkins and The Tennessee Four performed a further series of shows in 2013 and 2014. On 10 June 2011, Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses released a new, self-titled album which peaked at number 73. ''Everyone's Alone'' was released in 2012 followed by '' Tunnel at the End of the Light'' in July 2015 and peaked at number 52. In 2015, Perkins collaboration with The Steel Springs on "One Minute's Silence", released on

Anzac Day , image = Dawn service gnangarra 03.jpg , caption = Anzac Day Dawn Service at Kings Park, Western Australia, 25 April 2009, 94th anniversary. , observedby = Australia Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Cook Islands New ...

, to commemorate the centenary of the landing at Anzac Cove. The track, written by author Matthew Hardy, features The Welsh Choir and a spoken word performance by

Australian rules football Australian football, also called Australian rules football or Aussie rules, or more simply football or footy, is a contact sport played between two teams of 18 players on an oval field, often a modified cricket ground. Points are scored by k ...

legend

Ron Barassi Ronald Dale Barassi Jr. (born 27 February 1936) is a former Australian rules footballer, coach and media personality. Regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of the game, Barassi was the first player to be inaugurated into ...

Film and TV appearances

Perkins has a cameo role in the 1998 Australian film, '' Praise''. He appeared on '' Battle of the Choirs'' on the Seven Network in Australia in 2008. He has hosted '' RocKwiz'' numerous times. He voiced a cartoon shark in the 2011

Movie Extra A background actor or extra is a performer in a film, television show, stage, musical, opera, or ballet production who appears in a nonspeaking or nonsinging (silent) capacity, usually in the background (for example, in an audience or busy stree ...

animated series '' Shaaark''.

Personal life

Perkins is a supporter of the

St Kilda Football Club The St Kilda Football Club, nicknamed the Saints, is a professional Australian rules football club based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Victoria. The club plays in the Australian Football League (AFL), the sport's premier league. The club ...

in the

Australian Football League The Australian Football League (AFL) is the only fully professional competition of Australian rules football. Through the AFL Commission, the AFL also serves as the sport's governing body and is responsible for controlling the laws of the gam ...

. He invented the sport of zoneball, a cross between

and tennis. According to AFL player Bob Murphy, "Tex is to zoneball what Tom Wills is to footy ... The creator, the maestro, the master of ceremonies."

Discography

Studio albums

Live album

Soundtrack album

Compilation albums

Video albums

Awards and nominations

AIR Awards

The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector. ! , - ,

2022 File:2022 collage V1.png, Clockwise, from top left: Road junction at Yamato-Saidaiji Station several hours after the assassination of Shinzo Abe; 2022 Sri Lankan protests, Anti-government protest in Sri Lanka in front of the Presidential Secretari ...

, ''Tex Perkins & The Fat Rubber Band'' , Best Independent Country Album or EP , ,

ARIA Music Awards

The

ARIA Music Awards The Australian Recording Industry Association Music Awards (commonly known informally as ARIA Music Awards, ARIA Awards, or simply the ARIAs) is an annual series of awards nights celebrating the Australian music industry, put on by the Austr ...

are annual awards, which recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of

Australian music The music of Australia has an extensive history made of music societies. Indigenous Australian music forms a significant part of the unique heritage of a 40,000- to 60,000-year history which produced the iconic didgeridoo. Contemporary fusions of ...

. They commenced in 1987. , - , rowspan="3" ,

1994 File:1994 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: The 1994 Winter Olympics are held in Lillehammer, Norway; The Kaiser Permanente building after the 1994 Northridge earthquake; A model of the MS Estonia, which Sinking of the MS Estonia, sank in ...

, , ''Sad But True'' , ,

ARIA Award for Best Male Artist The ARIA Music Award for Best Male Artist, is an award presented at the annual ARIA Music Awards, which recognises "the many achievements of Aussie artists across all music genres", since 1987. It is handed out by the Australian Recording Indus ...

, , , - , "The Honeymoon Is Over" (written by James Cruickshank, Tex Perkins, Dan Rumour) , , rowspan="2" , ARIA Award for Song of the Year , , , - , "Black Stick" (written by James Cruickshank, Tex Perkins, Dan Rumour), , , - ,

1996 File:1996 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: A Centennial Olympic Park bombing, bomb explodes at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, set off by a radical Anti-abortion violence, anti-abortionist; The center fuel tank explodes on TWA Flight 8 ...

, , "You're Too Beautiful" , , Best Male Artist , , , - ,

1997 File:1997 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: The movie set of ''Titanic'', the highest-grossing movie in history at the time; ''Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'', is published; Comet Hale-Bopp passes by Earth and becomes one of t ...

, , ''Far Be It from Me'' , , Best Male Artist , , , - ,

2001 The September 11 attacks against the United States by Al-Qaeda, which Casualties of the September 11 attacks, killed 2,977 people and instigated the global war on terror, were a defining event of 2001. The United States led a Participants in ...

, , ''Dark Horses'' , , Best Male Artist , , , - ,

2003 File:2003 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: The crew of STS-107 perished when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during reentry into Earth's atmosphere; SARS became an epidemic in China, and was a precursor to SARS-CoV-2; A des ...

, , ''Sweet Nothing'' , , Best Male Artist , , , - ,

2009 File:2009 Events Collage V2.png, From top left, clockwise: The vertical stabilizer of Air France Flight 447 is pulled out from the Atlantic Ocean; Barack Obama becomes the first African American to become President of the United States; 2009 Iran ...

, , ''Beautiful Kate'' (with Murray Paterson), , ARIA Award for Best Original Soundtrack, Cast or Show Album , , , - , rowspan="2" ,

2011 File:2011 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: a protester partaking in Occupy Wall Street heralds the beginning of the Occupy movement; protests against Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, who was killed that October; a young man celebrate ...

, , ''The Man in Black'' , , ARIA Award for Best Independent Release , , , - , ''Tex Perkins & the Dark Horses'' , , ARIA Award for Best Independent Release , , , -

EG Awards / Music Victoria Awards

The EG Awards (known as ''Music Victoria Awards'' since 2013) are an annual awards night celebrating Victorian music. They commenced in 2006. , - , EG Awards of 2009 , Tex Perkins , Best Male , , -

References

External links

{{DEFAULTSORT:Perkins, Tex 1964 births ARIA Award winners Living people Australian male singers Australian rock singers Australian multi-instrumentalists People from Darwin, Northern Territory Tex, Don and Charlie members Beasts of Bourbon members