BLACKFIRE

 

When Blackfire formed in 1992 they immediately attracted the attention of well-known musicians and journalists who sang the band’s praises and offered support gigs. Members had all previously played in Melbourne based and national bands. The lineup was: Bradley Brown (ex-Watbalimba, Interaction) on bass guitar, drums and vocals; Selwyn Burns (ex-Coloured Stone, Mixed Relations, No Fixed Address) on lead guitar and vocals; Kutcha Edwards on lead vocals, Grant Hansen (ex-Interaction, Mercury Blues) on rhythm guitar and vocals, and Kelli McGuinness (ex-Dr Koori, Interaction, Watbalimba) on drums, bass guitar, guitar and vocals. In 1993 they were awarded NAIDOC Artists of the Year.

Their first album, 'A Time to Dream', was released in 1994 by Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA). The album was full of powerful gritty rock and roll songs making a strong political statement about these changing times. Leroy Cummins (ex-Christine Anu Band) joined the group on guitar in 1997 to expand the line-up, as did Corey Noll later on. Blackfire toured extensively throughout Australia before travelling to Asia (Japan, China and Taiwan), alongside Archie Roach and the Naroo Dancers. 

In 1996 they teamed up with Crowded House drummer Paul Hester who produced there second album 'Night Vision'. Paul was still playing in Crowded House and when he left the Crowdies, Blackfire was the first band that Paul joined. 'Night Vision' was released through Cannon Music to critical acclaim. The guys then made TV appearances on Recovery, SBS Icam and Good Morning Australia. These appearances took Blackfire to a much bigger mainstream audience. In 1998 Blackfire toured Australia with Carlos Santana to rave reviews. Blackfire often played at many Indigenous Festivals with other contemporary Indigenous acts of the time including, Yothu Yindi, Christine Anu & Kev Carmody. In 2006 Blackfire decided to take a well-earned break. 

The band released their third album ‘Re-Generation’in 2023. Songs on the album were written back before the band went off the road; however, they are still relevant today. They also wrote some new tunes and before they knew it, they had 12 songs.  The band reformed in 2023 with a new line up. David Leha, Rod Crundwell, Peter Moore, Daniel Jauregui, Leonie Whyman and Monica Mc Donald were added with original members Grant Hansen, Brad Brown Selwyn Burns.

Members

Bradley Brown (bass, drums, vocals), Selwyn Burns (guitar, vocals), Kutcha Edwards (vocals), Grant Hansen (guitar, vocals), Kelli McGuinness (drums, bass, guitar, vocals), Leroy Cummins (guitar), Corey Noll (guitar), David Leha (vocals), Rod Crundwell (keyboards), Peter Moore, Daniel Jauregui, Leonie Whyman (vocals), Monica Mc Donald (vocals)

 

ALBUMS

' A Time to Dream' 1994 CAAMA
'Night Vision' 1998 Cannon Music

'Re-Generation' 2023