Noiseworks

New Zealand-born pop singer Jon Stevens had released a solo album and several hit singles (including a duet with Sharon O'Neill) before relocating to Sydney in 1981.[1] Stevens recorded a self-titled album for the Big Time label, two singles were issued but neither were successful. In 1983, Stevens formed The Change with guitarist Stuart Fraser, who had played in 1970s hard rock act Blackfeather (later called Feather) and then with fellow member Swanee. Bass player Steve Balbi, who was a member of Kevin Borich Express and played with The Change on their 1984 single "Forever Young". The following year, Stevens and Fraser hired Balbi and drummer Kevin Nicol (ex-Dial X). United States-born Justin Stanley was Balbi's song writing partner and joined the group in 1986, the band was renamed as Noiseworks.[2]

Noiseworks was formed in Sydney with the line up of Steve Balbi on bass guitar and backing vocals; Stuart Fraser on guitar and backing vocals; Kevin Nicol on drums; Justin Stanley on keyboards, harmonica and backing vocals; and Jon Stevens on lead vocals.[3] After quickly establishing a solid following on Sydney's pub rock circuit, Noiseworks was signed by CBS.[1] Their first single, "No Lies", reached the Top 40 on the Kent Music Report Singles Chart.[4] "Take Me Back" was more successful, making No. 7, and became one of the band's best known songs.[4]

In June 1987 they released their debut self-titled album, Noiseworks, which was produced by Mark Opitz (The Angels, Cold Chisel) and engineered by Alan Wright (INXS, Icehouse, Ratt).[3][4] It peaked at No. 6 on the Kent Music Report Albums Chart.[4] "Love Somebody" and "Welcome to the World" were also lifted from the album, but neither made the Top 40.[4] Noiseworks sold more than 210,000 copies (3× platinum) in Australia.[1] "Burning Feeling" was released as the album's fifth single in early 1988, and missed the top 50.[4]

On 11 November 1988, their second album Touch was released and debuted at No. 5 on the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Albums Chart.[4] The album was produced by Chris Kimsey (The Rolling Stones, Killing Joke, Marillion) and Noiseworks, and engineered by Al Wright (Hoodoo Gurus, Jimmy Barnes, Divinyls). [3] The title track preceded it as the first single, peaking at No. 12 on the ARIA Singles Chart.[4] Subsequent singles "Voice of Reason", "Simple Man" and "In My Youth" failed to make the Top 40. Nevertheless, Noiseworks was now one of Australia's most popular live rock acts.[1]

The third album, Love Versus Money, had production started by Noiseworks but was initially rejected by their new label, Sony. Sony brought in Randy Jackson to assist in the album's production.[1] Love Versus Money featured guest appearances by Michael Hutchence of INXS, Vika and Linda Bull and Penny Ford of the techno group Snap!. The first two singles, "Freedom" and "Miles & Miles" were moderate hits, but the third, the hard-rocking "Hot Chilli Woman", reached No. 7 and propelled the album to the top of the chart when it was released on 5 July 1991.[4] Late in the year, a fourth single "R.I.P. (Millie)", a tribute to Stevens' mother who had recently died from cancer, was also released.

Stevens joined the cast of the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar in early 1992 in the role of Judas. Noiseworks disbanded following a final show in Sydney in March 1992. Later that year, the Greatest Hits compilation appeared, featuring a cover of The Beatles hit "Let It Be" which was released as a single. It had been recorded live at their last performance. The compilation climbed to No. 4 nationally.[4]

Balbi and Stanley formed the psychedelic pop group Electric Hippies in 1993 and had top 30 success with the single, "Greedy People", and debut album, Electric Hippies both released in 1994.[5][6] Electric Hippies were producers for different artists including, Vincent Stone, Jenny Morris and Nikka Costa (Stanley's wife).[6][7] By 1997, Balbi had formed another band, Universe.[6] Stanley and Costa returned to the US.[7]

Stuart Fraser was also guitarist on Jesus Christ Superstar 1992 Australian Cast Recording The Album and the concerts events. After in 1993 Fraser joined The John Farnham band and has remained as a touring and recording member Fraser has recorded on these Farnham albums Romeo's Heart in 1996, 33.1/3 in 2000, The Last Time in 2002, I Remember When I Was Young in 2005, Jack in 2010 and The Acoustic Chapel Sessions 2011 all albums and most tours was alongside John Farnham's longtime guitarist Brett Garsed who shared lead guitar duties with Fraser. On Sunday 1 December 2019, Fraser died after battling lung cancer since 2016.[8]

Stevens returned to his solo career and released further albums; he appeared as the host of the reality TV show The Resort. In 1999, Fraser, Nicol and Stevens reformed Noiseworks (as Noiseworks II) with Chris Becker on bass guitar and Barbara Griffin on keyboards and toured Australia.[1] In 2000 Stevens joined INXS, initially as a touring vocalist, but after being officially installed as a band member in October 2002 he left the band a year later. A single released by this version of the group, "I Get Up", was unsuccessful. At the Gimme Ted benefit concert on 10 March 2001, Noiseworks performed eight songs.[9]

Noiseworks reformed in September 2007, with Scott Aplin on keyboards in place of Stanley, for a national tour with The Choirboys and Balbi's project Move Trees. In December, Stevens announced that Noiseworks planned to return to the studio in 2008 to record their first studio album together in sixteen years.[10] Jon Stevens and the original Noiseworks band members featured on the Red Hot Summer Tour of NSW (in early May 2011) alongside Jimmy Barnes and Thirsty Merc.

It was confirmed on the Noiseworks Facebook page in June 2015 that a new album of material has been recorded and will be released in 2016, followed by a tour. However nothing has been released as yet, as of August 2018.

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