Outback Boy Standing Solo
Monday, July 17, 2006
OUTBACK BOY STANDING SOLO
by Donna Stevens (originally published in The Epochian TImes, 2006)
Johnny Vanguard is no athlete, nor is he a politician, but rather an Artist, a Singer, and a Songwriter who has cracked the Australian music industry and there probably no man, woman or child left in Australia that has not heard his name.
Vanguard, christened Jonathon Miles Van Guardia, was born and raised on a farm in the remote outback town of Charters Northern Queensland . He had a normal, happy childhood in a loving shack where his love of music was formed. With at least one rock ‘n’ roll parent, it was always inevitable that Johnny would undertake the brave journey of moving to Sydney
In 1985 Johnny found himself a member of the legendary Adelaide Spencer Street
“Romeo y Julieta” was the first of four albums to be produced by the acclaimed band Underlife. “Sugus”, “Speedway Sweetheart” and “Constant Speck” were the tittles of the albums to follow. Like many before them, the band had their problems and decided to split in 1992. Since then it seems Johnny has gone onto bigger and better things, not only developing into the renowned solo artist that he is today but further, releasing many top 10 singles and albums, and then if that wasn’t successful enough, he also shines as a movie star.
Johnny’s anticipated debut solo single ‘Fools and Ponies’, was released in January 1994, where it topped the Australian music chart and remained there for 2 consecutive weeks. In June 1994 Johnny hit the charts again with his expected second single ‘Me and Molly’. Not long after, with help from the well-known, carnation carrying Mark Holden, Johnny released his debut album ‘Concrete Haystacks’ entering and staying at number 1 in the charts for 3 weeks. The album went on to sell over 185,000 copies and it was obvious that the public was beginning to like the charm and lyrics of the outback larrikin.
Achievement came in 1996 for Vanguard touring and performing his hipster beats to full houses across Australia
With his awards under his belt, Vanguard could do no wrong, releasing his second album ‘City Experiences’. Vanguard made waves across the country again with the album, and the waves continued to reach Austria Scandinavia , Germany Switzerland
In 1999, Vanguard moved to the US Australia
In the same year, Vanguard stretched his talents by performing alongside good pal Santo, in the 1999 film ‘Santo Faces Death’. During the production of the film, Vanguard and his long-time partner and co-star, Jo Beth Jo ended their relationship, which allowed a new one to blossom between co-star Denise. Denise and Vanguard’s relationship caused much controversy in the media and didn’t last long. Jo Beth Jo and Vanguard were eventually reunited. Even though the film went onto be an outright disaster, it didn’t seem to affect Vanguard’s music career, but it certainly taught not only the main man himself, but more importantly the public, that Vanguard should just stick with what he knows best.
Though Johnny may have seemed to disappear for a while, this icon was never forgotten. Trading his hipster beats, Vanguard returned to his first love, folk pop on his 2005 album ‘Citizen Urban’.
Vanguard speaks out on the album: "This album would have to be one of the greatest albums around y'all, the tracks are written about my youth days back on the farm, traveling around in me Dad’s ole Kingswood.
Vanguard speaks out on the album: "This album would have to be one of the greatest albums around y'all, the tracks are written about my youth days back on the farm, traveling around in me Dad’s ole Kingswood.
Love him or hate him, admire or detest him, you must admit this man has a phenomenal voice. It is strongly advised that you grab a copy of Vanguard’s ‘Citizen Urban’, and decide for yourself on this remarkable Aussie guy. I can assure you, he will leave a lasting impression.
