Blab Music
The Johnnys to Release Rarehide Compilation and Play Victorian Tour
The Sydney‑based pub‑rock trio The Johnnys is poised to drop a new compilation, Rarehide: Out Takes, B‑Sides And Rarities, after a string of shows across Victoria in October. The collection pulls together previously unheard recordings and hard‑to‑find gems from the band’s catalogue, including an unreleased take of Paul Kelly’s “White Train,” an early version of “Injun Joe,” and the Johnnys’ own recordings of “Rebel Yell” and “Pray To John Wayne.” The latter track will serve as the compilation’s first single, hitting the airwaves on 2 October.
Rarehide is positioned as a historical document that expands the public record of a group whose influence on Australian pub rock has long been felt more through live reputation than studio output. The release features the band’s interpretation of “White Train,” a song Paul Kelly originally gave to the Johnnys before recording it for his own album, and “Bleeding Heart,” a track co‑written with the group that became one of their best‑known singles.
The compilation also includes an early take of “Injun Joe,” which peaked at number 32 on the Australian singles chart in 1985, as well as the Johnnys’ versions of “Rebel Yell” and “Pray To John Wayne.” The current line‑up consists of founding members Graham “Hoody” Hood on bass and vocals, Billy Pommer Jr on drums, and guitarist Paul “Slim” Doherty, who joined in 1984 after founding guitarist Rod Radalj departed.
October’s Victorian run will see the group perform in Geelong, Richmond and Balnarring. The Corner Hotel show in Richmond is part of a Cheersquad event that also hosts The Stems, Benny J Ward, Bagful of Beez and Heir to the Squandered Millions, marking the first time since 1987 that The Johnnys and The Stems share a bill.
The Johnnys formed in Sydney in 1982 when Hood and Radalj blended country‑influenced pub rock with punk energy. Radalj had previously helped launch The Scientists and Hoodoo Gurus, while Hood was a member of The Allniters. Billy Pommer Jr completed the original line‑up.
Spencer P Jones later joined the group on guitar and backing vocals, eventually taking over lead vocals after Radalj left. Jones also performed with The Gun Club during the American band’s Australian tour and later co‑founded The Beasts of Bourbon with Tex Perkins.
Paul Kelly’s relationship with The Johnnys deepened over the years. Kelly’s “White Train” was first given to the band, and “Bleeding Heart” was co‑written with them before Kelly recorded his own version for the album Gossip.
After signing with Mushroom Records, the Johnnys worked with producer Ross Wilson on two albums. Highlights of a Dangerous Life (1986) reached number 19 on the Australian chart, while Grown Up Wrong (1988) peaked at number 71. Their singles included “Injun Joe,” “(There’s Gonna Be A) Showdown,” “Bleeding Heart” and “Motorbikin’.”
The band’s touring pedigree reinforced their place in Australian rock history. In 1985, they opened for Neil Young on his Australian tour, earning praise that prompted Young to suggest they “bottle” their sound.
After a brief split in the late 1980s, the Johnnys reunited periodically. A 2016 benefit for Spencer P Jones saw the trio reassemble, and Jones’s blessing allowed the group to continue. Jones passed away in 2018.
A planned collaboration with Australian country music veteran Chad Morgan fell through before Morgan’s death in 2025.
Rarehide therefore expands the picture of a band whose recorded output was modest but whose live reputation and connections left a lasting mark on Australian music.
Following the Victorian shows, the Johnnys are expected to undertake national dates, with further details to follow.
Tour dates • 2 October – Geelong, The Barwon Club • 3 October – Richmond, The Corner Hotel • 4 October – Balnarring, The Social Club (free entry)
Ticket information is listed with the individual shows. The band’s official website and social‑media channels provide updates on upcoming releases and touring plans.
Rarehide is positioned as a historical document that expands the public record of a group whose influence on Australian pub rock has long been felt more through live reputation than studio output. The release features the band’s interpretation of “White Train,” a song Paul Kelly originally gave to the Johnnys before recording it for his own album, and “Bleeding Heart,” a track co‑written with the group that became one of their best‑known singles.
The compilation also includes an early take of “Injun Joe,” which peaked at number 32 on the Australian singles chart in 1985, as well as the Johnnys’ versions of “Rebel Yell” and “Pray To John Wayne.” The current line‑up consists of founding members Graham “Hoody” Hood on bass and vocals, Billy Pommer Jr on drums, and guitarist Paul “Slim” Doherty, who joined in 1984 after founding guitarist Rod Radalj departed.
October’s Victorian run will see the group perform in Geelong, Richmond and Balnarring. The Corner Hotel show in Richmond is part of a Cheersquad event that also hosts The Stems, Benny J Ward, Bagful of Beez and Heir to the Squandered Millions, marking the first time since 1987 that The Johnnys and The Stems share a bill.
The Johnnys formed in Sydney in 1982 when Hood and Radalj blended country‑influenced pub rock with punk energy. Radalj had previously helped launch The Scientists and Hoodoo Gurus, while Hood was a member of The Allniters. Billy Pommer Jr completed the original line‑up.
Spencer P Jones later joined the group on guitar and backing vocals, eventually taking over lead vocals after Radalj left. Jones also performed with The Gun Club during the American band’s Australian tour and later co‑founded The Beasts of Bourbon with Tex Perkins.
Paul Kelly’s relationship with The Johnnys deepened over the years. Kelly’s “White Train” was first given to the band, and “Bleeding Heart” was co‑written with them before Kelly recorded his own version for the album Gossip.
After signing with Mushroom Records, the Johnnys worked with producer Ross Wilson on two albums. Highlights of a Dangerous Life (1986) reached number 19 on the Australian chart, while Grown Up Wrong (1988) peaked at number 71. Their singles included “Injun Joe,” “(There’s Gonna Be A) Showdown,” “Bleeding Heart” and “Motorbikin’.”
The band’s touring pedigree reinforced their place in Australian rock history. In 1985, they opened for Neil Young on his Australian tour, earning praise that prompted Young to suggest they “bottle” their sound.
After a brief split in the late 1980s, the Johnnys reunited periodically. A 2016 benefit for Spencer P Jones saw the trio reassemble, and Jones’s blessing allowed the group to continue. Jones passed away in 2018.
A planned collaboration with Australian country music veteran Chad Morgan fell through before Morgan’s death in 2025.
Rarehide therefore expands the picture of a band whose recorded output was modest but whose live reputation and connections left a lasting mark on Australian music.
Following the Victorian shows, the Johnnys are expected to undertake national dates, with further details to follow.
Tour dates • 2 October – Geelong, The Barwon Club • 3 October – Richmond, The Corner Hotel • 4 October – Balnarring, The Social Club (free entry)
Ticket information is listed with the individual shows. The band’s official website and social‑media channels provide updates on upcoming releases and touring plans.
