The Johnnys will document an overlooked part of their catalogue with Rarehide: Out Takes, B-Sides And Rarities, featuring unreleased recordings, rare tracks and two songs connected to Paul Kelly.
by Paul Cashmere
The Johnnys will release Rarehide: Out Takes, B-Sides And Rarities following a series of Victorian shows in October, bringing together previously unheard recordings and rare material from the Sydney cow-punk band’s catalogue. The collection includes an unreleased version of Paul Kelly’s “White Train”, an early recording of “Injun Joe”, the band’s version of “Rebel Yell” and “Pray To John Wayne”, which will be released as the first single on October 2.
The release adds another chapter to the recorded history of a band whose influence on Australian pub rock has often extended beyond its commercial profile. The Johnnys combined country music themes with the speed and attitude of punk, establishing a distinctive sound during the 1980s while developing connections with artists including Paul Kelly, Spencer P Jones, Tex Perkins and Neil Young.
Rarehide is particularly significant because it brings together material that has either remained unheard or been difficult to find. Among the collection’s notable recordings are the Johnnys’ interpretation of “White Train”, a song Paul Kelly gave to the band before later reclaiming it for his own catalogue, and “Bleeding Heart”, which Kelly co-wrote with the group and which became one of their better-known singles.
The collection will also feature an early version of “Injun Joe”, which reached number 32 on the Australian singles chart in 1985, as well as versions of “Rebel Yell” and “Pray To John Wayne”. The latter will serve as the first single from the compilation.
The current Johnnys line-up features two founding members, Graham “Hoody” Hood on bass and vocals and Billy Pommer Jr on drums, alongside Paul “Slim” Doherty on guitar. Doherty joined in 1984 after founding guitarist Rod Radalj departed following the band’s first single.
The October shows will take the group to Geelong, Richmond and Balnarring. The Corner Hotel performance in Richmond forms part of a Cheersquad event featuring The Stems, Benny J Ward, Bagful of Beez and Heir to the Squandered Millions. The appearance will reunite The Johnnys and The Stems on the same bill for the first time since 1987.
The Johnnys formed in Sydney in 1982 when Hood and Radalj developed the idea of playing country-influenced pub rock at punk pace. Radalj had previously been a founding member of both The Scientists and Hoodoo Gurus, while Hood had been a member of The Allniters. Billy Pommer Jr completed the original line-up.
Spencer P Jones subsequently joined the group on guitar and backing vocals and became a central figure in its identity, later taking on lead vocals after Radalj left. Jones also played with The Gun Club during the American band’s Australian tour after an unexpected line-up upheaval, and later became a founding member of The Beasts of Bourbon alongside Tex Perkins.
Paul Kelly’s relationship with The Johnnys became another important part of their history. Kelly’s “White Train” was initially given to the band, while “Bleeding Heart” was co-written with them. “White Train” was eventually recorded by Kelly for his album Gossip.
After signing with Mushroom Records, The Johnnys worked with producer Ross Wilson on two albums. Highlights of a Dangerous Life was released in 1986 and reached number 19 on the Australian chart. Grown Up Wrong followed in 1988 and peaked at number 71. Their singles included “Injun Joe”, “(There’s Gonna Be A) Showdown”, “Bleeding Heart” and “Motorbikin'”.
The band’s place in Australian rock history was reinforced by their touring associations. In 1985, The Johnnys supported Neil Young on his Australian tour, with Young reportedly impressed enough by the band’s particular combination of musical styles to suggest they should “bottle” whatever they had.
The Johnnys initially split around the end of the 1980s, following European touring, but continued to reunite periodically. The present three-piece came together for a 2016 benefit for Spencer P Jones, with Jones’s blessing for the group to continue. Jones died in 2018.
Plans for the Johnnys to record with Australian country music veteran Chad Morgan ultimately did not proceed before Morgan’s death in 2025.
Rarehide therefore looks beyond the group’s familiar studio catalogue, preserving recordings that broaden the picture of a band whose recorded output was relatively small but whose live reputation and connections left a lasting mark on Australian music.
Following the October Victorian shows, The Johnnys are expected to undertake national dates, with further details to follow.
Tour Dates
October 2, Geelong, The Barwon Club
October 3, Richmond, The Corner Hotel
October 4, Balnarring, The Social Club
Ticket Details
Ticket information is listed with the individual shows. The October 4 performance at The Social Club in Balnarring is free entry.
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