Bio

1992

- Signed to Wildside Records and released the single 'Lisa' in August 1992 reaching #27 on the NZ singles sales chart.
- After a national tour, in October that year the Dead Flowers recorded their debut album 'Skin of A Stone' at Phil (AC/DC) Rudd's Mountain Studio, north of Tauranga and mixed at Auckland's Airforce Studio.
- In December the band appeared with HLAH on the Australian TV advertised grunge compilation for 'Street Legal'.

1993

- In February, after opening for Guns N Roses at Mt Smart Stadium, the Dead Flowers released the single 'Be Someone' that went to #13 on the singles sales charts. Damon Newton makes his vocal debut on the B-side of 'Be Someone' CD single.
- In March the album 'Skin Of A Stone' was released in New Zealand to glowing reviews.
- In April the Dead Flowers were finalists in the 'Most Promising Group' category of the RIANZ's NZ Music Awards and win the 'Viewer's Choice' award as voted by RTR Countdown viewers.
- In June the Dead Flowers had all their gear stolen in daylight from their rehearsal room but a week later they went into Hamilton's Zoo Studio and recorded aggressive demos for their second album.
- For their debut album's release in Australia a promotional Sydney visit for interviews took place followed by a live tour where the band played Sydney, then travelled North to play to 5000 at the Brisbane's 4ZZZ outdoor Albert Park gig.
- The many rave Australian reviews included the quote: "The best album of its genre to come out of Australasia." Drum Media
- The single 'Plastic' charted at #42 and the video has proved a popular staple on video channel Max TV.
- In December the Dead Flowers commenced recording their second album 'Sweetfish' at Revolver Studio.

1994

- After mixing is completed at Auckland's Revolver studio, the album is mastered at Sydney's 301 Studio by Don Bartley.
- Dead Flowers open for The Exponents on their summer tour and then they play at New Zealand's first Big Day Out.
- In June 'Watch Her Play' is the first single from 'Sweetfish' reaching #40 on the charts and is followed in July by 'Home' which hits #11 on the charts.
- On the b-side of the 'Home' single drummer Rob Dollars makes his vocal and writing debut on 'Anyway'.
- 'Sweetfish' is released in August with an acoustic launch at Squid.
- The album receives excellent reviews throughout the country and the band tours nationally finishing their tour with 700 punters at Auckland's Powerstation.
- On Sweetfish guitarist Damon Newton sings his first lead vocal on an album, the song 'What Do You Take Me For?'.
- In September vocalist Bryan Bell travels to Sydney for several days of press interviews to promote the Australian release of 'Sweetfish'.
- In October the closing track on 'Sweetfish', 'Spaceboy' is one of the five finalists in the APRA Silver Scroll Awards.
- When B-sides are added up, the prolific Dead Flowers have released 40 original songs on Wildside in two years.

1995

- Dead Flowers play BDO January 20 — their final gig with bassist David James who resigned.
- Dead Flowers open for Pearl Jam at their two Auckland concerts.
- Early April Dead Flowers release the single 'Same Same' with three additional tracks from the 1994 bFM live to air from York St Studio - 'Plastic', 'Home' and 'What Do You Take Me For?'.
- Late May new bassist Aaron Carson joins the Dead Flowers.
- New single 'Not Ready' is prepared for July 1995 release.
- Singer Bryan Bell performs with celloist Fiona at the APRA Silver Scroll Awards.
- Bell and celloist asked to open for the Eagles after APRA performance.
- Four-piece Dead Flowers record new demos, the week after guitarist Riqi Hadfield leaves the band due to mutual musical differences.
- New demos get rave response from some key foreign music industry people.

1996

- Dead Flowers play their first big gig as a four-piece at the BDO.
- January 1996 Dead Flowers do further demos for their third album.
- New bassist Darren Harkness joins the band mid-year.
- Damon Newton side project Lodger releases debut single 'Forever' on Felix.
- In September Dead Flowers record rhythm tracks for their third album at Darling Harbour Studio and mixed a new single at Studio 301, also in Sydney, Australia.
- Single 'You Drink the Water, I’ll Drink the Wine' released November 28.

1997

- In January play main stage of the BDO concert, Auckland before Soundgarden, Prodigy, Supergrass and Offspring.
- In March the Dead Flowers singer/writer/guitarist Bryan Bell commences recording of solo tracks with Evan Roberts at Wellington’s Padded Sell studio.
- In April Dead Flowers mixed two tracks for their third album, a double A-side single 'Ain't It The Truth'/'I Wanna Know' with former Split Enz and Crowded House keyboard player Eddie Rayner.
- In July final track laying and first mixes for third album with Eddie Rayner at Revolver Studio, Auckland.
- The single 'Ain't It The Truth' released July 31.
- Dead Flowers play to 500 at the Big Day In, New Plymouth Sept 13.
- Open for Reef at the Powerstation October 7.

1998

- Early in year mixed album at Revolver Studio with Eddie Rayner.
- In late April Dead Flowers played three gigs in London with The Exponents, Greg Johnson and Mental As Anything.
- May 28, the band’s third album 'Dead Flowers' released via BMG.
- National tour followed the release with The Feelers opening.

Band Members:
Bryan Bell (vocals, guitar)
Rob Dollars (drums)
Damon Newton (vocals, guitar)
Darryn Harkness (bass)

Links

• Amplifier Profile
• Record Company Website