About The Pad Boys
< The Pad Boys >
Fusing roots-based reggae, ska and indie rock with Djabugay language, within a broader soul groove, the group’s songs have become mini ‘anthems’, and are now part of a longer Djabugay music tradition.
The band released their debut single ‘1962’ in May 2023, and after playing a series of show's, including Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, Kuranda Roots Festival, and the National Firesticks Conference - the band launched their debut L.P. "Where Are They Now" at the iconic Tanks Arts Centre in September 2023.
< THEN >
The Pad Boys formed in 1992 in Kuranda, and spent the best part of the 90’s touring, playing festivals, and developing a dedicated fan base.
Originally a four piece, comprising William ‘Biri’ Duffin (Guitar and Lead vocals), Roderick ‘Rocky’ Newbury (guitar/vocals), Dennis ‘Bugsy’ Hunter (Drums) and Timmy ‘Wiggy’ Wason (Bass), and occasional didgeridoo from senior Andy Duffin, the group evolved as a three piece (Biri, Bugsy & Wiggy), and continued to build audiences and momentum for many years.
Early shows in the 90’s at Cairns’ ‘Graft ’n’ Arts’, and the Little Day Out festivals, introduced the band to Cairns audiences, and led to a range of exciting outcomes. Appearances at major events such as Woodford Folk Festival beckoned, and The Pad Boys were a new force in indigenous music.
After spending a number of years on the Sunshine Coast in the early 2000’s making inroads into the National music industry, the group then took time out to get back to country, families and individual careers.
< NOW >
In 2022, original band member Rocky Newbury returned, and the band is now joined by synth pop recording artist Tegan Koster on keyboards.A dedicated creative development process leading to the recording recording of 8 tracks during 2022/23, as well as showcase performances at Northsite Gallery as part of CIAF, and Kuranda Roots, positioned the band to jettison into 2023.
In 2023, The Pad Boys celebrated their 30th anniversary through a re-launched online presence, punchy pop single and music video’s, and the fresh ‘contemporary artefact’ of a vinyl (debut) L.P. > Their L.P.,"Where Are They Now" is out now.
In 2024, the band launches a fresh new line-up and show, that includes OG members Dennis Hunter, Timothy Wason & Roderick Newbury with Tegan Koster and Alfred Hunter & Jayden Riley as dancers and back up singers.
After a couple of iconic shows in 2025, with fresh tracks, fresh treads and fresh attitude this year will see this next chapter of The Pad Boys keep punters on their toes.
The Pad Boys are supported through the independent collective and studio’s The 5Five. (the5five.net)