Hoodoo Gurus Demand One Nation Cease Using Their Music

The Hoodoo Gurus, a prominent Australian rock band, have strongly condemned the unauthorized use of their music by the One Nation party. This comes after the group discovered that one of their songs was played at a recent One Nation event, prompting the band to speak out against the political association.

Hoodoo Gurus’ Firm Stance Against One Nation

In a public statement shared on social media, Hoodoo Gurus expressed their outrage. They labeled One Nation as a group of “wannabe fascists” and voiced their discontent with the party’s ideology, which they find contrary to the values they have upheld over their forty-year career.

Message to One Nation Supporters

The band made it clear that they wish to disassociate from One Nation. They urged Hanson and her followers to stop using their music for political purposes. This act of defiance reflects a broader trend among Australian artists rejecting the co-optation of their work for political agendas.

Recent Developments in Australian Music

This incident parallels a recent situation with Colin Hay—the lead singer of Men At Work—who condemned the use of his song “Down Under” at anti-immigration rallies. Hay argued that the song’s message of inclusion and unity was being distorted, which resonates with the stance taken by Hoodoo Gurus.

Historical Context of Hoodoo Gurus

Formed in Sydney in 1981, Hoodoo Gurus emerged from the post-punk scene with a unique sound combining garage rock, psychedelia, and pop. Their debut album, “Stoneage Romeos,” released in 1984, garnered critical acclaim, winning Best Debut Album at the Countdown Awards.

• Key Albums:
  • Stoneage Romeos (1984)
  • Mars Needs Guitars!
  • Blow Your Cool!
  • Magnum Cum Louder
• Notable Songs:
  • Leilani
  • Tojo
  • My Girl
  • Bittersweet
  • What’s My Scene?

Hoodoo Gurus’ music often employs irony and social commentary, making it particularly jarring when used by exclusionary political groups. Their determination to reclaim the context of their songs highlights an ongoing battle for cultural ownership in Australia’s music scene.

Looking Ahead

In a notable upcoming event, Hoodoo Gurus will perform with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, reinterpreting their classic songs in an orchestral setting. This one-time performance emphasizes the band’s ongoing evolution and relevance in the music industry.

As the discussion around political use of music continues, Hoodoo Gurus and other artists are taking a stand. Their message is clear: music is an extension of their values and should not be exploited for political gain. The connection between artistic integrity and political affiliations has never been more significant in Australian music history.