Each member of the X-Mentals has recorded with and released singles with the legends of Mental as Anything.
Beginning as a simple bit of reminiscing, they found themselves getting calls to join the festival circuit including “Rock the Boat’ and ‘Mundi Mundi Bash’. The audience response was huge! Suddenly, it all got serious, and now they are on the road and bringing you the very best music of Mental as Anything, along with stories from years on the road, all expertly narrated and woven through the songs.
Band members have also played with other Australian Rock legends, and as well as performing the Mentals finest hits, the band performs hits from the roster of artists each member has worked for. It’s a journey into Australian rock history played by musicians who there!
Who is in the band?
Mike Caen: lead vocals guitars, harmonica
Mike has played with the who’s who of Australian Rock: Dragon, Mental as Anything, Margaret Urlich, Jenny Morris, Rick Price to name a few. Mike was also a first call guitarist at home in his native New Zealand including a brief stint in Split Enz.
Mike Gubb: Keyboards
Mike is also a seasoned first call musician having worked with Mental as Anything (the only other keyboard player apart from Greedy Smith ). He toured with Crowded House, Gangajang, Dynamic Hepnotics, Ross Wilson, the Whitlams and the list goes on ….
Peter Gray: bass and lead vocals
Peter played in the final touring lineup of Mental as Anything. Recording the live album ‘At Play’. His is an unusual career having focussed mainly on jazz gigs and working with touring artists from the Vegas strip including legendary rocket Bobby Rydell. He has since worked with country artists Brooke and Adam Eckersley, guitar legend Mal Eastic, JD Fortune of INXS fame Orchestral work with George Ellis orchestra …backing a plethora of artists from Tania Doko Sean Kelly, Steve Kilbey and Dale Ryder.
Craig Gordon: guitar lead vocals
Craig was in the Mentals for six years as both lead guitarist and second guitar, covering both Reg Mombassa parts and Martin Plaza’s guitar contributions. He also appeared on the ‘At Play’ album.
Jacob Cook: Drums
Is a stalwart on the blues scene and currently gigging regularly with renowned Sydney band The Flood . Jacob toured consistently with Mentals for a whopping 11 years. He also played with Deni Hines and Continental Roberts bands! Jake was with Peter Gray and Craig Gordon on the ‘At Play’ album.
Presented by Sinclair Artists