Boys In Town

The song Boys In Town by Divinyls, featured on their debut album Desperate, is a raw, energetic track that captures the frustration and yearning of its protagonist. Written in 1979 by lead singer Chrissy Amphlett and guitarist Mark McEntee, the song was first recorded for the soundtrack of the 1982 Australian film Monkey Grip, where Amphlett also played a supporting role as a temperamental rock singer. The track’s defiant lyrics, like “I must have been desperate / I must have been pretty low,” reflect a desire to escape the aimlessness of small-town life, resonating with listeners through its gritty new wave and rock blend. Its success as the band’s debut single in 1981, peaking at number eight on the Australian Kent Music Report, was a defining moment, establishing Divinyls as a bold new voice in Australian rock. In a 2005 interview for her autobiography Pleasure and Pain: My Life, Amphlett described the song as deeply personal, inspired by her own experiences of feeling trapped and seeking something more authentic.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s cultural impact. Boys In Town was nominated for Best Australian Single at the 1981 Countdown Music Awards and later ranked number 83 in Triple M’s 2018 “Ozzest 100” list of the most Australian songs of all time. Fans on platforms like Reddit have shared nostalgic stories, with one recalling being scolded as a child for singing Divinyls’ later hit I Touch Myself in a Kmart parking lot, unaware of its meaning, highlighting the band’s provocative edge. A fan on the same thread reminisced about seeing Divinyls perform at the 1988 Australian Made concert in Tasmania, where Amphlett chased McEntee around the stage with a foam axe, showcasing her electrifying stage presence. Double J praised the song as one of the best debut singles ever, noting that the line “Get me out of here” encapsulates a universal longing for escape, making it a timeless anthem.

Divinyls formed in Sydney in 1980, sparked by a chance meeting between Chrissy Amphlett and Mark McEntee. Amphlett, who had been singing in bands since her teens, including Daisy Clover at age 14 and later One Ton Gypsy, had a colorful background. She spent three years traveling Europe, even landing in a Spanish jail for a brief period, experiences that shaped her fierce, rebellious persona. McEntee, a skilled guitarist, was drawn to Amphlett’s raw vocal power and charismatic stage presence. The duo began writing songs together, blending hard rock and new wave influences inspired by bands like AC/DC. Their early gigs in Sydney pubs caught the attention of director Ken Cameron, who enlisted them to create the Monkey Grip soundtrack, giving them their first big break. Amphlett’s iconic stage look—school uniform, fishnet stockings, and an illuminated neon tube as a prop—drew comparisons to AC/DC’s Angus Young, a nod she embraced as a deliberate homage.

While Divinyls officially disbanded in 2009 and Amphlett passed away in 2013, their legacy endures through fan communities and online platforms. The band does not have an active official website, but fans can explore their history on archival sites like Wikipedia or music platforms. Their official Facebook page remains a hub for fans to share memories and celebrate the band’s music, though it’s not regularly updated. On Instagram, the hashtag #Divinyls showcases fan posts, tributes, and throwback photos, keeping the band’s spirit alive. Similarly, on X, fans and music enthusiasts occasionally post about the band, though no official account exists. Fan-driven spaces include the r/AustralianNostalgia subreddit, where Divinyls’ music is frequently discussed, and groups like the Australian Rock Music Fans on Facebook, where members share love for Divinyls alongside other Aussie rock legends.