Guitar Band

Stevie Wright’s “Guitar Band” from the 1975 album Black Eyed Bruiser is a high-energy rock anthem that captures the raw spirit of Australian rock. The song, written and produced by Harry Vanda and George Young, was a standout single, peaking at #13 on the Australian Kent Music Report and hitting #8 in Melbourne. Its driving rhythm and gritty vocals led some to compare Wright’s style to Bon Scott of AC/DC, a connection amplified by rumors that Malcolm Young, George’s brother, played rhythm guitar on the track. Fans on music forums like Discogs have speculated about this uncredited contribution, noting the song’s proto-AC/DC crunch. The track’s success helped Wright headline three iconic concerts at the Sydney Opera House, where he was backed by Vanda, Young, and Malcolm Young—a rare reunion of Easybeats members since their 1969 breakup. These performances were a career peak, with Wright’s electrifying stage presence, including his signature leaps, thrilling audiences.

Another piece of trivia comes from the song’s chart performance and cultural impact. “Guitar Band” was the lead single from Black Eyed Bruiser, released in November 1974, and its #73 ranking on Australia’s Top 100 of 1975 reflects its enduring airplay. Music blogs like Peter’s Power Pop praise its “pummelling riff,” calling it a perfect blend of Easybeats DNA with Vanda and Young’s production magic. However, the album’s recording was marred by Wright’s escalating heroin addiction, which his manager Michael Chugg revealed to Vanda and Young during a session. This struggle, detailed in biographies like Hard Road by Glenn Goldsmith, cast a shadow over the album’s potential, despite the strength of singles like “Guitar Band.”

Stevie Wright, born Stephen Carlton Wright on December 20, 1947, in Leeds, England, began his musical journey after migrating to Australia at age nine. Settling in Sydney’s Villawood Migrant Hostel, he met future bandmates Harry Vanda, Dick Diamonde, George Young, and Gordon “Snowy” Fleet. In 1964, they formed the Easybeats, with Wright, nicknamed “Little Stevie” for his youth and small stature, as the charismatic frontman. His powerful voice and wild stage energy drove hits like “She’s So Fine” (#3, 1965) and “Friday on My Mind,” which topped Australian charts in 1966 and cracked the UK top ten. Co-writing many early hits with Young, Wright honed his songwriting craft. After the Easybeats disbanded in 1969, he launched a solo career, achieving success with 1974’s “Evie (Parts 1, 2 & 3),” a #1 hit from his debut album Hard Road.

Unfortunately, Stevie Wright passed away on December 27, 2015, and no official website or active social media accounts remain. During his lifetime, he did not maintain a strong online presence, and no verified Facebook, Instagram, or X accounts are documented. However, fans keep his legacy alive through dedicated spaces. The fan website Milesago offers detailed biographies and discographies, chronicling Wright’s career. On Facebook, groups like “The Easybeats and Stevie Wright Appreciation Society” serve as hubs for fans to share memories, rare photos, and vinyl finds. These communities celebrate Wright’s contributions to Australian rock, ensuring his music, including “Guitar Band,” continues to resonate with Zoo Freaks and beyond.