The current line-up of Graham Hood (bass and vocals), Slim Doherty (guitar) and Billy Pommer Jr (drums) has chalked up shows in New Zealand and Sydney in the last year but have been itching to come to Melbourne. After an initial seven-year career in the ’80s, thousands of kilometres and innumerable demolished backstage riders, The Johnnys were Australia’s indisputable, rough riding champions of cowpunk.

They formed in Sydney in 1982 when Kiwi-born bass guitarist Graham Hood (ex-Normals) tried out for the Hoodoo Gurus after quitting the Allniters. He met Hoodoo Gurus’ guitarist Roddy Ray’da and, with drummer Billy Pommer Jr, they formed The Johnnys, playing their first show at Palms Disco on Oxford Street in Sydney.