By Emily Robinson
Geelong’s newest cover band Mr Meaner will hit the Sphinx Hotel with a mix of punk, funk and classic party rock Saturday night.
The current line-up has been together for a year now, with guitarists Jamie Stahl and Matthew Bird, Danny Meehan on drums and John Pirrotina on bass.
“We came up with about 60 or 70 songs and a repertoire based on what everyone wanted,“ Stahl said.
“We have about four or five regular venues – the Sphinx has been one of our supporters right from the start, we did one of our first gigs there.”
The band plays songs from the Black Keys, Dandy Warhols, Paul Kelly, David Bowie, KC and the Sunshine Band, Daddy Cool, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Logins, Dragon, INXS, and the Hoodoo Gurus, just to name a few.
All band members grew up in the music industry, Stahl said.
“We were born into the business – I think I could play guitar before I could walk. I now work at Music Workshop in Geelong.
“My dad was formally trained, but it never gelled with me. I learned playing guitar through ear – we all play for the love of it.”
Stahl said rock fans flock to the Shpinx “knowing they’re going to have a great time”.
“The younger venues have DJs and the like, but the Sphinx has been very good for live entertainment.”
The four band members created Mr Meaner to “put together a party band”.
“We’re four dudes – we have a lot of fun. We’re partying with the crowd and bouncing off what they’re doing.
“In some respects, it’s kind of like our weekend away where we can have fun as a group of guys as mates. We’re all family men with wives and children.”
Mr Meaner will play the Sphinx Hotel on 29 April and 27 May.
