Headless Chickens

Emerging among the earliest New Zealand acts to experiment with manipulated electronics such as samplers, synthesizers, and drum machines, the Headless Chickens originated in 1985 as a temporary ensemble for the multimedia event Nitpickers Picnic. First known as the International Headless Chickens, the trio of ex-Children’s Hour members Chris Matthews and Johnny Pierce plus drummer Michael Lawry stabilized into a permanent unit in 1986. Their initial appearance came on the student-radio compilation Outnumbered by Sheep, followed later that year by a self-titled EP and a tour supporting Nico.

Tragedy struck in August 1986 when bassist Pierce died by suicide. The band continued, recruiting fellow Children’s Hour alumnus Grant Fell on bass and expanding to a quartet with the addition of former Bird Nest Roys member Rupert Taylor. Victory in a national rock contest in 1987 delivered a $60,000 prize that financed an album and nationwide tour; ex-Children’s Hour drummer Bevan Sweeney joined to record Stunt Clown, released to strong critical acclaim in 1988. The single “Donka” also proved popular with audiences.

The roster shifted again in 1989 when multi-instrumentalist Anthony Nevison came aboard, making his first appearance on the single “Expecting to Fly,” which secured a contract with Flying Nun. Their pronounced reliance on electronics, at odds with the prevailing New Zealand sound, initially hindered mainstream acceptance. That changed with Body Blow in 1991, the first album to feature vocalist Fiona McDonald. The single “Cruise Control,” reflecting a more polished direction, reached the Top Ten—only the second Flying Nun release to do so—while follow-ups “Donde Esta La Pollo” and “Juice” also fared well.

Health concerns sidelined Nevison temporarily in 1993. After a European tour the next year, both McDonald and Lawry departed; Fell announced his own exit in early 1995, leaving the group’s prospects uncertain. They nevertheless resurfaced in 1997 with Greedy.