Moving Pictures

Moving Pictures blended pub rock with R&B influences and remain best known for the power ballad “What About Me?,” which propelled the group to the top of the Australian charts in 1982. Singer Alex Smith and songwriter Gary Frost founded the band, which entered a management deal with Wheatley in 1981 and issued the early singles “Walls” and “Bustin Loose.” Their first long-player, Days of Innocence, appeared in October 1981; the set only reached number one after “What About Me?” topped the singles chart in January 1982. That track later earned the Best Single Award at the 1982 Countdown Awards. Mark Meyer took over the drum chair from founding member Paul Freeland. Elektra Records licensed the band for the United States and sent “What About Me?” to American radio, where it peaked at number 19. Just before a planned U.S. trek supporting Tom Petty, Hall and Oates, and REO Speedwagon, however, Elektra folded and the dates were scrapped.

Matinee, the group’s sophomore album, surfaced in October 1983 and climbed to number 16 domestically. Capitalizing on a devoted concert audience, the band played Japan, yet internal friction prompted Gary Frost’s departure; he subsequently launched 1927. Joey Amenta filled in briefly before Kevin Bennett became the permanent replacement. Moving Pictures stayed on the road for another three years and formally split after the Last Picture Show tour concluded in May 1987. A live document of those final shows, also titled Last Picture Show, reached stores in December 1987.