Jody Bell BOOFS it back to Freo!

It’s been a long time in the coming, but one of Melbourne’s favourite good-time bands BOOF are finally making their way to WA for a hayride of metro and country shows.

BOOF, believe it or not, are 30 years old this year. Featuring former Perth musician Jody Bell – a member of Freo’s iconic and beloved Jam Tarts & Nansing Quartet – they formed as a busking unit in Amsterdam in the mid ‘90s and have been writing songs and entertaining enraptured crowds ever since.

Jody last performed in WA at Perth Festival’s historic Hells Bells Bon Scott salute along Canning Highway in March, 2020. Finally playing here with her ‘new’ band of 30 years is a dream.

“We can’t wait,” she says. “I can’t wait! The band’s sounding really good and we’ve always wanted to play in Perth. We’ve been talking about this for years and finally we’re going to do it.

“It’s like a fun, holiday trip,” she adds. “We all love each other and we’re all best mates in the band.”

Jody puts BOOF’s 30-year tenure as a band down to pure enjoyment and really great chemistry. From busking in the streets of Amsterdam with co-founder Steve Purcell (bass/vocals – Swinging Sidewalks Pearly Shells), to a recording contract with Sony Holland, to eventually moving back to Melbourne, enlisting Donny Stewart (trombone/percussion) and Gavin Gray (drums/vocals) and embracing marriages, kids, houses and all that comes with all of those, BOOF has kept on going.

With songs about money, love, bikes and revenge they’re a melodic, songwriting tour de force with cracking four-part harmonies and a true love of performing live.

“We’ve kept getting gigs and we keep getting better,” Jody says. “Camilla Hodgkins from the Perch Creek Family Band – who Perth people will know various from festival appearances – has joined the band. She plays piano and melodeon and sings harmonies and has been a fantastic breath of fresh air.”

Over the years BOOF released three albums and an EP – Cheap Dinner (1997), Roller-Skating-Disco-Party (2000), Circles (2001) and Ring, No Rock (2005), plus a slew of singles. Their recently released fourth album, Being Good Makes Me Sad, is a statement of who and where BOOF are right now, and where they’re going.

At this moment, however, they’re coming to WA. They’re bringing the BOOF, and with a name like that you should kinda know what to expect…

“We’re a feelgood band,” Jody says, laying it down clear. “You’re gonna want to have a dance. It’s like Little Feat crossed with Beatle-esque harmonies, pop with a country twang played by great players. We always have a good time when we play – it’s a feelgood attitude and you’ll be having a good time too!”

Here’s where you can find BOOF during March –

Clancy’s Fish Pub Fremantle – Friday March 22. Tickets via Oztix here
Melville Summer Music Sessions, Kadidjiny Park, Saturday, March 23. Free family show, 5-7pm
Ellington Jazz Club – Sunday, March 24. Tickets here
Settlers Tavern Margaret River – Thursday, March 28. Tickets here.

Book quick!

WHILE YOU’RE HERE –