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Source: Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (USA)
Issue: No.? Date: 1992
Subject: Biography - The Church, Kilbey
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CHURCH

Formed in Canberra, Australia in 1980, the Church, let by Steve Kilbey (b. England: bass/vocals) comprised Peter Koppes (b. Australia; guitar/vocals), Marty Willson-Piper (b.England; guitar/vocals) and Richard Ploog (b. Australia; drums). Their debut release in 1981, Of Skins and Heart gained some radio and television exposure and the European release The Church, which included the stand-out track "The Unguarded Moment," gave indications of great promise. The Church's 60's/Byrds revivalist stance, coupled with a distinctive 12-stringed, "jangly" guitar approach was exemplified on The Blurred Crusade by such songs as "Almost With You," "When You Were Mine" and "Fields of Mars." Starfish saw the band gain college radio airplay in the USA, earning them a US Top 30 hit with "Under the Milky Way," and strengthened their audiences in parts of Europe although the group found themselves restricted to a loyal cult following. Much of the group's activities have been interrupted periodically due to internal problems and for solo projects and collaborations. Ploog's departure in 1991 saw the addition of former Patti Smith group drummer, Jay Dee Daugherty. Marty Willson-Piper (b. Sweden) released two solo albums and took on a part-time role as guitarist for All About Eve in 1991. Kilbey has recorded several as well as publishing a book of poems. In 1991 he teamed up Go-Betweens guitarist Grant McLennan to record under the name of Jack Frost. Peter Koppes completed a EP When Reason Forbids in 1987.

Albums: Of Skins and Heart aka The Church (1981), Blurred Crusade (1982), The Seance (1983), Remote Luxury (1985), Heyday (1986), Starfish (1988), Gold Afternoon Fix (1990), Priest=Aura (1992). Compilations: Conception (1988), A Quick Smoke at Spots (Archives 1986-1990) (1991). Solo albums: Marty Willson-Piper In Reflection Chase (1987), Art Attack Survival (1988); Steve Kilbey Unearthed (1987), the Slow Crack (1987), with Grant McLennan (as Jack Frost) Jack Frost (1991).

KILBEY, STEVE

b. Australia. As leader and main writer of the Church, Kilbey led the resurgence of interest in Australia for 60's music. His performances on the 12-string guitar evoked the sound of the Byrds and their ilk of the psychedelic era. The band enjoyed considerable success on the college radio network in the USA and on the European live circuit. This enabled Kilbey to have a prolific output outside the confines of the band with the publication of a book of poetry and the release of several solo albums on the small independent Red Eye label. This solo work is more adventurous, and a little avant garde and risque compared to that of the Church. A 1991 collaboration with Grant McLennan of the Go-Betweens resulted in the album Jack Frost.

Albums: Unearthed (1987), Earthed (1987), The Slow Crack (1987), Remindlessness (1989), with Grant McLennan (as Jack Frost) Jack Frost (1991).

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