The Killjoys (Australian band)
The Killjoys was a band formed in Melbourne, Australia, in the late 1980s. The core of the band was Anna Burley (Vocals) and Craig Pilkington (Guitar and Vocals). 'The Killjoys' attracted a wide following in the vibrant Melbourne pub scene at the time.
Their music incorporated string sections and vibraphone. They were formed out of the demise of 'Wild Science'. Wild Science essentially split into two different outfits...'The Killjoys' and 'Violet Town'. Violet Town members were Wayne (Buz) Hissock on Guitar and Vocals, Warren Pitts on Keyboards & Vocals, keyboards, Peter Van on Drums, and Luke Blackburn on Bass & Vocals.
'Violet Town' had a very eclectic sound, inspired by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and the Wreckery. 'Violet Town' were featured on compilation albums on Chase Records, 'Melbourne Stuff' and later featured on compelation records by ID records Australia. The Killjoys up until 2001 were still a performing entity with the two core members Anna Burley and Craig Pilkington.
Luke Blackburn left 'Violet Town' to join Sydney based outfit 'The Crystal Set' with members, Russell Kilbey on Guitar & Vocals, Phil Maher on Guitar & Vocals, Tim Seckhold on Drums, and Luke Blackburn on bass & vocals. The Crystal Set were originally signed to Red Eye records. Label mates were The Cruel Sea, Steve Kilbey, Baghavad Guitars, Jack Frost and The Clouds. These bands were later transferred to the Polydor label. After the demise of the Crystal Set, Russell Kilbey joined up with David Thrussell of Techno outfit Snog and formed an outfit called The Sex Industrie. The Sex Industrie released a techno version of the ACDC classic 'Jail Break'.
In 2006 the band released the album Stealing Horses, the group's fifth full-length album and first in seven years.