DD Smash was a pop/rock band formed by Dave Dobbyn after the breakup of Th'Dudes.
History
Originally formed in New Zealand, the band was resident in Australia for much of its existence.
DD Smash, mainly based around Dave Dobbyn as the main songwriter, also helped by being the frontman for the band, produced some of New Zealand's most iconic hits including the show starter "Devil You Know", "Outlook For Thursday" and the more 80's sounding "Magic (What She Do)".
"By late '81, DD Smash signed a recording deal and immediately set about recording their debut album, with Ian Morris in the producer's chair.
DD Smash released their debut album in 1982. Titled 'Cool Bananas' it debuted in the national chart at #1, an historic first. It remained in the chart for 24 weeks and became triple gold. The album's biggest hit was 'Devil You Know.' In '82 the 'Top Male Vocalist' award was won by Dobbyn, 'Top Group' went to DD Smash; 'Cool Bananas' won 'Album of the Year,' Ian Morris got 'Producer of the Year' for it, and the album even won 'Engineer of the Year' and 'Best Sleeve Design.'
Breakup
DD Smash split during the 1980's when Dave Dobbyn began recording by himself. From there he went to work on the Footrot Flats: The Dog's Tale movie soundtrack. Many of the band members became involved with 'DD' over the years with drummer, Peter 'Rooda' Warren becoming Dave Dobbyn's drummer for the few years to come, until he was asked to leave under unclear circumstances, both party's stick to the "musical differences" story.
Controversy
In December 1984, DD Smash were playing an outdoor concert in Aotea Square in Auckland. During their set there was a power failure leading sections of the crowd to become restless. Some of the crowd started throwing beer bottles and police arrested them. The situation escalated and the riot squad was called in. Dobbyn made negative remarks about the police which allegedly spurred on the crowd. The concert was stopped by the police and sections of the crowd rioted, smashing shop windows along Queen Street. Prime Minister David Lange called a commission of inquiry and as a result Dobbyn was charged with inciting a riot. The criminal prosecution against Dobbyn began June 1985. His lawyer successfully defended him and he was acquitted on the charge of "behaving in a manner likely to cause violence against person or property and using insulting language".
Discography
Band Members
- Dave Dobbyn - Guitar, Vocals, Songwriter
- Peter Warren - Drums
- Lisle Kinney - Bass Guitar, (formerly of Hello Sailor)
Relevant Links
- DD Smash Forum - NZMusic.com
Jan 1981 - Jan 1986
