Legendary band Australian Crawl reforms for first time in 40 years

Australian Crawl reforms for first concerts in 40 years Tue 16 Jun 2026 at 6:00am For the first time in four decades, Australian Crawl, one of the country's most celebrated rock bands, is getting back together. Original frontman James Reyne will reunite with guitarist Simon Binks and drummer David Reyne for 10 shows in October and November, their first since the band split in 1986. While James Reyne has continued to perform Australian Crawl material over the years, these shows mark the first time the band has reunited under the name. Earlier this year, Binks and James Reyne filed a Federal Court application against former drummer Bill McDonough, who had registered trademarks relating to the band's name in the 1990s. While it can't be a full reunion — Guy McDonough and Brad Robinson died in 1984 and 1996 respectively — the Reyne brothers and Binks will be joined by a strong onstage line-up. Former Aussie Crawl member John Watson will help out at the shows, as will esteemed musicians Brett Kingman, Josh Owen, Andrew McIvor, Sean Johnson, Melinda Jackson and Nicole Kurta. Joining them at their first shows in 40 years will be fellow rock royalty Men At Work. That band now features legendary frontman Colin Hay with a crack group of American session musicians working through the biggest and most enduring hits of Men at Work's esteemed career. The shows, part of the Red Hot Summer Tour, will be a non-stop celebration of Australian music, with recent ARIA Hall of Fame inductees Vika & Linda, fellow 80s heroes Boom Crash Opera, and modern alt-rock icons Birds of Tokyo, Eskimo Joe and Ella Hooper all playing the shows as well. Australian Crawl formed on the Mornington Peninsula, playing its first show late in 1978. Though the band's career was relatively short, albums like Sirocco and Sons of Beaches made a major impact, with both climbing the charts on release. Hits like Reckless (Don't Be So), which came in at number 39 on the Hottest 100 of Australian Songs, The Boys Light Up, Errol and Things Don't Seem remain Australian rock staples decades on. Australian Crawl will play the following shows as part of the Red Hot Summer Tour. Tickets are on sale from June 25. Saturday, October 17 — Queens Park, Toowoomba Sunday, October 18 — Sandstone Point Hotel Saturday, October 24 — Berry Showground Sunday, October 25 — Keirle Park, Manly Saturday, October 31 — Roche Estate, Hunter Valley Sunday, November 1 — Coolangatta Beach Saturday, November 7 — Victoria Park, Ballarat Sunday, November 8 — Mornington Racecourse Saturday, November 14 — Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley Sunday, November 15 — Glenelg Beach