Strange Brew - The Official Site 2012

Kellsy - Lead Vocals / Percussion

Our superb vocalist/showman and always the wild man! Completely uninhibited, few words can accurately describe our Kellsy - loud, gregarious, spontaneous and a wicked sense of humour, Kellsy is definitely the good-time-guy of the band.

Combine an outrageously powerful vocal style with a "what you see is what you get" approach to his onstage personality; you get a basic idea of what this man is all about.

When asked for his musical influences he simply replies "anything and everything!"

Gino - Bass / Vocals

Over the last 12 years Gino has spent a large portion of his time administering the low end register to bands in Queensland’s south east. For the majority of this he was involved in writing and performing original music at pubs, clubs, parties and festivals around Brisbane and the Gold and Sunshine Coast areas.

After departing his originals band he has decided to try his hand at playing covers in Strange Brew. Being greatly influenced by bands such as Rage Against The Machine, Tool, Primus, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Faith No More as well as virtuoso bassists such as Victor Wooten and Marcus Miller, Gino has fallen in love with Funk, Funk Metal and slap bass.

Gino's style can be both busy and upbeat or smooth and groovy depending on what feel is needed. However, left to his own devices he loves to play bass fast, funky and well and truly in your face.

Stew - Guitar / Vocals

As the band's versatile lead/rhythm guitarist, Stew has had a very interesting career, having played in many reputable bands in and around Brisbane, as well as a couple of touring acts and festivals, and the occasional original project. "I've definitely found my niche with these guys though - probably because in this band, the music comes first, and we're all good friends. People will always sense that camaraderie thing."

A dynamic and flamboyant player, Stew cites his main influences as early Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rolling Stones and Stevie Ray Vaughan. "However, the older I'm getting, the more I seem to drift toward the blues - it allows you to just unwind and be yourself." In his spare time, Stew keeps himself busy by studying as well as maintaining the band's website. Other interests include keeping fit, socializing, "but probably most of all - seeing other live bands."

Laurie - Drums / Percussion

Laurie has played in many established acts and bands in and around QLD over more years than one would believe. Currently banging skins for renowned act John McSweeney, as well as a reputable drum teacher by day, Laurie also finds time in his ever busy schedule to keep the beat for Strange Brew.

This experience is the basis for his no frills approach to providing a take-no-prisoners back beat, enabling the two guitarists to express themselves fully within the safety net of his ever reliable groove.

Strange Brew are a legendary group that have been pounding the boards, making waves and pleasing audiences (and noticeably venue managers) now for almost two decades. The North Brisbane based quartet are a classic rock/blues covers outfit with attitude as well as a wide range of material to suit just about any venue from RSL's and Surf Clubs to Outdoor Festivals, Private Functions as well as Corporate Events.

The format of the band is also adaptable to suit the needs of pretty much any venue, for example if a loud rocking band is what you are after, then our notorious full blown 4-piece electric setup never fails to impress, however, for quieter venues or more relaxed Sunday afternoons in the beergarden, we have an "Unplugged" format which can be performed either as a duo, trio or 4-piece.

Says guitarist Stewart Paxton - “In this band, the music - and having fun with it onstage - comes first and to that end we try to put the ‘Brew stamp’ on the repertoire. We always get a good crowd response, encores are in demand and so are repeat bookings”.

Strange Brew was founded in 1994 and evolving through the occasional line up change, have gone from strength to strength, proving to have an essential ‘stick to it’ nature which has seen the band grow stronger and continue to amass an evergrowing following. They have enjoyed regular work in and around Brisbane, as well as on both the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, with occasional country gigs in Northern and Central Queensland.

"Energy" "Excitement" "Musical Excellence"
"Spontaneity" "Audience Communication" "Humour"

- are just a few of the words that patrons have used to describe the personality of Strange Brew.

Our all new and improved website features info on all the band members as well as video, an updated image gallery, downloadable gig sheets and bios, promo pics and much more - we are even on Facebook!

Email us at: bookings@strangebrew.com.au