Good Gig Chats: Almost Human
In the leadup to their headline slot at Woodshed’s birthday bash this weekend, we got the chance to chat with Almost Human frontman Damien Kelly about the band’s history, playing with The Superjesus’ Chris Tennent and the need for live music venues like the Woodshed.
Words by Tobias Handke
Image supplied
The Woodshed are celebrating another lap around the sun this weekend with a massive two-night birthday bash. Eight bands are performing across the weekend, with both local and national acts taking to the stage. There’ll also be a great range of craft beer flowing from the taps while Ms Ruby Soho slings pizzas throughout the night.
Local legends Almost Human are one of the bands performing on the Friday night. Formed over 45 years ago, Almost Human are one of the first heavy rock acts to emerge during the heyday of Aussie pub rock in the early 80s. The original lineup of lead vocalist Damien Kelly, lead guitarist Chris Tennent (of The Superjesus fame), rhythm guitarist Andrew Tennent (who was replaced by David Kennedy around 1982), bassist and vocalist Luis Saez-Sanchez and drummer Chris Tucker gained a huge following during those early years gigging across the country.
Throughout Almost Human’s journey, they’ve performed alongside some of the biggest bands in the world, including Judas Priest, Sweet and Whitesnake, gained a large fanbase of European heavy music lovers, especially in Italy, and released several well-received projects, with their most recent being 2023s full-length studio album Full of Flight.
In the leadup to their headline slot at Woodshed’s birthday bash this weekend, we got the chance to chat with Almost Human frontman Damien Kelly about the band’s history, playing with Chris Tennent and the need for live music venues like the Woodshed.
Thanks for the chat, Damien. Let’s go back to the beginning. Tell us about how Almost Human came together and what it was like being part of Australia’s heavy music scene in the 80s.
There was no metal scene when Almost Human started. It was more a rock scene than a metal scene, but then, around 79/80, the new wave of British heavy metal started to hit Australian shores and that’s when the direction of the band changed. We were playing covers of bands like Kiss, Van Halen, Status Quo, Cheap Trick, AC/DC and Blue Oyster Cult, [along] with some original songs we had written, and then we started to play songs by Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Saxon and write songs in that vein. For pretty much two years we were the only band in Adelaide, let alone Australia, playing that style, as most other bands were more like AC/DC.
What was the local live music scene like back then?
We started playing in the small pub scene in Adelaide at hotels like the Aurora, The Tivoli and The Alma with their hot, sweaty, cigarette-smoke-filled crowds going nuts. We graduated to larger venues once we started to pull bigger crowds like the Bridgeway (where the rumour still has it that we had the biggest crowd ever in the room, well over 1,800 punters) Findon Hotel, Stage Door and The Arkaba Hotel.
Almost Human initially began playing covers before incorporating original songs into sets. How were those early originals received by crowds? Did that encourage you to keep writing new songs?
We pretty much started writing originals from the get-go and found that because our influences were so strong, our original material could stand up with the best of them. They were always received really well and with great enthusiasm.
Tell us about ‘Hold On’, the title track from your debut EP. It’s something of an SA classic that became your signature song.
We had written and recorded the song, which was a bit more commercial than [what] we had normally written, but we thought it was worth a go. So we released it and were totally blown away when it went into the SA-FM Top 40 charts. It went as high as #28 and stayed in the charts for ten weeks, which for us as a local metal band was a great achievement.
During the early years of the band, Chris Tennant, who would go on to form The Superjesus, was part of the original lineup. What did he bring to the band and did you think he was always destined for greatness?
Chris was a wonderful guitarist and gifted songwriter. Chris and I collaborated on at least 50 to 60 songs. You can find most of them on Spotify and other music platforms. We were all very happy for him when he achieved the ultimate goal and success with The Superjesus.
READ MORE: Grinspoon: Whatever, Whenever, Wherever
The band sadly called it a day in 1993 and held a final, sold out show at The Venue. Why did the band break up and what was that final gig like?
The last show was epic, but you never say never with Almost Human because we always come back like a rash. There always seem to be some Almost Human fans wanting us to play again. I’m honoured that this is the case after 45 years. I feel like we contributed something to the live music scene.
The band got back together with a new lineup in the early 00s. What was the reason for this and what has it been like performing live again?
The main reason was Luis Saez-Sanchez’s dad, Pedro. [He] passed away and the whole band was at the funeral and wake and we all got to talking and thought, why not? So, we started rehearsing and it sounded awesome, so we started performing again.
A few years after reforming you got the chance to support Judas Priest when they played Adelaide. That must be a career highlight.
This was actually a giant thrill for the band as we were big fans of Judas Priest. The band also opened for Whitesnake, Glenn Hughes (Ex Deep Purple), Cheap Trick (twice) and The Angels. Almost Human also toured Australia extensively and played in New Zealand in 1987.
Almost Human have released two albums over the journey, with your most recent being 2023s Full of Fight. What was that experience like, especially as it’s been so long since your debut?
The band had a lot of unfinished business as we had written a lot of original material but never released it. As they say, it’s better late than never. Almost Human was such a huge part of the metal scene and we definitely deserve our place in Australian metal history and to be heard.
The album has a classic British heavy metal sound with an Aussie twang. How would you describe Almost Human to a new listener?
Almost Human was at the coal face of Australian metal at the end of the 70s and early 80s, but at that time no record label was interested in giving an Australian metal band a deal. Almost Human were a sound unto themselves!
Your description is spot on – we were heavily influenced by the new wave of British heavy metal but also loved the melodic rock sounds of bands like Kiss, Van Halen and Cheap Trick and the rawness of AC/DC. It was a great combo that produced a very individual sound.
What drives you to keep writing and recording new music?
Old musicians don’t stop being creative, they just stop wearing spandex! If people are going to keep listening to what you write and record, I can’t see any reason to stop. And nowadays, there’s a lot to write about with world affairs, social media and the state of the planet.
You’re performing at the Woodshed Birthday Bash 2024. How important is it to have live music venues like the Woodshed?
Having the Woodshed as a live venue is essential. There needs to be venues like the Woodshed to nurture and promote live music, whether it’s vintage bands like ourselves or up-and-coming bands that create the live music scene of tomorrow! Good on the Woodshed for taking the gamble and strengthening the live music scene.
Are there any acts on the bill you are looking forward to checking out?
Emergency Rule! To be honest, I want to see all the bands as we’re all in this together and I want all the bands to succeed on their musical journey!
What is it about performing live that gets you up and about?
Peoples faces! The joy it brings people to ride the musical roller coaster with the band, put their hands in the air and just let themselves go!
What can fans expect from an Almost Human live show?
Walking frames! Wheelchairs! Disabled ramps! Haha. Almost Human is still Full of Fight and the music will speak for itself. Hard rocking heavy fucking metal!
Catch Almost Human performing at Woodshed’s birthday bash this weekend, Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14. Tickets on sale now via Oztix.
