Hoodoo GurusHoodoo Gurus have denounced the use of their music by One Nation and its supporters, issuing a firm warning to anyone who intends to do so next time.
News.com.au reports that the leader of the party, Pauline Hanson, used the band’s classic tune, What’s My Scene? as her walkout music on Monday (26 January) during an Australia Day rally in Brisbane.
Like Colin Hay, Jimmy Barnes, ICEHOUSE, and The Living End – all of whom condemned the use of their music at March for Australia rallies – Hoodoo Gurus took to social media to share the message. They confirmed that they hadn’t given permission for their song to be used at the rally.
Under the Copyright Act, political parties or organisers of public rallies in Australia must seek permission and a license from artists to broadcast their music at an event like this one, or for promotional videos.
Describing One Nation as “a bunch of wannabe fascists,” the band said they’re “appalled” by Hanson’s usual rhetoric and expressed their distaste for her supporters, going as far as to tell them not to play their music.
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“We were disgusted to hear that one of our songs was played by a bunch of wannabe fascists yesterday (One Nation),” the band posted on Tuesday (27 January).
They continued, “Like most Australians, we have always been appalled by Pauline Hanson and the toxic nonsense she spouts. This is our message to her and her followers: don’t play our music, don’t listen to our band, do not pass go! We want nothing to do with you.”
Throughout their career, the Hoodoo Gurus have fused satire, social observation, and commentary in their music, which is packed with catchy hooks and a pop-rock feel. Formed in Sydney in 1981, the band drew on the city’s post-punk underground to create a fresh sound.
While frontman Dave Faulkner often uses humour and cultural references to explore Australian identity, suburban life, and other Aussie touchstones, he tends to write from a place of irony and self-awareness—a context they seem to think is missing when One Nation play their music without any nuance that’s in their songs.
Just last week, Colin Hay, of Men At Work fame, condemned the use of the song Down Under at March for Australia rallies.
Under the title “DOWN UNDER,” Hay wrote, “Let me say that I most strenuously disapprove of any unauthorized, unlicensed use of Down Under, for any ‘March For Australia’ events.”
He added that Down Under “does not belong” to those who “attempt to sow xenophobia within the fabric of our great land” and is ultimately a song of celebration.
His statement continued, “Down Under, a song I co-wrote, does not belong to those who attempt to sow xenophobia within the fabric of our great land, our great people.
“Down Under is ultimately a song of celebration. It’s for pluralism and inclusion; unity, not division.
“Go write your own song, leave mine alone.”
He signed off as “Colin Hay (immigrant).”
Colin Hay was born in Scotland and emigrated to Melbourne, Australia, at the age of 14. Hay formed Men At Work with Ron Strykert, Jerry Speiser and Greg Ham right here in Australia in 1978, and in 1981, Men At Work released their successful debut album, Business As Usual.
The album was followed by two other records, Cargo in 1983 and Two Hearts in 1985, before the band disbanded in 1986. Hay has enjoyed a successful solo career and has lived in the US since 1989—he became a US citizen in 2016.
