Spy vs. Spy (band)
Spy vs. Spy | |
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L to R: Cliff Grigg, Michael Weiley and Craig Bloxom in July, 1986 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as |
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| Origin | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Genres | Ska, pub rock, Reggae |
| Years active | 1981–2003 |
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| Past members | Craig Bloxom Cliff Grigg Michael Weiley |
v.Spy v.Spy, also known as Spy vs. Spy or SPY v SPY, were an Australian pub rock band formed in 1981. They became known for tackling political issues through their music, including racism, homelessness and contemporary drug culture. The band's initial line-up was the trio of Craig Bloxom on bass guitar, lead vocals, Cliff Grigg on drums, percussion and Michael Weiley on lead guitar, vocals. Spy vs. Spy's early music was indie rock, which became more straightforward hard rock. Their debut studio album Harry's Reasons was released via Powderworks in February 1986. They switched to WEA and reached No. 31 in February 1987 on the Australian singles chart with "Don't Tear It Down". While the associated album A.O. Mod. TV. Vers. peaked at No. 12 on the related albums chart. Spy vs. Spy's second album, Xenophobia (Why?) was issued in March 1988 and reached No. 15. Their 1989 album Trash the Planet peaked at No. 22 on the ARIA Charts. Cliff Grigg left the band in 1991, and was replaced on drums by Mark Cuffe. The group disbanded in 2003 after Craig Bloxom relocated to the United States. Michael Weiley died in 2018.