And this is only Part 1! Stand up and take a bow. Bloxon is full flight was in his element. I loved hearing him talk about the muscle memory aspect of playing an instrument and singing. 2024 is not not just beginning but you already have the years best interview in the can!
The Spy's weren't the Spy's without Craig's vocals and bass. Whilst I'm not privy to the bands politics, the original line up were phenomenal, and sit strong in my memory as one of the best Sydney bands of the 1980's (with consideration to INXS and The Angels, Midnight Oil) but really in Australia over all time. Just my humbled opinion as an old bugger, but I feel super privileged to have seen the Spy's perform live on many occasions during the 1980's, and especially lucky to have see them perform as the supporting band for the U2 for their Love Town Tour in 1989 in the Sydney.
What a legend. Saw the Spy's many times back in the day. Always remember Craig as this huge loping, lurking stage presence singing and playing the impossible. Always looked forward to when the Spy's came to town.
I've been listening to this guy's music for at least 30 years... Since I was a child! This is the first time I've seen an interview with him... Keep rockin’ Blox! 🇧🇷
u gotta want it!! 3 hrs a day is nothing IF u love it eh? 3minutes into the interview and what a likeable expressive interesting DETERMINED guy... BIG appreciation to Craig Bloxom...cool dude. ill add to this .....bloody excellent interview and style Dave...well done bud Aussie Mongrel Reggae hah....now thats crossover fro certain ! ....I couldn't wait so watched Part 1 just now and looking forward to hearing Part II and Part III
A fantastic interview with a great Aussie musician. An inspirational bass player and vocalist and a big reason I learnt and continued to play bass. Grew up with the Spy's music and saw them live many times. It was so good to see the Reggae Spies live at the Brass Monkey a few months back - absolutely loved it. Can't wait to see them again soon and listen to the new album (and new song). Thanks Bass Base and Craig for doing the interview.
The Spy's had a very distinctive Back Beat on their day. In 1989-90 I saw them @ Melbourne Uni. I never saw so many people dance so hard and long into the night. Being a Yank on a student visa, I called back then basically what Blox says here. Australian Mongrel Ska/ Reggae/ Rock. I brought their music back to Central Coast California surfers in the early 1990's who all instantly fell hard for their sound. Them and Midnite Oil. The English Beat and Clash The Spy's and Sublime etc All had their roots in Ska. Up tempo heavy back beat dance music with Reggae and Ska influences. Super fun pub and festival music.
Great interview. I'm a proud 'long termer' Can't wait till March and the album. I can see some songs from the spys catalogue lending themselves perfectly to the reggae style, and I really look forward to hearing some of the pure power rock songs' transformation. Great songs are always great songs 🎵. Great to see ya back on the bass Blox!!!!
This was brilliant!!! It is so good to see my idol out doing his thing again. Thank you to Bass Base for recognising a true Aussie legend who has been such an important part of our music industry for 40+ years here in Oz. Blox has not only been a hero of mine since 1986 (when I was just a shy 15 year old teenager), but he has been an integral part of my life. There is not a day that goes by where I don't listen to at least one Spy's song! Blox you are an icon and a brilliant musician and songwriter. I can't wait for 'ReggaeSPYS' to tour in Melbourne and I am ecstatic to hear that you are going into the studio in March! Bring on Part 2 & 3 of the interview series!!
Back in the day saw Blox and Mike and Cliff at the Trade Union Club Foveaux St Surry Hills, Family Inn, Manly Vale, Comb & Cutter Blacktown, Caringbah Inn, Bayview Tavern, The Venue Dee Why, Cammeray Hotel, Governor's Pleasure in the Rocks, Sylvania Pub, too many others to mention. Blox and the Reggae Spys will play the Cronulla Jazz Blues Festival 29 May-2 June 2024. Blox is such a champion bloke, back in the day when they lived at Glebe, Animal wouldn't let me into the Trade Union Club because I was wearing the old Doc Marten boots and he thought I was a trouble maker, so they drove me to the squat, got me a pair of something like Dunlop Volleys and drove me back, and then Animal let me in and I saw the show. Stay well Blox.
Very good interview and interesting to hear how difficult it is to play Bass and sing. There are four Bass players who immediately come to mind who were key singers. Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, Gene Simmons and Sting. There's a Wiki page with a list and it's surprisingly short, especially the Bassists who were lead vocals. I clearly remember when Blox was performing he rarely ever looked at the Bass neck or what fret he was on. Now I understand how he achieved this. Many people have waited many years to see Blox back on the Bass Axe, and from what I've seen the Spys songs done Reggae style is organic and glorious.
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍 I saw Reggae Spys a few days ago at The Bridge Hotel and witnessed a room full of people grinning from ear to ear, everyone just loving seeing Bloxy up on stage.
It;s Craig from the Crankin Surf Podcast, great interview and glad we could help with info. The nose blow in F# is too funny. We are doing another pod with Craig soon as we collaborated on a bass guitar and we will chat more about his music.
A cool curiosity is that, vSpy vSpy were basically more famous in Brazil (my country) than in Australia itself... It was a Must Hear Band among surfists, and disseminate that culture, and the band was very iconic. There is that Brazil exclusive album called Feito na Praia (Made in Beach) with vSpy vSpy playing it's best hits Live. (I'm only 24yo although my father lived all that intensely in the 90's, so I would be very influenced by him in my childhood, so I still Play some hard vSpy vSpy at home) These guys are awesome, what a vibe
I first bought the spy's ep in hawthorn melb I thought they were so good ...I've grown old I thought they were still young wow we get old and die quick..
Interesting that Craig started playing bass with a pick, and later had to work hard to learn to play with fingers. Im the opposite, cant play with a pick! And now I need to learn so I can play Dont Tear it Down in my band 😅
Craig said he can't play like that anymore, is that by choice or he feels limited? if he does feel limited then he's got to change his belief system in thinking age limits natural abilities! ✌️
Craig is a great Bass player And I like so much Hearing him as the lead Spy V Spy's vocalist. Greetings from Floripa, Brazil.
Just bloody fantastic! Craig is an absolute aussie legend. 🙂
Truly agree, he has too much love here im Brasil.
Legend! Good to see his taste in sleveless shirts hasn't changed.
Simple as this,,the bloke,is a true icon,,and a lovely man!
💯!
Such a Humble LEGEND! Love This! Thankyou!
You bloody beauty!
And this is only Part 1! Stand up and take a bow. Bloxon is full flight was in his element. I loved hearing him talk about the muscle memory aspect of playing an instrument and singing. 2024 is not not just beginning but you already have the years best interview in the can!
Brillant interview. Love the Spys. Go Blox. Thank you for putting a new spin on the Spy songs.
The Spy's weren't the Spy's without Craig's vocals and bass. Whilst I'm not privy to the bands politics, the original line up were phenomenal, and sit strong in my memory as one of the best Sydney bands of the 1980's (with consideration to INXS and The Angels, Midnight Oil) but really in Australia over all time. Just my humbled opinion as an old bugger, but I feel super privileged to have seen the Spy's perform live on many occasions during the 1980's, and especially lucky to have see them perform as the supporting band for the U2 for their Love Town Tour in 1989 in the Sydney.
Blox is a legend!!! Amazing interview!
What a legend. Saw the Spy's many times back in the day. Always remember Craig as this huge loping, lurking stage presence singing and playing the impossible. Always looked forward to when the Spy's came to town.
Venham para o Brasil!
vão vir, em agosto, com hoodoo gurus e ganggajang.
I've been listening to this guy's music for at least 30 years... Since I was a child! This is the first time I've seen an interview with him...
Keep rockin’ Blox!
🇧🇷
Bloxom is a F#$kin Legend!! 👊
Go mate ,unmistakeable voice of the 80,s ,heads up for the mention of the great Jackie Orczasky !
Great part 1! What an interesting guy. Looking forward to 2 and 3.
I enjoyed the gig footage mixed throughout this too 👍
u gotta want it!! 3 hrs a day is nothing IF u love it eh?
3minutes into the interview and what a likeable expressive interesting DETERMINED guy...
BIG appreciation to Craig Bloxom...cool dude.
ill add to this .....bloody excellent interview and style Dave...well done bud
Aussie Mongrel Reggae hah....now thats crossover fro certain !
....I couldn't wait so watched Part 1 just now and looking forward to hearing Part II and Part III
A fantastic interview with a great Aussie musician. An inspirational bass player and vocalist and a big reason I learnt and continued to play bass. Grew up with the Spy's music and saw them live many times. It was so good to see the Reggae Spies live at the Brass Monkey a few months back - absolutely loved it. Can't wait to see them again soon and listen to the new album (and new song). Thanks Bass Base and Craig for doing the interview.
The Spy's had a very distinctive
Back Beat on their day.
In 1989-90 I saw them @ Melbourne Uni.
I never saw so many people dance so hard and long into the night.
Being a Yank on a student visa, I called back then basically what Blox says here.
Australian Mongrel Ska/ Reggae/ Rock.
I brought their music back to Central Coast California surfers in the early 1990's who all instantly
fell hard for their sound. Them and Midnite Oil. The English Beat and Clash
The Spy's and Sublime etc
All had their roots in Ska.
Up tempo heavy back beat dance music
with Reggae and Ska influences.
Super fun pub and festival music.
Obrigado por tudo professor 🍷
Great interview. I'm a proud 'long termer' Can't wait till March and the album. I can see some songs from the spys catalogue lending themselves perfectly to the reggae style, and I really look forward to hearing some of the pure power rock songs' transformation. Great songs are always great songs 🎵. Great to see ya back on the bass Blox!!!!
Legendary ❤❤
Awesome interview. Thanks
Great interview!
Love this
THANX....Senfuckingsational, I'm 1 of the "Long Termers", Greetings from Adelaide (x Whyalla) hope to see ya here this year Craig 👍🎼🤙😎
Its all come full circle mate and sounds fresh and new. A fresh breath of life….well done. Its time for talent to make a comeback. Brom
This is awesome ... Did monitors for the Spys for a bit.. Such a great band. Craig is amazing!!
Blox is a gorgeous human being ❤ I met the boys in the mid 80’s in Perth and spent some time with them. Legends!
Spy v Spy was burnt into my brains as a teenager.
The message got through.
Cheers Craig
This was brilliant!!! It is so good to see my idol out doing his thing again. Thank you to Bass Base for recognising a true Aussie legend who has been such an important part of our music industry for 40+ years here in Oz. Blox has not only been a hero of mine since 1986 (when I was just a shy 15 year old teenager), but he has been an integral part of my life. There is not a day that goes by where I don't listen to at least one Spy's song! Blox you are an icon and a brilliant musician and songwriter. I can't wait for 'ReggaeSPYS' to tour in Melbourne and I am ecstatic to hear that you are going into the studio in March! Bring on Part 2 & 3 of the interview series!!
well said m8.
The funniest and most genuine person I know.Beautiful individual.
On ya Blox keeping the dream alive. 🎶🤘🎶
Craig Bloxom, what a legend this guy is! I remember seeing them live at the Mollymook Golf club, Love the Spies!
Caught the Spy’s at Dapto Leagues in the late 80s. What a show. Still love em today. Well done Craig. Good luck
Back in the day saw Blox and Mike and Cliff at the Trade Union Club Foveaux St Surry Hills, Family Inn, Manly Vale, Comb & Cutter Blacktown, Caringbah Inn, Bayview Tavern, The Venue Dee Why, Cammeray Hotel, Governor's Pleasure in the Rocks, Sylvania Pub, too many others to mention.
Blox and the Reggae Spys will play the Cronulla Jazz Blues Festival 29 May-2 June 2024.
Blox is such a champion bloke, back in the day when they lived at Glebe, Animal wouldn't let me into the Trade Union Club because I was wearing the old Doc Marten boots and he thought I was a trouble maker, so they drove me to the squat, got me a pair of something like Dunlop Volleys and drove me back, and then Animal let me in and I saw the show. Stay well Blox.
The Ledge!
Australian Mungrel Reggae, love it..
To me, it was all about Craig's voice and bass. Here it is again and wow!
Woo hoo!!! ❤🎉 this is why Craig is a legend
Talented, funny and genuine. Great interview
The big man, missed ya Craig x
Very good interview and interesting to hear how difficult it is to play Bass and sing. There are four Bass players who immediately come to mind who were key singers. Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, Gene Simmons and Sting. There's a Wiki page with a list and it's surprisingly short, especially the Bassists who were lead vocals. I clearly remember when Blox was performing he rarely ever looked at the Bass neck or what fret he was on. Now I understand how he achieved this. Many people have waited many years to see Blox back on the Bass Axe, and from what I've seen the Spys songs done Reggae style is organic and glorious.
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍
I saw Reggae Spys a few days ago at The Bridge Hotel and witnessed a room full of people grinning from ear to ear, everyone just loving seeing Bloxy up on stage.
@@BassBase001 I would love to leave the house but these days i'm stuck at home. Too old to stay up late to hear live bands. I'm exhausted by 8pm.
Omg I still love you x
Awesome Thanks Craig for keeping The Spy's Alive..Love Ett Mate🇦🇺🎸🥁
Omg you were so great at the Bridge Hotel . Loved it. ❤️🎼❤️🎼❤️
great interview and stroll down memory lane in the 80's for me
thanks master for your best lesson
Met Craig in Perth Western Australia, back in the 80s , with the Spys 🇦🇺
Great Bass player and singer 🖤
Can’t wait to catch a show
Great to see you making music again. So glad I got to know you on the good ‘ol CR Luigs!!
It;s Craig from the Crankin Surf Podcast, great interview and glad we could help with info. The nose blow in F# is too funny. We are doing another pod with Craig soon as we collaborated on a bass guitar and we will chat more about his music.
Looking forward to that! I felt like we could have kept going for days - Bloxy has so many great stories!
PS Very nice White Ricky in the background too hehe.
It's a Ricky-ganger... not a Ricky. It's a no-name. Blox plays it in part 3 👍
its okay I wont tell anyone lol- looking forward to next two parts@@BassBase001
Whoop!! I knew you'd put down your knives and pick up bass again. 😆
A cool curiosity is that, vSpy vSpy were basically more famous in Brazil (my country) than in Australia itself... It was a Must Hear Band among surfists, and disseminate that culture, and the band was very iconic. There is that Brazil exclusive album called Feito na Praia (Made in Beach) with vSpy vSpy playing it's best hits Live. (I'm only 24yo although my father lived all that intensely in the 90's, so I would be very influenced by him in my childhood, so I still Play some hard vSpy vSpy at home) These guys are awesome, what a vibe
Thanks for water and commenting Henry. I hope that you're able to get to the shows in Brazil coming up in August. 🤘
I first bought the spy's ep in hawthorn melb I thought they were so good ...I've grown old I thought they were still young wow we get old and die quick..
Xx geezer 😊
Interesting that Craig started playing bass with a pick, and later had to work hard to learn to play with fingers. Im the opposite, cant play with a pick! And now I need to learn so I can play Dont Tear it Down in my band 😅
Fucken Awesome Bloxy
Well done @Dave for creating this interview with the legend Craig Bloxom. 🙏🏼🔥
Craig Newy or Hunter Valley pleaee
Newy gig planned for second half of the year
Cooking on a Oil rig
Craig said he can't play like that anymore, is that by choice or he feels limited? if he does feel limited then he's got to change his belief system in thinking age limits natural abilities! ✌️
WTF?????? When did that thing turn up on the back of your neck???? Man, hope its not dangerous!!!!!! Get it cut off, bro!!!
I can answer for Bloxy as he's told me that it's benign and not dangerous.
Blox is an amazing guy and musician.
Thanks for your awesome music. One of my inspirations to learn bass ....and im glad i persisted .you are a rippa.