“Fun, fun, fun – Relentless Productions presents Toxikk Rock featuring Brothers Gorgonzola”

Brothers Gorgonzola was a five-piece “toxic shock rock” band from Wellington, New Zealand, active from 1985 to 1987. Known for their raw, anarchic sound and provocative lyrics, they shared a kindred spirit with Christchurch’s The Axemen in their unconventional approach to music. The lineup featured Remi (guitar), Malcolm (guitar), John (drums), Paul (bass), Inia (trumpet, percussion), and Frantic (vocals).

Formed in 1985, the band rehearsed and occasionally performed in the Tingeys building at 30 Manners Street. That same year, they released a cassette showcasing their eclectic style, described as a blend of “lymphatic love songs, wild social suggestions, political rainfalls, and damn good time excursions.” Their live performances were high-energy and unpredictable, with notable gigs including Thistle Hall (November 15, 1985, with Go Go Yetis and The Sheets), the Rocktober Music Festival in Paekakariki (October 4, 1985), and a chaotic New Year’s Eve show at New Expressions Gallery (December 31, 1985, with The Axemen and Screaming K’ Hawkins), which was shut down by police.

In 1986, Brothers Gorgonzola performed at the Local Music Awards and Victoria University alongside The Skeptics and The Axemen. They released the song “You Are,” a raucous track hinting at themes of sadomasochism, on a split 7” EP with Toerag in May 1986. That same month, they played two shows at the Clyde Quay Tavern with Dunedin’s Crawbilly Creeps. Their final documented performance was a reunion gig on September 4, 1987, at Rock Theatre with Wazzo Ghoti and The Sub-Dominants.

The Brothers were included on the 1987 compilation The Harder The Edge…The Rocka The Roll, featuring their tracks “No.2” and “High In The Saddle.”

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Origin	Wellington
Genre	outsider punk
Years Active	1985-1987
Labels	Onset/ Offset Records
Associated Acts	The Axemen Screaming K’ Hawkins
Past Members	Remi (guitar) Malcolm (guitar) John (drums) Paul (bass) Inia (trumpet/ percussion) Frantic (vocals)

Releases

Title	Date	Label	Type	Format
Brothers Gorgonzola	1985		album	tape
Brothers Gorgonzola/ Toerag	1986, May 1	Onset/ Offset Records PR2345	split	7″
The Harder The Edge… The Rocka The Roll	1987, Sept	Hardedge Records/ Jayrem	compilation	12″

Timeline

1985, Brothers Gorgonzola: Brothers Gorgonzola

1985, September 26, Bar Bodega

1985, October 4, Paekakariki Hall

1985, November 15, Thistle Hall

Brothers Gorgonzola, Gogo Yeti, The Sheets

1985, December 31, New Expression Gallery

The Axemen, Screaming K’ Hawkins, Brothers Gorgonzola

1986

1986, January 20, The Dell

“Toxoid Products, in conjunction with the city council, proudly presented “Wellington’s most famous band”, the Brothers Gorgonzola. This was a free concert, part of the Summer City program, outside at the Botanical Gardens. Unlike the New Years Eve event where the filth arrived with riot batons, this was a low key affair, with people soaking in the afternoon sun. The band was pretty intoxicated, but managed to stay on their feet and give it heaps. The sound was good, ranging from a Jimi Hendrix cover, to thrash, drug inspired electric energy dance shock ‘n’ roll fantasy. I really enjoyed myself, but unfortunately the crowd was “too hardcore”, to show any appreciation. Behind the scenes, sound man Craig Burridge (engineer for No Idea tape), was being fired for not turning the sound down. And in the end the only way they could stop the gig, was by pulling the plug on them!”

Simon Cottle, Anti-System #3