The DoubleHappys

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The DoubleHappys
Origin	Dunedin, New Zealand
Genre(s)	Rock
Years active	1983-198?
Former members
Shayne Carter Wayne Elsey John Collie.

The DoubleHappys (sometimes spelt Double Happys) were a short-lived but influential rock band based in Dunedin, New Zealand, and part of the Dunedin Sound music wave of the 1980s. The band was comprised of Shayne Carter (previously of Bored Games), Wayne Elsey (previously of Bored Games and The Stones), and John Collie.

The band was formed in 1983, initially as a two-piece (Carter and Elsey), both playing guitar, and employing an old and erratic drum machine (christened "Herbie Fuckface"). Herbie proved too erratic and it was not long before the duo opted to recruit former school friend Collie to provide a more reliable rhythm section. They took part in the Flying Nun "Looney Tour" in February 1984, travelling around the country with various other bands, cutting a single - the "Double B-side" ("The Other's Way" and "Anyone Else Would") - in March.

Early in 1985, the band recorded an EP, Cut it Out and in June embarked on a short tour. Towards the end of the tour the band were travelling south from Auckland by train, and Elsey, in high spirits, climbed out of a carriage. Tragically, the train passed under a bridge, killing Elsey instantly.

The two remaining members of the band decided not to continue with the name, but later formed the nucleus of Straitjacket Fits.

A compilation CD featuring the single, EP, and live tracks, ws released in 1992.

[edit] References

Davey, T. and Putschmann, H. (1996). Kiwi Rock. Dunedin: Kiwi Rock Publications.