Mental As Anything Returns to the Stage with Documentary and National Tour

Mental As Anything, one of Australia’s most iconic pop bands, is celebrating their legacy with a new documentary, ‘Live It Up: The Mental As Anything Story’, and a national tour. Formed in 1976 at Sydney College of the Arts by Reg Mombassa and Martin Plaza, the band became known for their distinctive sound blending slide guitar, strong vocals, and quirky pop compositions. Alongside Peter O’Doherty, Dave Twohill, and Greedy Smith, they achieved international success with hits like ‘Live It Up’, which even became a chant for Scottish football fans. The documentary explores their rise to fame, the pressures of the music industry, internal conflicts, and personal challenges, including battles with substance use and the tragic loss of key members. After decades apart, the O’Doherty brothers have reunited for the tour with new musicians, bringing back the original flavour of their music to both old fans and new audiences. The tour spans Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Wollongong, Melbourne, and Brisbane, promising performances of both classic hits and rarely played tracks. The film and tour aim to capture the band’s unique blend of pop art and pop music, highlighting their enduring influence on Australian culture and music.