Started Out Just Drinking Beer

THE RIOTOUS ROLLERCOASTER RIDE OF ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S GREATEST BANDS FROM 1976-2019.

A superbly researched and written account of one of Australia's most popular bands, with unfettered access to all the key players, and a defacto social history of a time when living in Sydney was cheap and fun.

The Mentals went from the top of a pool table to the top of the charts. Enjoy the untold stories behind Aussie classics like: Live It Up, Too Many Times, If You Leave Me Can I Come Too?, Berserk Warriors, Egypt, The Nips are Getting Bigger, and a whole lot more.

Plus, tales from the road as told by Greedy, Martin, Bird, Pete & Reg - and a star-studded cast including Colin Hay, Richard Gottehrer, Mark Opitz, Ross Wilson and Wreckless Eric - in this access-all-areas official biography.

'Love it!!! Brought up lots of memories. Thoroughly enjoyable.' - Kirk Pengilly, INXS.

'This book gives us a big gulp of one of Australia's most uniquely talented and popular bands.' - Anthony (Tony) Field, The Cockroaches, The Wiggles.

'Stuart Lloyd captures the alchemy that saw Australian bands flourish from the arid plains of our suburban lives. I loved the Mentals and I love this book.' - Dave Warner, author, Countdown: The Wonder Years, and 25 Years of Mushroom Records.

'Takes us behind the showbiz curtain. A deep-dive beyond the colourful personalities and the larrikin-esque cheerfulness of a uniquely Australian band who have been the soundtrack of our lives for decades. Had me glued to each page.' - Jane Gazzo, music journalist and broadcaster.

'An extraordinary and horrific portrait of five butchers who were country-killed specialists, shot through with black humour and near-naked burlesque attire.' - H. G. Nelson, comedian and broadcaster.