Sydney-based Box The Jesuit formed in October 1986 from the ashes of underground angst merchants Madroom featuring the infamous duo of violinist/percussionist Susie Beauchamp and entertainer and showman, singer and guitarist, Goose – who would strut on stage, fall down, gesture maniacally, grin and roll his eyes like an ecstatic psychotic let loose amongst an audience. Other members of the initial lineup was Patrick Kavanagh on guitar, Philip Clifford on bass and Chris Baker on drums.
The band had a reputation for energetic live performances full of glitz and innuendo, dynamic lighting, explosions (if the budget permitted), and loud, bass-heavy, inspiring noise with a lyrical and musical emphasis on that source of all life and creative force – sexual activity. In fact, sexual obsession was one of the more distinctive themes of Box The Jesuit lyrics. They released their first album, ‘Punch Out That Looney Sappy Tune’ (1989) followed by ‘Murdercycle (1990) both on Timberyard Records. In January 1992 Box the Jesuit supported Nirvana at the inauguaral Big Day Out.
The band went through many lineup changes throughout its lifetime. They released one final album, ‘Guide Dogs For The Spiritually Impaired’ on their own Kosmik Ganda label. Sadly Goose died on 1 August 1993 following a long battle with lymphoma after its release.
Members
Goose [Stephen Gray] (vocals, sampler), Susie Beauchamp (violin), Phillip Clifford (bass),
Patrick Kavanagh (guitar/sax), Rhino (drums), Chris Baker (drums), Stuart Olsen (drums),
John Murphy (drums), Neal Merchant (drums), Nathan “Natt” Keating (drums), Adrielle Spence (bass), Paul Wonderlick [Paul Stothard] (guitar, organ), Tim Rogers (guitar)
